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Byram environmental commission lays out trails, invasive species and watershed priorities for 2026
Summary
Environmental Commission Chair Peter Duglos presented 2025 accomplishments and a five-point plan for 2026 focused on trail stewardship, invasive plant management, watershed education, community outreach and a proposed riparian buffer ordinance.
Peter Duglos, chairman of the Byram Township Environmental Commission, presented the commission's 2025 accomplishments and 2026 goals to the Township Council on Dec. 2, 2025. The presentation emphasized advancing the township's Trails Master Plan, expanding a volunteer trail‑steward program and stepping up invasive‑plant control and watershed education.
Duglos told the council the commission co‑sponsored three New York–New Jersey Trail Conference workshops, began creating a digital trails map for residents, and recruited roughly 10 Trail Keepers who are currently maintaining about seven miles of township trails. The commission also staged a trail reroute and build day and met with State Parks staff and municipal partners on planning for the Hudson Farm conservation‑easement trails.
On invasive‑plant management, the commission described a multi‑agency approach including a controlled burn plan in Tamarack developed with the NJ Forest Fire Service to suppress invasive barberry, targeted removal of bindweed on the Cranberry Overlook Trail and homeowner outreach events. The commission reported distributing 120 native tree seedlings to residents on Arbor Day and running an educational "Native Plants vs. Invasive Plants" display at ByramFest.
Outreach and partnerships were a recurring theme: Duglos said the commission has increased social media outreach, is working with neighboring municipal commissions, engages with the Musconetcong River Management Council, and plans joint events with local schools and historical organizations. He quoted the commission’s adopted vision: "Protecting our lakes, forests and waterways for future generations."
Duglos also said the commission has prepared an alternative riparian buffer ordinance for Council consideration and continues to review planning‑board applications, monitor sites such as the Mansfield Superfund property, and pursue funding and partnership opportunities for riverbank remediation.
The presentation did not include a formal request for an immediate council vote; the commission flagged the proposed riparian buffer ordinance and continued forestry planning for council follow‑up. Council members included the commission's items in meeting discussion and the council's consent agenda also listed a Community Forestry Plan adoption for 2025–2030.
Next steps noted during the meeting: the council will consider relevant ordinance language and the Community Forestry Plan on future agendas, and the commission plans continued outreach and trail stewardship work in 2026.
