President’s Message
To Volunteers For The Landscape Architect License Upgrade Program:
April & May are to be the “Fellow Professionals Feedback and First Legislative Contact” Phase 2A for our Legislative Ambassadors “FACE TO FACE” members’ activities to advance the Landscape Architect License Upgrade Program (LA UP). As this stage name implies, we are asking all members and to:

• Gather Fellow Professionals Feedback.Discuss Landscape Architecture with colleagues and principals in planning, design and engineering firms AND REPORT THE FEEDBACK TO NJASLA. Your report can be a simple Email transmission to ntufaro@earthlink.net.  PLEASE use the format below in your feedback report and try to cover the FOLLOWING NUMBERED ISSUES:
  

  Fellow Professional Feedback Report (Copy and Email answers to ntufaro@earthlink.net)

  PERSON CONTACTED ( Name, Position, Firm & Address ):

  1. GENERAL PERSPECTIVE TOWARD LA PROFESSION & LA UP :

  2. ACCEPTABLE “PROFESSIONAL OVERLAP” LA RESPONSIBILITIES :

  3. OPPOSITION COMMENTS, MYTHS & MISCONCEPTIONS :

  4. WOULD A SECOND MEETING W/EX COM & CONSULTANT BE NEEDED?

  Reporter’s contact info ( Name, Position, Firm, Address, Email Address:

• First Legislative Contact Present a cover letter and Media Kit (CD) to Your District State Senator and Assembly Members in person during April, which is Landscape Architecture Month. Look for a downloadable version of the Media Kit on njasla.org in early April. (See Primary Targets List n the Legislative Ambassadors/Face to Face Volunteers Insert).
• Margaret Cekada Lecture Invite professional colleagues and legislators to the April 30, 4:30 PM, Margaret Cekada Lecture featuring Linda Jewell, Professor, UC Berkley, at the Rutgers Labor Education Center, Ryder Road New Brunswick, NJ.
  

Fellow Professionals Feedback
We ask you to have a friendly, informal talk, perhaps using Landscape Architect Month, the Cekada Lecture (see below), or the recent debate on presentation of proposed topographic information (as a sole function of Licensed Land Surveyors) as a beginning point of your conversation.  We want points of consensus as well opposing comments without causing an aggressive debate or hard feelings with your contact.

Your feedback will be used to prepare responses to opposition comments, gauge the general perspective toward LA profession & LA UP, focus public relations to dispel myths and misconceptions about our objectives, refine the legislative draft for LA responsibilities and prioritize a schedule of needed follow up meetings In your area with NJASLA ExCOM AND staff consultant. We will use your contact info to confirm your involvement with our “Face to Face” Volunteers group and to inform you of the activities that will need your participation.  

Margaret Cekada Lecture
Please join NJASLA and Alumni from the Cook College/College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences for a special 40th Anniversary Celebration of the Landscape Architecture Program and Department! Enjoy Ag Field Day and a “folk music, arts and crafts” flea market with pony rides on the Eagleton Front lawn on the Cook/Douglass campus and finish the afternoon with students and professionals at the Rutgers Labor Education Center. Food and drink will be served.  

First Legislative Contact
Within the Legislative Ambassadors/Face to Face Volunteers Insert you will find a listing of the initial target legislators that will consider a Practice Act Upgrade as part of Committee action to bring the legislation to the full Legislature for a vote of approval. These individuals are the in-depth review agents for the full State Senate and Assembly. They decide if a Bill returns to Legislature for vote after it is first introduced by a legislature sponsor. Bills with sponsors on both committees have better chances of success that randomly sponsored bills, although multiple sponsors can dramatically increase the speed of success of a bill as well.  Our lobbyist has done some groundwork with these committees, but we need to make Legislators aware that we are a real, concerned and active constituency tuned into current land use issues. 

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DEP, NJWSA And Local Partners Preserve Three Highlands Properties
Acquisitions Will Protect Hunterdon County's Spruce Run Watershed
Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell today announced the preservation of three properties located in the Spruce Run Reservoir watershed in the Highlands region. The DEP Green Acres Program purchased these properties, which comprise 132 acres, in partnership with the New Jersey Water Supply Authority (NJWSA), Bethlehem Township, Clinton Township and Lebanon Township.

"This preservation initiative enables the State of New Jersey to protect vulnerable open space in the Highlands region using funds from a variety of sources, including from those who live downstream and use its water," said Acting Governor Richard J. Codey.

Spruce Run Reservoir, which is designated a Category One waterbody, augments the resources of the Raritan River. The Raritan River provides drinking water to residents of 48 municipalities in Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Somerset and Union Counties. Fifty-five percent of the Raritan River?s source water area is located in the Highlands region.

"This acquisition proves again that critics of the Highlands Protection Act are wrong," said Commissioner Campbell. "DEP is committed to providing landowners equity and safeguarding water resources under the Act. I call on critics to open a new chapter of cooperation with DEP and the Highlands Council."

The three properties, which are located in Bethlehem Township, Clinton Township and Lebanon Township, contain fields and woodlands that serve as habitat to migratory songbirds and threatened grassland birds. In addition, the preservation of these properties will protect streams that support trout and wetlands that support endangered species including the bog turtle and the spotted salamander. DEP will manage the properties for passive recreation.

Commissioner Campbell announced the preservation of the following properties:

The 54.26-acre Van Leight property, which is located on Mine Road in Bethlehem Township and contains two tributaries of the Mulhockaway Creek. This property was purchased by Bethlehem Township, which contributed $91,206, the DEP Green Acres Program, which provided $305,919 through a Planning Incentive Grant to Bethlehem Township, and NJWSA, which contributed $91,206. The property is part of an extensive greenway within the forested Musconetcong Mountain region, which provides filtration of ground water resources and habitat for migrant songbirds as well as the endangered bobcat.

The 58-acre Nicholson property was purchased with a $145,000 payment from NJWSA, $133,900 from Lebanon Township and a $301,100 Green Acres Planning Incentive Grant to Lebanon Township. The Nicholson property, which is located in Lebanon Township, contains tributaries of the Spruce Run.

The 19.5-acre Ciano property, located in Clinton Township, was purchased by NJWSA, which provided $175,000; Clinton Township, which contributed a $175,000 DEP Green Acres Planning Incentive Grant; and DEP, which contributed $350,000. The Ciano property is directly adjacent to the Spruce Run Reservoir and existing preserved state lands. The preservation of this property will protect interior forest species.

"Lebanon Township is proud to be working as part of a region to make sound preservation decisions that benefit local residents and downstream New Jersey residents," said Lebanon Township Open Space and Farmland Preservation Coordinator Eileen Swan. "We can achieve so much more when we work together. We are also grateful to DEP for its continued support in the form of grant monies and staff time."

The purchase of the Ciano, Nicholson and Van Leight properties is part of NJWSA's Spruce Run Initiative, which dedicates a portion of its Raritan Basin System ratepayer funds to assisting local, county and state governments in the preservation of critical watershed properties in the Spruce Run Reservoir watershed. The Initiative's objective is to maximize the efficiency of existing watershed preservation programs through a coordinated effort of government, non-profit, and private resources.

"Preservation of these critical watershed parcels illustrates the value of partnership among governmental entities in the pursuit of a common goal," said NJWSA Executive Director Henry Patterson III. "Such projects demonstrate our customers? continued commitment to preserving the high quality of Raritan Basin water for New Jersey?s residents."

The New Jersey Highlands is a 1,000 square mile area in the Northwest part of the State, stretching from Phillipsburg in the Southwest to Ringwood in the Northeast. It lies within portions of seven counties and 87 municipalities. Sixty-four percent of New Jersey residents, about 5.4 million people, receive their water from the Highlands. Those residents live in 292 municipalities, in 16 counties.

"I congratulate the DEP and its Green Acres Program for preserving these critical water supply areas,? said Highlands Council Chairman John Weingart. "The Highlands Council looks forward to continuing to work with the Department as we develop our overall plan for the protection of the region's drinking water supply."

The DEP Green Acres Program purchases land to protect environmentally sensitive open space, water resources and other significant natural and historical open space. Land acquired becomes part of the statewide system of parks and forest, wildlife management areas and natural
areas.

In 2005, the Green Acres Program has preserved 1,344 acres of open space. To date, Green Acres has protected 558,632 acres of open space and provided funding to develop hundreds of parks statewide. The statewide system of preserved open space and farmland totals almost 1.3 million acres.

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Security Design Book Released
Security and Site Design: A Landscape Architectural Approach to Analysis, Assessment and Design Implementation by Leonard J. Hopper, FASLA, and Martha J. Droge, Assoc. ASLA is now available wherever fine books are sold.
This important, timely and significant work written for the design professional, offers basic concepts for site security design and/or risk assessment. Most importantly, it discusses these critical subjects, and how they can be integrated into overall site designs and streetscapes.
 
It also provides fundamental knowledge about security issues that assist the professional in consulting with clients and other security consultants.
 
Included are guidelines for conducting security/risk assessments and case studies that demonstrate how security elements can be integrated into the design aesthetically, and functionally.
 
Leonard J. Hopper, FASLA is past president of ASLA, and current president Elect of LAF. He is Chief Landscape Architect and Head of the NYC Housing Authority's Landscape Architectural Division, and has served as a faculty member at CCNY's School of Architecture and Environmental Studies for more than a decade. Mr. Hopper has toured the country lecturing on the subject of security design and spoke on this subject at the NJASLA 2004 Annual Meeting.
 
Martha J. Droge, Assoc. ASLA, is a landscape designer and urban planner with Ayers-Saint-Gross in Baltimore, Maryland. She served for more than seven years as a Special Agent with the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Diplomatic Security. In that position, she conducted criminal investigations and implemented physical security, personal security, and counter terrorism programs domestically and at U.S. embassies abroad.
 
In our post 9-11 world, this book is a "must-read" for any design professional, client, law enforcement and public officials.

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Tools For Agricultural Smart Growth Planning Now On The Web
New Jersey Agriculture Secretary Charles M. Kuperus today announced a new webpage on the Department of Agriculture's website, www.state.nj.us/agriculture, that provides a "tool kit" of resources to help municipal governments, businesses, non-profit groups, and local citizens plan to retain agriculture in their communities along with the many benefits it provides.

"As community leaders plan for agriculture, the tool kit will provide them with many tools they can use to help in their efforts," said Secretary Kuperus.  "This user-friendly toolkit is a good starting point in formulating a local plan that acknowledges that productive farmland helps keep municipal taxes down, increases property values, benefits the environment, adds to a community's character, is part of the state's heritage, and ensures that New Jersey residents continue to have access to an abundant supply of locally produced fresh food and agricultural products."

The Agricultural Smart Growth Tool Kit, located at www.state.nj.us/agriculture/toolkit.htm was developed to assist in achieving the goals and objectives outlined in the Agricultural Smart Growth Plan released by the Department in 2003.  The plan provides realistic and practical approaches to ensuring that as New Jersey continues to grow, its agricultural industry remains strong.  It identifies five linked components to achieving this:  Farmland Preservation, Innovative Conservation Planning, Economic Development, Natural Resource Conservation and Agricultural Industry Sustainability.

The tool kit provides hands-on tools in each of these areas.  It includes, for example, links for those interested in Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) -- a planning technique that allows local municipalities the ability to transfer growth out of areas they would like to preserve and cluster development in other areas. 

Visitors to the site will be able to find information on all the farmland preservation funding opportunities available and the Farm Link program, which helps connect those interested in buying and selling preserved farmland.  There is a test for communities to determine if their towns are farm friendly and they can go to a site that will help them conduct a build-out analysis that assists communities to understand what the current zoning will permit if built to capacity.

A number of marketing opportunities for farmers are detailed in the site, and there also is a link to the Department's 2005 Economic Development strategies for 10 sectors of agriculture.  Right to Farm is addressed and information is provided on assistance available to communities, landowners and farmers in protecting their soil and water resources.

"As time goes on, we expect to build upon the tools already contained in the toolkit, continually providing users with the most up-to-date information," said Secretary Kuperus. "Agriculture must be part of the equation when talking about 'smart' planning.   By sustaining agriculture, we add to the quality of life enjoyed by New Jersey residents."

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Hunter Releases Expanded 2005 Irrigation Products Catalog
Hunter Industries, one of the world's leading manufacturers of irrigation equipment for turf, landscape and golf, has released a new 2005 Irrigation Products Catalog featuring the manufacturer’s complete line of rotors, sprays, valves, controllers, and central systems. The spiral-bound reference book is available free to industry professionals by calling 800-733-2823 or visiting www.HunterIndustries.com on the Internet.

The 2005 edition of the catalog features several new Hunter products. These include: the ACC, Hunter's most powerful controller for command of large and sophisticated sites; the SRC Plus, the improved and enhanced version of Hunter's simple, convenient, and economical controller designed for smaller sites; and the PCZ, ICZ, and PACZ Drip Control Zone Kits, all-in-one valve, filter, and pressure regulator kits that are pre-assembled to provide a convenient and reliable solution for automatic control of a drip zone.

The catalog also includes a full page detailing Hunter's numerous Reclaimed Water Products, and an entirely new 4-page look at the IMMS [Irrigation Management and Monitoring System], Hunter's affordable central computerized control tool.

All Hunter irrigation equipment is shown in full-color with application photos and detailed information on water-saving benefits.

The Hunter catalog also features up to date product data with performance charts, operating specifications and installation tips. An expanded technical section can help irrigation professionals plan and install an efficient Hunter system with charts and graphs on precipitation rates, conversion factors, slope equivalents, height of spray, friction loss, wire sizing, pressure loss, and more.

A copy of the catalog may also be found at your local authorized Hunter distributor. For more information on Hunter products, call 800-733-2823.

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Help Wanted

Qualified candidates must have a BSLA, excellent organizational skills, 4-6 years experience with all phases of design including:  Use of land development ordinances, site planning, preparation of SD’s, DD’s, and CD’s, and project administration.  Ability to hand draw sketch plans and color render. Computer skills must include AutoCAD 2002, and Microsoft Word (proficiency in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, as well as Arcview GIS 9 a plus).

Spg3 offers exciting projects, competitive salaries, and an excellent benefits package in a dynamic, collaborative work atmosphere.

Please fax (215) 735-4949, or email resume, samples of work and salary requirements to:  Sean O’Rourke at:  Orourke@spg3.com

Visit us at spg3.com

Positions Available

Deborah Cerbone Associates, Inc. of Rockaway, NJ is looking for talented, creative, fun people to join our staff.  Full time, part time, or flex hours.  We can gear your working hours to meet your family and personal needs.

We are looking for any level of Landscape Architect interested in making a job change.  Our projects range from many varieties of private and public projects to high end residential. 

Positions will involve a variety of tasks including site analysis, concept planning, design development, site grading and drainage, construction details, planting design, construction specifications, both hand and CAD drafting, graphics and color rendering, construction management and written communication.

Applicants should have strong organizational skills, and the ability to communicate well with clients, contractors and outside consultants in allied professions, as well as strong written and graphic abilities.   Computer skills should include MS Word, MS Excel, Powerpoint, and AutoCAD 2004.  Adobe Illustrator a plus.

Degree from an accredited program in Landscape Architecture is required.  Certification is not required.  Salary commensurate with experience and abilities, and we offer excellent benefits.  We are an equal opportunity employer.

Please send your resume, samples of your work and salary requirements to:  Maureen Masi, Office Manager, Deborah Cerbone Associates, Inc. 101 White Meadow Road, Rockaway, NJ  07866, T/973-625-7795 or F/973-625-7781 or Email to dhcerbone@Verizon.com.  All inquiries will be kept strictly confidential.

Landscape Architect Positions
Vollmer Associates LLP is a leading New York City based multidisciplinary design firm. Our work includes park and recreational planning and design, urban design and highway aesthetics, waterfront park and esplanade design and master plans to the restoration of abandoned/contaminated sites. We also work on projects that involve the creation of urban improvement districts and the development of aesthetic view corridors on major highways.   We are seeking to fill the following Landscape Architect positions; Newark, NJ: This position requires 2-3 years of experience in urban design, park and recreation design and construction document production. AutoCAD and/or MicroStation proficiency is a must as are excellent design, graphic and communication skills.  Rochelle Park, NJ:  This an entry level position or up to 2 years experience. The entry-level applicant must be creative and possess strong graphic skills, experience with AutoCAD and an interest to learn. More experienced applicants should have these skills in addition to schematic design, contract drawings and construction document experience. Vollmer's record of success is measured in client satisfaction and our commitment to provide the best in quality and service. We offer an excellent benefits package and retirement program. Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. Become a member of our talented and expert staff.  EOE M/F/H/V   

Send resumes to Vollmer Associates LLP Attention: Colleen Veltri 50 West 23rd Street New York, NY 10010 Fax: 212 366-5629 e-mail: resumes@vollmer.com

Certified Landscape Architect Project Manager
Qualified Candidates Will Have…
4-6 Years Of Experience; Good Organizational Skills; Excellent Graphic & Verbal Presentation Skills, Proficiency In Site And Master Planning, Grading, Landscape Design, Construction Detailing; Park And Recreation Planning; Proficiency In Autocad A Must

Landscape Architect
Qualified Candidates Will Have…
0-3 Years Of Experience; Good Organizational Skills; Graphic & Verbal Presentation Skills; Experience With Site And Master Planning, Grading, Landscape Design, Construction Detailing; Park And Recreation Planning; Proficiency In AutoCAD A Must

SEND, FAX OR E-MAIL RESUMES TO:
Allison C. Bernstein, PHR
Maser Consulting P.A.
331 Newman Springs Road
Building Two
Red Bank, NJ 07701
732-383-1950 (T), 732-383-1974 (F)
Careers@Maserconsulting.Com
Visit Us At Www.Maserconsulting.Com