NJ Department of Environmental Protection

Earlier in the month, Commissioner Shawn LaTourette took a trip to Duke Farms to participate in the Accelerating Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry Learning Lab hosted by U.S. Climate Alliance 🌱 Over 100 participants from across the Alliance's states and territories gathered for three days of interactive learning and collaboration. This included keynote addresses, breakout sessions and panel discussions on a variety topics. Participants also had the opportunity to interact with other state representatives. experts, practitioners, modelers and data providers and federal agency representatives to collaborate and exchange knowledge. 🔗 Read more about the event at https://lnkd.in/erGjH_wK

The New Jersey Site Remediation Professional Licensing Board is offering the Licensed Site Remediation Professional Licensing Examination on April 9, 2025. Applications to qualify to take the examination will be accepted by the Board between January 6-31, 2025. The prerequisite class, “Case Study Training,” that all applicants must take prior to the exam will be held on January 14-15, 2025 – register at 👉 https://lnkd.in/eUMV9KTC. Information about how to qualify and apply for the exam can be found on the Board website at NJ Site Remediation Professional Licensing Board - [Licensure]. Questions may be directed to the Board at 609-984-3424 or [email protected].

Surprised as I was heartened to receive the national Sierra Club’s 2024 Environmental Achievement Award in recognition of the transformative work we are doing to restore natural resources and expand access to quality open and recreational spaces in New Jersey, including at Liberty State Park, where we are in the midst of creating one of the nation’s foremost outdoor urban environments. Especially grateful to national Sierra Club Director Ben Jealous for visiting New Jersey to present this award along with my friend and Lt. Governor Tahesha Way and honored to share the stage with state Senators Raj Mukherji, Esq. and Bob Smith, who were recognized by the New Jersey Chapter of the Sierra Club, led by Anjuli Ramos-Busot, for their great legislative efforts to improve and protect the environment we share. Exciting to celebrate these awards at Liberty State Park, where our ongoing LSP Revitalization Program will restore native ecology, build resilience to flooding and climate change, and better connect visitors to nature and one another through new arts, cultural, recreational, and athletics programming (learn more at dep.nj.gov/revitalizelsp). What makes this award all the more special to me: awardees are selected by the thousands of grassroots SC volunteers, i.e., those of our neighbors hard at work in the trenches, striving to improve and protect the environment upon which we all depend. Thank you so very much for your good efforts, and for this honor—I promise to live up to it. #environment #naturalresources #conservation #restoration #sierraclub #newjersey #jersey #nj

🚧 Absecon Island Beach Nourishment Underway! 🌊 Our partners at the US Army Corps of Engineers Philadelphia District have awarded a $38.2 million contract to Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company, LLC to continue periodic nourishment for the Absecon Island dune and beachfill project. 🏖️ What’s Happening? 1.2 million cubic yards of sand will be dredged and placed to restore beaches in Atlantic City, Ventnor City, Margate, and Longport. Work also includes widening eroded beaches, repairing dune plantings, sand fencing, and beach access paths. 📅 Dredging and pumping operations began on November 24 at the northern end of Atlantic City and will continue into early 2025. This project is vital for storm protection, beach preservation and maintaining public access along Absecon Island. Stay tuned for updates as we work together to protect and enhance our coastal communities! #BeachNourishment #AbseconIsland #NewJersey #NJDEP

🇺🇸 DEP is grateful for its military veterans and active duty members! Staffers filled DEP’s 401 Public Hearing Room on Nov. 21 to honor colleagues of active and veteran military service during our Veterans Appreciation Day celebration. Aaron Williams, Marine Corps veteran and Senior Aide to the Governor on Veterans’ Outreach, shared his story of service and discussed the issue of veteran suicide. David Culley, a Navy veteran and supervisor of the state’s Department of Military and Veterans Affairs’ Veterans Haven North facility, spoke about efforts to combat veteran homelessness in New Jersey, as well as available services and support. DEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette and Chief Diversity Officer Dr. Monise Princilus also addressed the audience. The event was organized by the Veterans for Equality, Teamwork and Sustainability (VETS) employee resource group, led by DEP staffers Beverly Scalamere and Julia Whitford, and the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Thank you to all who attended our event. ❤️ DEP continues its veterans donation drive through Thursday, Dec. 5. Thanks go to all who have contributed.  #VeteransDay #VeteransAppreciationDay #ThankAVeteran

New Jersey Sierra Club honored DEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette with its Environmental Achievement Award during its 2024 Appreciation Celebration last night in Jersey City! The award recognizes the Commissioner’s outstanding efforts to protect and preserve Liberty State Park through a multiphase revitalization program. He was presented with the award by Ben Jealous, Sierra Club Executive Director, and N.J. Lieutenant Governor Lt. Governor Tahesha Way. The Sierra Club also recognized state Senator Ben Smith and Senator Raj Mukherji with Environmental Champion Awards, and lauded volunteer leaders Bill Beren and Kip Cherry for their environmental work.

New Jersey DEP’s Forest Fire Service is headed home after aiding California’s fight against wildfires since June. Using FFS engines, each New Jersey crew worked two-week assignments. The crews coordinated with the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management/California Desert District, providing support in the Angeles, Inyo, Los Padres, San Bernardino and Sequoia national forests. In addition, FFS deployed a 20-person Initial Attack Hand Crew to aid with several fires. Meanwhile, in New Jersey, the Forest Fire Service responded to more than 350 wildfires last month, including major blazes in Livingston, Downe Township and Rockaway since Oct. 26, and is now working on a multiacre-wildfire in Jackson as the state’s dangerously dry period continues into November. Out-of-state assignments have no impact on the ability of the Forest Fire Service to fight wildfires in New Jersey.

🌲🌟 Coming Soon: New Opportunities 🌟🌲 This November, we’re thrilled to welcome new talent into our DEP community through various career and internship opportunities! Are you ready to make a difference in environmental protection? Be sure to visit our employment page and check back on our LinkedIn in November to explore exciting career paths with DEP. Employment Opportunities Page: dep.nj.gov/jobs/

🌟Celebrating Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Day at DEP! Last Wednesday for DEIB Day there were food trucks, live music, games and a performance by the Mercer County Community College Dance Troupe. Remarks were also shared by DEP, New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, New Jersey Civil Service Commission New Jersey Department of the Treasury leaders, celebrating diversity and encouraging employees to embrace their true selves. #BelongNJ #DEIBDay

It’s National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week. New Jersey is taking bold steps to reduce kids’ exposure to lead and has resources for all residents to prevent lead’s serious health effects. Get the facts. #NationalLeadPoisoningPreventionWeek #LeadFreeKids #NLPPW2024 New Jersey Department of Education New Jersey Department of Community Affairs NJ Department of Health Shawn LaTourette