THORNDALE, PA — The Caln Township Board of Commissioners has taken a critical step toward environmental sustainability with the formation of a new Environmental Advisory Council (EAC). The unanimous decision was made during the Board’s May 8th public meeting, establishing the EAC as a community-focused advisory body to help address pressing environmental challenges and shape sustainable policies for the township.
The EAC’s primary mission is “to serve as an advisory body to the Board of Commissioners in order to gather information and provide recommendations regarding various environmental issues, including the use of open space, ways to promote conservation of natural resources and encouraging environmental programs.” With this move, Caln Township joins 34 other Chester County municipalities with similar councils already in operation.
Paul Mullin, President of Caln’s Board of Commissioners, expressed strong support for the initiative, stating, “Caln Township’s Board of Commissioners recognizes the importance of preserving and enhancing the natural environment for current and future generations. The creation of the Environmental Advisory Council ensures that sustainability remains a central focus of our planning and policy decisions. This Council will play a vital role in helping Caln Township address environmental challenges and opportunities with input from the community.”
A Community-Driven Initiative
The formation of the EAC stems from efforts by Caln’s Sustainability Task Force. This temporary group was formed in April 2024 to develop a Sustainable Community Report that provided actionable recommendations to advance the township’s environmental objectives. Through diligent research and engagement with experts, the Task Force crafted a comprehensive report featuring dozens of proposed Action Items spanning seven key areas, including stormwater management, biodiversity, land use, and energy.
The Sustainable Community Report, adopted by the Board of Commissioners on April 24, 2025, prioritized creating an Environmental Advisory Council as its first actionable recommendation.
Call for Community Participation
The EAC will consist of up to seven members, and applications are now open to Caln Township residents interested in serving three-year terms. Those wishing to contribute can apply online at calntownship.org or in person at the township building.
Once the EAC has at least three appointed members, it will begin holding regular public meetings to act on the Action Items outlined in the sustainability report. Rachael Griffith, Sustainability Coordinator for the Chester County Planning Commission, emphasized the importance of the new council, stating, “Creating an Environmental Advisory Council is a powerful step toward implementing the township’s environmental goals. Caln Township already has a track record for successful environmental initiatives that engage the community, and the new EAC will increase the Township’s capacity and knowledge base to further their efforts.”
Caln Township’s EAC signals a renewed commitment to environmental progress, drawing on community expertise and active partnership to build a sustainable legacy. Residents eager to play a role in shaping a greener future are encouraged to step forward and lend their voices to this crucial endeavor.
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