FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 10, 2005
CUMBERLAND COUNTY WELCOMES NEW WATERSHED AMBASSADOR
Millville, NJ: The Cumberland County Improvement Authority
is again proud to be a host location for the New Jersey Watershed
Ambassador Program. The Program is a community-oriented AmeriCorps
Environmental Program coordinated by the New Jersey Department
of Environmental Protection and is designed to raise awareness
about watershed issues in New Jersey.
“
We are very pleased to be a host location for the Watershed
Ambassadors Program for the third consecutive year,” said
Cumberland County Improvement Authority Executive Director
Steven R. Wymbs. “The Ambassador’s Program works
with all sectors of the community to improve the quality of
New Jersey’s waterways. This year’s Ambassador,
Russell Bohl, will work with the citizens of Cumberland County
to nurture community-based environmental activities and help
residents to make informed decisions regarding their watershed.
Russell comes to us with a degree in Biology and has previously
taught Middle School Math and Science in Honduras and Philadelphia.”
“
The Ambassador’s Program also allows citizens to be involved
in the process of studying our waterways,” said Improvement
Authority Board Recycling Committee Chairperson Virginia Curliss. “Volunteers
are able to work with the local Ambassadors to collect data
which will be used by the Department of Environmental Protection
when prioritizing watershed restoration projects. Watershed
Ambassadors are also available to make presentations to community
organizations and schools. The interactive presentation provides
educational information about watershed issues and enables
those interested to get involved.”
“
Watershed Ambassadors monitor the community’s rivers
and other waterways through River and Biological Assessment
Teams, which are volunteer monitoring programs,” said
Dennis DeMatte Jr., Cumberland County Recycling Coordinator. “Russell
will train community volunteers in these two techniques, which
allow community members to assess the health of their waterways.
The teams monitor the waterways through visual assessment techniques,
mapping, and surveys. The volunteers will learn about their
local watersheds and communities while gaining valuable skills
in research, observation, and organizing data.”
“
I am thrilled to have been chosen for this project,” said
Watershed Ambassador Russell Bohl. “I look forward to
working with the Improvement Authority in their efforts to
educate the community on issues related to watersheds, and
the effect non-point source pollution has on the environment.”
“
On behalf of the Improvement Authority Board, Administration,
and Staff, I would like to welcome and thank Russell for his
participation and interest in the program,” Wymbs concluded. “We
are all looking forward to another successful year.”
For more information on the Watershed Ambassadors Program,
contact the Cumberland County Improvement Authority at 825-3700.
For more information about this press release, please contact
Dennis DeMatte, Jr. at 825-3700. |
