NJCleanWaterways

Join us in formally welcoming Ed Potosnak as DEP’s 19th commissioner! Earlier this afternoon, Commissioner Potosnak was officially sworn in at the State House in Trenton. Since stepping into his role as acting commissioner, Commissioner Potosnak has immersed himself in projects across the state in an effort to fulfill the Sherrill Administration’s mission to deliver a more efficient government and to make New Jersey more affordable. DEP is proud to have such a hands-on leader safeguarding the environment in NJ. Congratulations Commissioner Potosnak!

Acting Commissioner Potosnak recently toured the New Jersey Natural Lands Trust’s Petty’s Island Preserve, in Pennsauken, Camden County, a former industrial site which is being transformed into a community asset in an overburdened community. Established by the Legislature in 1968, the New Jersey Natural Lands Trust is an independent agency in, but not of, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. Its mission is to preserve land in its natural state for public enjoyment and to protect New Jersey's natural diversity through open space preservation. Today, the Trust manages more than 100 preserves encompassing over 34,000 acres, including more than 3,000 acres protected through conservation easements. The 500-acre island in the Delaware River between Camden and Philadelphia is owned by CITGO Petroleum Corp. and is undergoing environmental cleanup. The island is permanently protected from future development through a conservation easement held by the New Jersey Natural Lands Trust, preserving the island’s natural resources, wildlife habitat and open space. Presently, Petty's Island is accessible to visitors through scheduled guided programs. Upcoming programming can be found here: aquaticsciences.org/pettys-i… 🔗 Learn more about the New Jersey Natural Lands Trust: dep.nj.gov/njnlt/ 🌳 Learn more about the Petty’s Island Preserve: dep.nj.gov/njnlt/list-of-pre… #DEPDelivers

DEP’s Youth Inclusion Initiative is underway, and participants are gaining hands-on experience alongside Department professionals! 🤝 The award-winning program empowers youth from overburdened communities throughout the state, introducing them to some of the technical skills necessary to pursue a career in environmental protection. During the six-week program, the youth participate in activities such as: 💧Touring a wastewater treatment plant 🎣Learning about freshwater fishing 🌱Exploring how environmental cleanups supports community revitalization 📋Collecting and analyzing data Interested in learning more about the program? Visit: nj.pulse.ly/efkn703bpg

⭐This month, #DEPDoesThat shined a spotlight on @dukefarmsnj, a 2025 Governor's Environmental Excellence Award winner, for its commitment to conservation, sustainability and environmental stewardship. Through habitat restoration, clean energy initiatives, climate resilience and environmental education, Duke Farms continues to make a meaningful impact for New Jersey's people, wildlife and natural resources. DEP is proud to recognize the organizations whose work is helping build a healthier, more sustainable future for our state. 🤝 🔗 Learn more about the Governor's Environmental Excellence Awards and get notified when the 2026 application is live: nj.pulse.ly/r9tmmnprjv