The NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife is offering the award-winning documentary "Living with New Jersey Black Bears" free of charge to New Jersey residents.

This documentary contains extensive information on the biology and habits of black bears and was developed with scientific input from New Jersey wildlife experts to help the public better understand both how to co-exist with black bears and how the State manages its bear population. The DVD includes a 60-minute film which explores the growing national challenge of sharing the landscape with black bear populations, as well as an additional 15-minute segment devoted to the management of black bears in New Jersey.

The documentary is part of the State's educational portion of the Comprehensive Black Bear Management Policy, which includes public education, research, bear habitat analysis and protection, hunting, non-lethal bear management techniques, enforcement of laws, and efforts to keep human food sources, especially household trash, away from bears to limit bear-human encounters.

The production of "Living with New Jersey Black Bears" was jointly financed by the DEP's Division of Fish and Wildlife in partnership with state government fish and wildlife agencies in New York, Florida and Arkansas, and the New Jersey State Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs.

For more information about the documentary, visit: http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/bearfacts_dvd.htm on the division's website.

This DVD may also be available at the library.

Some exciting news in Harding. This year we will have a contested election for ALL 3 openings for Township Committee. Running on the Republican ticket, Ned Ward for reelection, Alf Newlin for the 2 remaining years of Regina Egea’s term- he is currently serving on the Township Committee, and new comer Nanette DiTosto for Marshall Bartlett’s seat.

A new slate of Independent candidates has emerged running on a platform of Open Dialogue and Effective Government for Harding Township. The candidates include Judy Malloy, Mike Meade, and Brian McCarthy. They have set up a website at www.OpenandEffective.com. They will be hosting a Town Hall Meeting and Kick off on Monday, May 14th at the Green Village Methodist Church.

When we get closer to the general election, the Civic Association will host a Meet the Candidates Night. We will also post notices of any events the candidates will be hosting such as the upcoming one on Monday just as we would any other event.

The Civic Association does not endorse any candidate.  

The Harding Township Educational Foundation (HTEF) will hold its annual Public Meeting on Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at 7:00 pm in the Harding Township School Library, 34 Lee's Hill Road, Harding Township NJ. The school's phone number is 973-267-6398.  Please go to hardingtwp.org for directions to the school.  

HARDING TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE

48 Hour Notice of Special Executive Session Meeting

A Special Executive Session meeting of the Harding Township Committee is scheduled for Wednesday, April 18, 2012, at 6:30 p.m. at the Municipal Building, Kirby Hall, 21 Blue Mill Road, New Vernon. The Agenda items to be discussed, to the extent known, are as follows:

Contract Negotiations – Glen Alpin

Personnel – Police

Harding Township Announcement Regarding Recent Burglaries

The Harding Township Police Department (HTPD) and the Harding Township Committee want to alert residents that a number of burglaries have recently occurred in Harding in the Lee's Hill Road area.

A burglary ring operating in Northern New Jersey is being sought by a multi-jurisdictional law enforcement task force, in which HTPD is participating. Break-ins have occurred near major highways such as I-287, I-78, and I-80. Break-ins have been reported in Morris Township, Bernards Township, as well as Harding. Many of the break-ins have occurred while residences were unoccupied.

As well as participating in the joint task force, the HTPD wants to assure residents that we are responding appropriately and swiftly to address this situation, including providing additional patrols and closely coordinating with neighboring towns.

We are asking residents to:

· Lock your doors & windows, leave enough lights on to make your house look occupied, and activate your alarm when away from home

· Report suspicious behavior to the HTPD, including cars driving suspiciously or with multiple men

· Watch out for your neighbors

· Call police if you are going away so that we can put your house on watch

In the event of an emergency or to report suspicious persons or motor vehicles in your neighborhood, contact the police department day or night by dialing 911 or 973-455-0500 and press '0' for the dispatcher.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Chief Kevin J. Gaffney

Mayor Marshall Bartlett