Cumberland County Improvement Authority

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 30, 2007

IMPROVEMENT AUTHORITY HOSTS NEW JERSEY WATERSHED AMBASSADORS PROGRAM

MILLVILLE, NJ: The Cumberland County Improvement Authority is proud to continue their association with the New Jersey Watershed Ambassadors 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. Through this program, AmeriCorps members are placed in watershed management areas across the State to serve local communities. The Improvement Authority began its partnership with the New Jersey Watershed Ambassadors Program in 2003.

The Improvement Authority is pleased to welcome Ellen Pattee, our new Ambassador for 2007, who will monitor Watershed Management Area 17, which includes the Salem, Maurice, and Cohansey Watershed areas. It is the largest of the State’s 20 Watershed Management areas covering 885 square miles. Ellen holds an Associate’s Degree in Marine Science from Mitchell College, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Science from Worcester State College. Prior to joining the Program, Ellen taught preschool, high school biology, and worked for an environmental organization called Nature’s Classroom.

“We are very pleased to have the Watershed Ambassadors Program located in Cumberland County,” said Steven R. Wymbs, Cumberland County Improvement Authority Executive Director. “The connection between the community and the environment is important. The Ambassadors Program works with all sectors of society to improve the quality of New Jersey’s waterways. Ellen will work with the citizens of Cumberland County to nurture community-based environmental activities and help residents to make informed decisions with respect to our waterways.”

“The Watershed Management project works on improving water quality by researching the relationships between the environment and people, while also encouraging community-based environmental activities,” said Dennis DeMatte, Jr, Cumberland County Recycling Coordinator. “Through educational programs such as this, Cumberland County residents are better prepared to make responsible decisions regarding their watershed.” “I am very enthusiastic about having a chance to make a difference in the way people view water,” Pattee said. “Water is such an interesting substance. Scientifically, it is a very simple molecule containing just three atoms. However, this one simple molecule carries life to everyone and everything. Unfortunately, it can carry other things as well. Trash, chemicals, and other hazardous waste mixes with these molecules to threaten the very waters we swim in, boat on, and drink from. I want to help make a difference in our watershed so that future generations can enjoy them as well.”

“I am willing to help in any way I can to meet the needs of interested schools, groups, organizations, or individuals,” continued Pattee. “I am available to teach classes, give lectures, and offer presentations on our watersheds and the dangers of non-point source pollution. For those interested in a more hands-on approach, I can offer training in various biological and visual monitoring techniques which can be used on local streams and rivers.”

For more information about the Watershed Management Project or to schedule an appointment, contact Ellen Pattee at 856-825-3700,
ext. 4010, or e-mail her at Riverwatcher17@comcast.net.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

For more information about this press release, please contact Dennis DeMatte, Jr. at 856-825-3700.