IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 19, 2013
Contact: Lawrence Ragonese (609) 292-2994
Bob Considine (609) 984-1795
Chloe Gogo (609) 984-1795
CHRISTIE ADMINISTRATION SEEKS 2014 AMERICORPS WATERSHED AMBASSADORS
Future New Jersey Environmental Leaders Cultivated in this Program
(13/P75) TRENTON -- New
Jersey is looking for its next generation of environmental leaders,
young people with a hands-on desire to improve their state and the
quality of life for all of our residents. Some of those future leaders
are likely to be found in the Department of Environmental Protection’s
AmeriCorps New Jersey Watershed Ambassadors Program, which is now
seeking recruits for its 2014 class.
“What
makes this program so excellent is that it develops environmental
stewardship in our young people, who are the leaders of tomorrow,’’ said
DEP Commissioner Bob Martin. “They’re the ones who will be entrusted
with the task of protecting New Jersey’s environment, its air and water
and natural and historic resources, long after we are gone. It is really
heartening so know such talented young people will be in charge of our
future.’’
Coordinators
are currently accepting applications for the next group of AmeriCorps
Watershed Ambassadors through August 30th. There are 20 potential
watershed management areas across the state where an ambassador can be
placed. Ambassadors work with all sectors of society to improve the
quality of New Jersey’s waterways, nurturing community-based
environmental activities, and empowering State residents to make
responsible and informed decisions regarding their watersheds.
“Individuals
who are selected for the Watershed Ambassadors program go through a
rigorous training program that prepares them to work in the
environmental field, particularly in the area of water resources,” said
Jill Lipoti, DEP’s Division of Water Monitoring and Standards Director.
“Ambassadors have proven to be extremely valuable resources in assisting
the State with its new focus on Green Infrastructure. They outdid
themselves this past year by completing 9 rain barrel workshops at which
164 rain barrels were constructed. ”
Members
of the current class of 2013 recently completed their year of service,
graduating on July 12 at a ceremony held at the Assunpink Wildlife
Management Area in Robbinsville. In addition to gaining valuable
knowledge and experience, they have grown to be integral parts of the
communities where they were assigned.
"The
New Jersey Watershed Ambassador Program has been an incredible learning
experience.” said recent graduate Blaire Langston, who served with the
Musconetcong Watershed Association. “It is rewarding to give back to
the community you grew up in and have the chance to work with
professionals who share your enthusiasm for environmental protection.
Meeting and serving alongside these hard workers has motivated me to do
great things in my career."
Prior to joining to the program, Langston studied Marine Science at the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey.
“The
AmeriCorps Watershed Ambassador program has completely exceeded my
expectations,” said recent graduate Melanie Jackson, who was stationed
with the Hackensack Riverkeeper. “This program has made me a
well-rounded person and has given me a sense of fulfillment that I have
never experienced before.”
Prior to the entering the program, Jackson studied Marine Science and Biology at the University of Miami.
The
graduation ceremony featured a tribute to Akili Lynn Gordon, who was
the program manager for five years until her sudden passing in December
2012. Akili was instrumental in guiding the Ambassadors through the
program and would have been very proud to see the 2013 class graduate. A
tree has been planted in Akili’s memory at the Assunpink Wildlife
Management Area, and a commemorative stone, as well as water from all 20
watershed management areas (representing each Ambassador), were placed
there as well.
The
DEP began hosting this federal AmeriCorps program in 2000. AmeriCorps
is a national service initiative that began in 1993 and is also known as
the domestic Peace Corps. The organization recently announced grants
for programs, nationwide. New Jersey’s Watershed Ambassadors Program was
a recipient and received $260,000 in federal funding for 2014.
Ambassadors
are expected to complete 1,700 hours of service in a 10 to 11 month
period. In return, they receive a living stipend of up to $12,100 over
the course of the term; eligibility for health benefits during this
period; and training prior to and throughout their term of service. Once
they complete the program, they receive an education award of $5,550.
Applicants must be U.S. citizens, have a bachelor's degree, and must
have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to get to and
from field sites.
In 2013, 20 individuals served as the DEP’s AmeriCorps Watershed Ambassadors. Current accomplishments to date include:
· 1,671 educational watershed demonstrations performed reaching 42,549 people;
· Nearly 1,000 visual and biological assessments completed;
· Implementation of the Lake Watch protocol for assessment of over 100 lakes;
· 2,000 volunteers trained in the DEP’s visual and biological assessment protocols;
· Engaged in 90 community watershed projects generating about 14,000 stewardship hours;
· Installed 2 rain gardens which are featured on DEP’s new Green Infrastructure Web Page;
· Served as captains for Governor Christie’s Barnegat Bay Blitz initiative;
· Served
as captains for Delaware River and Bay – Dash for the Trash and Raritan
River Rubbish Roundup Cleanups to commemorate National AmeriCorps Week
Interested applicants for the 2013-2014 Program should apply by August 30 online at http://www.nj.gov/dep/wms/bear/recruit.htm
to download the application and reference forms. Interested applicants
should submit their application, resume and cover letter to NJWAP@dep.state.nj.us.
For additional information, please contact Kimberly Cenno or Jennifer Noblejas, Co-Program Managers, at (609) 633-1441.
NJ Watershed Ambassadors Program
Division of Water Monitoring and Standards Bureau of Environmental Analysis and Restoration
Mail Code: 401-04I
401 E. State Street, PO Box 420
Trenton, NJ 08625-0420
Phone: 609-633-1441 Fax: 609-984-6505
For more information on the NJDEP’s AmeriCorps NJ Watershed Ambassadors Program, visit: http://www.nj.gov/dep/wms/bear/americorps.htm
For more information on the AmeriCorps National Service Initiative, visit: www.americorps.gov
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