Getting local officials to appoint citizen boards for advice on how to protect the environment and wisely use natural resources is a priority in Lancaster County's new comprehensive plan.

Strasburg Borough and Strasburg Township could be the first in the county to create such a joint environmental advisory council.

It's called for in the joint comprehensive plan drawn up by the historic and growing borough and the heavily farmed township that surrounds it on all sides.

But it's hardly a sure thing.

Residents and several state and local groups will make the case in favor of an EAC at a special joint meeting of the borough council and township board of supervisors at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the borough office on Precision Avenue.

A presentation will be given by Jon Meade, director of the Environmental Advisory Council Network (www.pecpa.org/node/86 ), a statewide group that helps set up and then supports such efforts.

There are currently more than 100 EACs in Pennsylvania, mostly in the southeast. The Legislature authorized EACs in 1976.  

But only one has been created in Lancaster County. Pequea Township has had one since 1989, but its recommendations have raised controversies.

"We think, in the best sense of the word, that they can be advocates for greening in their community," says Ralph Goodno, executive director of the Lancaster County Conservancy, which has offered to help municipalities in the county set up environmental advisory councils.

"We support it as a means to address some of the critical environmental issues this community is facing," adds Mike Domin, principal planner for the Lancaster County Planning Commission.

He cites, as examples, streamwater quality, vegetation stream buffers and protection of natural areas.

Another supporter, Matt Kofroth, watershed specialist for the Lancaster County Conservation District, says, "Sometimes it's a difficult sell, but we think it's an important resource for municipalities to assist in areas where the different boards in the municipalities might not have the expertise for conservation and environmental issues."

Says Mary Dresser, co-chair of the borough-township planning commission, which has endorsed an EAC, "It's just an advisory committee. It must be sensitive to municipal developers and realistic concerns."

Dresser is reacting to concerns that have surfaced among some officials in recent months as the advisory council proposal advanced.

For example, an anonymous letter circulated to borough council members in 2008 read: "Are there concerns that the push for this ordinance is really a ploy to empower a special interest group whose main goal is to stall or sabotage future subdivision and land development ordinance plans?"

Strasburg Councilman Jim Kiscaden, who has made comments suggesting that he is cool to the idea, says he's "interested" in seeing what EAC supporters present Tuesday.

Asked about creation of an EAC being a priority goal listed in the borough-township's comprehensive plan since it was passed in 2006, Kiscaden said, "It's a goal, but you know how goals are. Some goals are met and some aren't."

Meade, of the Environmental Advisory Council Network, acknowledges that public support is crucial for the councils to be successful.

"They are a great tool and a great resource for municipal leaders. The other point is they are community-driven, so the community has to decide that they would like that."


Staff writer Ad Crable can be reached at acrable@LNPnews.com or 481-6029.