Environmental Advisory Council

Attention Ross Residents and Members of the Public,

The Ross Township Environmental Advisory Council Meeting on Thursday, November 9, 2023, will be held in-person and online starting at 7 PM.

If you would like to watch, listen, or participate in the meeting VIRTUALLY, you must register for the webinar via Zoom - Register Here. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with instructions on how to join. You will need to download the application in order to view, listen, or comment.

View the Agenda

Public comments for virtual participants will be taken using Zoom's "raise hand" feature ONLY.

We will not be accepting comments or questions through Zoom’s chat feature during the meeting.

If you have issues registering for Zoom, or you would just like to call in and listen to the meeting without registering, please call 412-931-7055 for assistance.

Agendas & Minutes

Agenda are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.

View Most Recent Agendas and Minutes

Members

  • Jennifer Deemer, Chairwoman
    Term Expires: December 31, 2024
  • Jessica LaFevre
    Term Expires: December 31, 2025
  • Susan Hockenberry, Secretary
    Term Expires: December 31, 2025
  • John Lange, Vice Chairman
    Term Expires: December 31, 2027
  • Christian Tobias
    Term Expires: December 31, 2025
  • Kristen Schawalder
    Term Expires: December 31, 2023
  • Caitlin Hulle
    Term Expires: December 31, 2026

Junior Council Members

  • Sydney Burkhardt (North Hills School District)
  • Ava McElhaney (North Hills School District)

Overview

The Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) is a seven-member council that will be used to advise other local government agencies, including but not limited to, the Planning Commission, Parks and Recreation Department, and elected officials, on matters dealing with protection, conservation, management, promotion and use of natural resources including air, land, and water resources, located within its territorial limits. The Ross EAC has the following powers:

  1. Identify environmental problems.
  2. Recommend plans and programs to the appropriate agencies for the promotion and conservation of the natural resources and for the protection and improvement of the quality of the environment within Ross Township.
  3. Make recommendations as to the possible use of open land areas in Ross Township.
  4. Promote a community environmental program.
  5. Keep an index of all open areas, publicly or privately owned, including but not limited to, flood prone areas, swamps, and other unique natural areas.
  6. Advise the appropriate local government agencies in the acquisition of property, both real and personal.
  7. To undertake such environmental tasks as requested by the Board of Commissioners.

Rain Barrel Rebate Program - $25


Learn About Invasive Species!

2021 Ross Township Landslide Study Report

From 2018 to 2021, Ross Township spent more than $408,700 repairing landslides that have impacted roads and public lands. Landslides also impact local businesses and homeowners, and additionally represent a significant financial risk. While treating landslides when they occur is imperative, with the increase in storm events and damages, it is also important that we take a preventative stance on landslides. 

With this in mind, the EAC published the 2021 Ross Landslide Study Report on May 18th.

The report:

  • Identifies and details areas that would benefit the most from preventative landslide interventions at the neighborhood and parcel level;
  • Tallies the risk of a landslide and the resources that could be damaged due to a landslide; and
  • Provides recommendations on parcels that are likely good candidates for further open land conservation, should they become available.

Read the Landslide Report Here!

** Please note that the map developed for this report should be used for informational purposes only and should empower the Township and residents to take a holistic view of preventing landslides as a community. The report does not change any existing Ordinances, nor does it prohibit development that is in compliance with existing Ross Township Ordinances.