About the Monroe Conservation Commission

The Town of Monroe Conservation Commission was formed in November 1990 by direction of the Town Board.  The Commission is empowered to advise the Town Board and Planning Board on matters affecting the preservation, development and use of the natural and man-made features and conditions within the Town of Monroe.  The Town's legislative intent specifies that, “the Commission, works to preserve, protect and enhance the quality of the environment for the people of the Town of Monroe – now and for the future.”

The Conservation Commission conducts information programs and activities that are designed to increase public awareness and understanding of environmental issues and their relationship to the Town's present and future well-being.  The Commission is also charged with conducting and maintaining an inventory of natural resources and open spaces within the municipality.  Commission members also attend Town and Planning Board meetings to stay informed of new commercial and residential applications for development.  Some examples of programs initiated through the Commission include introduction of Chinese carp into Walton Lake for aquatic weed control; select cleanup efforts of local lakes and watersheds; educational brochures and bookmarks explaining conservation best practices; and, promotion of conservation easements in large tract development applications.

The Commission is comprised of volunteer members that are each appointed to a two (2) year term by the Town Board.  Meetings are held in the John DeAngelis Town Hall building located on Lakes Road at 8:00 p.m. on the third Wednesday of the month.  Meetings are open to the public and input from interested citizens is welcome. 

Maps

The Monroe Conservation Commission has begun to focus on obtaining and providing geographic information and support to the general public over the digital Internet system.  The Commission's  goal is not only to develop and provide the right geographical information system, we strive to give that information in the right form so the right decisions are made in responding to development applications and other projects. 

The Orange County Water Authority (OCWA) has collaborated with the Town Planning Board and Conservation Commission to provide a series of base maps containing layers showing parcels, soils, federal and state wetlands, topography, geologic fractures and faults, flood zones, local zoning and emergency response districts.  This project, which began in 1998, has resulted in the ability to provide maps over the Internet through a direct link to OCWA's World Wide Web site.  The Commission acknowledges that base map layers were derived from early 1990s database and similarly disclaims any responsibility for accuracy.  We are earnestly involved at this time in the development of new map layers that incorporate zoning and parcel changes that have occurred in the Town of Monroe since preparation of the original maps.     

Water Conservation, What Can you Do?

The average person uses approximately 50 gallons of water a day.  Most of the Town of Monroe residents obtain water from private groundwater wells.  With our current drought conditions, and the current increased development in our Town, we should be concerned residents regarding water usage and groundwater wells going dry. We should all try and conserve our water.  These simple tips can help us all save money and preserve our water supplies.

What You Can Do Indoors to Save Water

• turn off the faucet while shaving, washing up, brushing teeth and washing dishes.

• fix dripping and leaking faucets and toilets

• do not run the faucet to make cold water colder and hot water hotter

• put a plastic jug with water in a tank of conventional toilets

• do not flush toilets unnecessarily

• wash only full loads of dishes and laundry

• install water saving plumbing fixtures

• wash fruits and vegetables in a basin

What You Can Do Outdoors to Save Water

• raise you lawnmower cutting height - longer grass needs less water

• use a pool cover - this reduces water loss through normal evaporation

• do not fill you pool with private well water - have it delivered

• use mulch around shrubs and garden plants to save soil moisture

• wash cars less frequently - use a car wash that recycles water

• sweep sidewalks instead of hosing with water

• do not water your lawn everyday - if you must water do it in the early morning or later in the evening to avoid evaporation

• make sure sprinklers are watering your lawn and not your pavement