Sportsmen's Group Takes Stock of Activities in Warren

After completing a pair of spring cleanup projects, Warren Blue Ridge Sportsmen's Club President Joe Nappe took a moment to reflect on the club's activity in the township.

The group cleaned up debris and fallen trees on township-owned property along the Dead River on March 17, and also undertook cleanup of municipal property near the municipal complex, he said.

In an outline prepared detailing the club's activities, Nappe noted the club donated 110 turkeys at Thanksgiving, which were dispersed to needy families in the county through the Watchung Hills Elks Lodge and Stonecrest Community Church.

And as the township's designated manager of the deer management program, the club culled 118 deer in the township.

Nappe documented the following projects by the club:

• Clean–up of the Dead River property was completed on March 17, 2013, this included flood debris along the river and the along both sides of Dead RiverRoad from I78 to the Dead River. Brush and debris along the access road to the property was cut backand removed (picture of clean up attached). Fence along I78 repaired. Also the property next to theMunicipal Building had trash removed;
• In April of 2012, the club members accomplished a major cleanup of the Glenhurst property, removing all debris blocking Cory’s Brook down to the Passaic River as well as removing all trash from this property (pallets, wood, etc.);
• In May of 2012, WBRS sponsored half of the Warren Fishing Derby by supplying all the food,cooking, donating prizes, a fishing class for the children and setting up a booth that provided allnecessary fishing logistics i.e. line, hooks, bobbers, loaner rods and bait;
• Members provided fishing classes during the Recreations summer programs (2012 and provided2 rods and reels for each class);
• In August 2012 members provided assistance at two of the movie nights and conducted a fishing contest at the last movie night the winner received a rod and reel;
• In October of 2012, WBRS was a major sponsor of the Wagner Farm Arboretum Bright Nites program and provided all the materials and constructed the grave yard. Members also worked each of the days the Brite Nites was open, parking cars and directing traffic, as over 5,000 people attended this event. In addition with the oncoming storm (Sandy), members broke down and stored all materials from the site, including more than 200 bales of hay;
• In January of 2013, WBRS set up/provided all logistics for the Yuletide Bonfire working with Recreation Commission Director Eleanora Herrman, this included arranging of tables, donations, set up of tarps and tents, sources of heat, prizes etc.;
• In February of 2013, WBRS concluded the 2012/2013 deer reduction program culling 118 deer, and 17 fetuses in 51 days, saving the township $37,720 (cost of using a deer managementgroup). Donation of 650 lbs. of venison to food kitchens and to the Wounded Warrior Program (through our butcher);
• WBRS will be supporting Warren's Annual Easter Egg Hunt and Bicycle/Wagon Parade, providing prizes, including soccer balls and toys;
• WBRS continues to be listed as volunteers for the Somerset County Search and Rescue Unit.

"The club has received thanks from the mayor, (Township Committee) members and the director of recreation for what the club has done—and continues to do for the town," he said.