Lake Musconetcong and the surrounding beach area is a critical regional water resource. There is a desire among area and regional residents to maintain and enhance the recreational value of the Lake and to address the concerns for future needs of clean water for both the local area and downstream watershed area. Currently, there is a serious eutrophication problem at the Lake. Since governmental authority over Lake Musconetcong is fragmented among four municipalities, two counties and the State, in order to effectively address the problems now confronting the Lake and its future enjoyment and potential, it would serve the needs of all concerned for said governmental authorities to join in the creation of a Lake Musconetcong Regional Planning Board.

The Lake Musconetcong Regional Planning Board, which has heretofore been created through Ordinance No. 7-89 of this Municipality, is hereby ratified and re-created for the purpose of this Ordinance by and for the Borough of Hopatcong, Township of Jefferson, Borough of Mt. Arlington, Township of Roxbury, County of Morris, County of Sussex and the State of New Jersey.

A. The Lake Musconetcong Regional Planning Board shall make surveys, studies and regional plans for the physical improvement of Lake Musconetcong, including the shoreline and 50 feet of beachfront. Pursuant thereto, the Board shall make such recommendations for action by its constituent entities in furtherance of its goals as it deems necessary and beneficial.

B. Upon a local Planning Board or Board of Adjustment receiving a development application affecting lands adjacent to the Lake, or having any potential affect on the Lake, the Secretary of said local board shall immediately forward a copy of the application and plans to the Regional Board for its review. The Regional Board shall inspect the site and review the application and plans. The Regional Board shall then prepare a written advisory report to be returned to the local Board in a timely manner. The actual approval decision on the application shall be made only by the local Board.

C. The Lake Musconetcong Regional Planning Board shall submit an annual report of its activities to the governing bodies of its municipal and county constituents.

D. The Lake Musconetcong Regional Planning Board is authorized to seek funding assistance and is authorized to undertake lake restoration and other lake improvement measures pursuant to an approved Lake Restoration Plan or Lake Management Plan.