Environmental Advisory Council

Meetings

The Board meets monthly, and on an ad hoc basis as needed and when requested by the Board of Trustees.

Members

  • Amy Karpati, Chair, Member
    Chair Term Expiration: April 2024
    Member Term Expiration: April 2025
  • Brooke Beebe, Member
    Term Expiration: April 2026
  • Ernest DeMarie, Member
    Term Expiration: April 2026
  • Steven Kavee, Member
    Term Expiration: April 2024
  • Dawn Orza, Member
    Term Expiration: April 2024

Overview

The Environmental Advisory Council advises the Board of Trustees on matters related to overall tree preservation, cultivation, and management of flora, indigenous plantings, trees, natural waters, and green spaces throughout the Village. EAC provides input for significant plantings in Village parks, public walkways, the Central Business District, and the welcome ways at Village boundaries. The goal of the Committee is to foster sustainable natural plantings, reduce ongoing maintenance costs, provide oversight and recommend protections for our natural resources, and encourage the selection of appropriate horticultural efforts to create enduring green spaces that are aesthetically pleasing and sustainable.

Representative activities may include, but are not limited to:

  • Assist and advise the Planning Board to ensure appropriate plantings or tree preservation on a subject site.
  • Disseminate news and information regarding the best practices for the protection, maintenance, planting, and legal removal of trees on public or private property.
  • Develop and disseminate educational programs related to local garden cultivation, lawn care, mulching, fallen leaf management, pest control, and natural options for property maintenance.
  • Advise the Board of Trustees and make recommendations as to appropriate plantings or horticultural maintenance programs on Village-owned properties, parks, sidewalks, trails, and other places of public gatherings.
  • Update and enhance Briarcliff's Natural Resource Inventory and Open Space Plan.
  • Provide guidance on care, protection, and pertinent legislative efforts regarding our natural water bodies (including the Hudson River and Pocantico Lake).
  • Make recommendations to the Board of Trustees as to desirable legislation concerning the tree program and activities related to plantings within the Village.