West Milford Lake dam (across from the Shop Rite shopping center) has been found to be unsafe by the NJ DEP Bureau of Dam Safety and Flood Control, and plans are being made by the State to permanently breach it. This will reduce the size of West Milford Lake substantially.

This past September 10th the West Milford Township Environmental Commission held the first of three meetings designed to gather input on what the Township residents would like to see happen in the area of the soon-to-be lowered West Milford Lake. Discussions were started based on three maps presented by the consultant showing the reduced lake size. These maps have been posted under the Environmental Commission webpage on the Township website.

On Monday, November 5th, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Town Hall Main Meeting Room, 1480 Union Valley Road, the Environmental Commission will be holding the second of the three open public meetings, funded in part by an Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions (ANJEC) grant, to continue to discuss possible scenarios for the future of the lake area.

West Milford Lake is a valuable asset, as identified in the recent Central Business District Visioning process, that could continue to enhance stormwater management and water quality, as well as provide open space and aesthetic value to the Township. Please come and share your ideas.

For additional information or to submit your comments, contact the West Milford Township Planning Department at 1480 Union Valley Road, West Milford, NJ 07480 or call 973-728-2795.