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Tags: d&r greenway land trust, wma 10 (millstone)
Posted in biological diversity, climate stabilization and/or air pollution mitigation project, ecological restoration project, franklin parker small grants program, projects funded by conservation resources
This project was awarded a $2500 Franklin Parker Small Grant in 2012.
This project aims to enhance the floristic diversity and structure of an old field that is currently a near monoculture of exotic invasive Eleagnus umbellata. The project area is surrounded by mature forest; therefore, clearing the invasive component and reforesting with native forest species will extend contiguous forest cover in the RPWHP Forest Habitat Sourlands South Focal Area.
Reforestation of this gap will enhance breeding and foraging habitat for target conservation species such as Kentucky warbler, veery, and wood thrush as well as increase biodiversity, in general. An anticipated outcome of enhancing the diversity and decreasing fragmentation of this preserve is increased resilience to climate change within the Sourlands core forest area.
Ecosystem Services Provided:
Climate Stabilization and Air Pollution Mitigation: Carbon sequestration- reforestation
Biological Diversity: Habitat- removal of invasive plants; reforesting with native species
Total Project Cost: $30,000
Status: This project is mostly completed. D&R Greenway has cleared the four-acre tract that was heavily infested with Autumn olive. They erected a deer fence to prevent deer browse. They cleared much of the debris from the destruction of the Autumn olive. They planted native grasses and wildflower seeds, and ordered seedlings from the NJ State Nursery to be planted in Spring 2013. Future stewardship efforts will involve application of herbicide to any re-emerging alien invasive plants.
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Tags: american littoral society
Posted in ecological restoration project, franklin parker small grants program, projects funded by conservation resources, water protection, filtration, & control
In 2012, CRI awarded this project $4500 through its Franklin Parker Small Grant program.
The eastern oyster has been designated a “signature species” of the estuary by the Alliance for Comprehensive Ecosystem Solutions of the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary (PDE Alliance). It is also a keystone species of the estuary as numerous species of benthic epifauna and fish directly depend upon the oyster-reef structure for life-sustaining habitat. Delaware Bay oysters have been in decline since the early 20th century largely due to disease and overfishing. Record low recruitment levels of juvenile oysters during the last 7 years have intensified the need for restorative measures.
Project PORTS, or Promoting Oyster Restoration Through Schools, directly enhances the oyster population of the bay by restoring them to an area where they have not occurred for decades, if not longer. Because the American Littoral Society plants most of these oysters in a State-designated conservation area, they are protected from harvest. This allows them to grow, reproduce, and repopulate other areas of the bay. By oyster-restoration standards in the bay, Project PORTS is small; however, it is unique in that it is the only oyster restoration in the estuary that is not only increasing the oyster population, but also one that is protected from harvest thereby serving as habitat for filter-feeding epifauna, small fish, and crustaceans; and building up a brood stock of disease-resistant oysters for the bay.
Project PORTS is a community-based oyster restoration and educational program focusing on restoring a 10-acre conservation reef in Delaware Bay. Restoration methods focus on accelerating oyster recruitment by growing and planting high-set spat-on-shell. The American Littoral Society achieves a very high spat set and, today, oysters as large as 100 mm are growing where oysters have not grown in decades, if not longer.
Project PORTS is consistent with the goals and objectives of the Water Resources Plan for the Delaware River Basin. Specifically it addresses the following two priority areas: (1) oyster reef enhancement and (2) promotion of “hands-on” educational activities and volunteer stewardship activities. The project is also consistent with Action H5.8 – Enhance Oyster Reefs – of the Comprehensive and Conservation Management Plan for the Delaware Estuary, which is a congressionally designated Estuary of National Significance. In addition, this project complements the current strategies of the Delaware Bay Oyster Restoration Task Force to revitalize the fledgling oyster population of the Delaware Bay.
Project goals:
- Create a reproductive population of oysters distributed across a wide range of age classes;
- Provide habitat for benthic epifauna, crustaceans, and small fish;
- Promote an environmental stewardship ethic among educators, school children, and their associated extended communities.
Ecosystem Services Provided:
Water Protection, Filtration, and Control: Water quality- restoration of filter feeder habitat
Total Project Cost: $53,270
Status: Project PORTS has been under way since 2007 and will continue until the 10-acre area is restored. At the present rate and budget, this will likely be no sooner than 2020. The majority of the work is performed from April through October and this is when funds will be needed.
If you would like further information about this project, please contact Conservation Resources.
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Tags: rancocas conservancy
Posted in climate stabilization and/or air pollution mitigation project, land preservation project, recreation & aethestics, water protection, filtration, & control, wetlands mitigation project
The Rancocas Conservancy has the 77-acre Brosel tract under contract. The property is located adjacent to open space land owned by Evesham Township including the Black Run Preserve.
Black Run, a tributary to the Rancocas Creek, passes through the property. Despite being in the midst of suburban development, Black Run still maintains high water quality and exhibits classic pine barrens characteristics. Much of the property is wetlands.
Scheduled to close in 2013, the property will be managed by Rancocas Conservancy with a Green Acres conservation easement. Trails on the property will link to the existing Evesham open spaces, providing for a range of hiking, bird watching and natural enjoyment.
Ecosystem Services Provided:
Climate Stabilization and Air Pollution Mitigation: Carbon sequestration- avoided deforestation
Water Protection, Filtration, and Control: Water quality- protection of groundwater recharge areas
Recreation and Aesthetics: Public access- hiking trails
Total Project Cost: $340,000
Status: Closing is scheduled for March 2013.
If you would like further information about this project, please contact Conservation Resources.
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Tags: new jersey conservation foundation
Posted in biological diversity, climate stabilization and/or air pollution mitigation project, land preservation project, NRD settlement candidate project
Located in two Townships – Pemberton and Woodland – the nearly 2,500 acre Zemel property is located in the heart of the New Jersey Pinelands. Long targeted for protection by conservation organizations, New Jersey Conservation Foundation has the property under contract for acquisition.
Based on cursory survey the property has been found to provide habitat for over 100 rare, threatened and endangered species. From federally endangered swamp pink (Helonias bullata) to state endangered timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) to state threatened Pine Barrens treefrog (Hyla andersonii) to special concern species such as Pine Barrens bluet (Enallagma recurvatum), the Zemel property promises to be a hot spot for biodiversity and will require careful management to preserve the ecological significance of the property. Conservation management will extend preservation in this portion of the Pinelands.
Scheduled to close by the end of 2013, the property will be managed by the New Jersey Conservation Foundation with a state-held conservation easement from Green Acres and the Pinelands Conservation Fund. It will be managed as an addition to the 9,400-acre NJCF Franklin Parker Preserve which is open to the public for fishing, hiking, bird-watching and for biking and horseback riding on designated trails.
Ecosystem Services Provided:
Climate Stabilization and Air Pollution Mitigation: Carbon sequestration- avoided deforestation
Biological Diversity: Habitat- federal threatened/endangered species
Total Project Cost: $1,800,000
Status: This project has applied for an allocation from the Pinelands Conservation Fund, and CRI is working to assist NJCF in raising other funds for this project.
If you would like further information about this project, please contact Conservation Resources.
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Tags: passaic river coalition, wma 06 (upper passaic whippany and rockaway)
Posted in climate stabilization and/or air pollution mitigation project, franklin parker small grants program, land preservation project, projects funded by conservation resources, water protection, filtration, & control
The 4.62 acre River Road tract, adjacent to the PRC’s River Road Acres and Landau Wildlife Sanctuary, adds to Chatham Township’s proposed greenway along River Road between Passaic River Park and Township property at the foot of River Road. These parcels contain wetlands, floodplains, and the riparian ecosystems of the Passaic River, which makes their preservation from future development valuable. This acquisition supports the goals and objectives of Chatham’s Open Space Program which aims to protect critical environmental resources, scenic views or vistas within the township and enhance the quality of life for local area residents. 
Conserving these four lots within the riparian zone of the Passaic River will ensure the future stability of the river’s hydrologic processes and provide critical plant and animal habitat. The undeveloped land will allow infiltration, not only acting as a method of filtration to improve water quality, but also providing some flood protection downstream. Many Chatham residents rely on downstream diversions for their water and will directly benefit from the preservation of water quality. The valuable plant and animal species in the riparian habitat include spatterdock, a native plant which provides streambed stabilization. It is also an important food source for waterfowl and deer, and provides excellent habitat for fish and invertebrates.
Animals on the property include Red-winged blackbird, Northern oriole, snakes, various waterfowl, and large snapping turtles. Acquisition of the River Road tract will add to existing permanently protected tracts, contribute towards a proposed greenway, and support the goals of Chatham Township’s Open Space Program.
Ecosystem Services Provided:
Climate Stabilization and Air Pollution Mitigation: Carbon sequestration- avoided deforestation
Water Protection, Filtration, and Control: Water quality- protection of buffers to streams; riparian land protection
Total Project Cost: $245,000
Status: The Passaic River Coalition has a grant agreement with The Morris County Open Space Trust Fund for a total of $155,000. They will be seeking the balance from Green Acres. The Passaic River Coalition is seeking funds for survey and appraisal expenses of approximately $6500.
If you would like further information about this project, please contact Conservation Resources.
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Tags: bergen save the watershed action network
Posted in franklin parker small grants program, recreation & aethestics
The Old Tappan Woods is an approximately 160 acre ecological gem within the Upper Hackensack River Watershed, preserved as a result of the 1993 Bergen SWAN settlement with United Water and State agencies, and owned by the water company. Entrance to the woods is via the adjacent 3+ acre “Bonnebel Park,” owned by the Borough of Old Tappan, preserved since 2008 with the use of State Green Acres and County and municipal open space trust fund dollars. These woods are an especially rare example of a large area of natural woodlands and wetland with a nearly continuous riparian edge along its border. The site boasts upland areas containing large, mature beech trees, backwater flood plains and wetlands along a C-1 classified stretch of the Hackensack River, and several vernal ponds, all of which provide habitat for a wide diversity of wildlife.
Bergen SWAN is seeking funding to assist with upgrading the network of trails throughout the property and to create a nature guide for the area. As part of their educational outreach efforts, they will instruct the public on wise stewardship issues for the trails – avoiding overuse of wetland and floodplain areas, cleaning up litter and dog waste, and staying on a limited number of established trails. They will communicate their work to the public though their website and other web resources and local press outlets.
Funds will be used to:
1. Fund a naturalist to evaluate the site and write a nature guide for the area;
2. Create a printed, illustrated guide to the Old Tappan Woods;
3. Create a trail map for the Old Tappan Woods;
4. Develop and post an online version of the nature guide;
5. Groom, clean, and prune trails as needed; and
6. Work with stakeholders to develop, post, and implement usage guidelines for the woods.
Ecosystem Services Provided:
Outreach, Recreation, and Aesthetics: Public access, Environmental education- improved hiking access, stewardship education, and nature guide.
Total Project Cost: $9400
Status: Bergen SWAN is looking for funding to complete this project. They will hire a professional landscaper and crew for the bulk of the pruning and clearing, and plan to train volunteers for the lighter tasks. They anticipate about $2,400 in in-kind contributions.
In 2012, CRI awarded this project $2000 through its Franklin Parker Small Grant program.
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Posted in ecological restoration project, NRD settlement candidate project, riparian mitigation candidate project, water protection, filtration, & control, wetlands mitigation project
The Emerson Woods project comprises the restoration of a severely eroded stream corridor located in the Emerson Woods Preserve, a recreation and conservation area owned and managed by the Borough of Emerson. Restoration activities would include the following activities to restore the riparian corridor of an approximately 250 foot reach of an unnamed tributary to the Oradell Reservoir:
- Re-grading and reforming of the eroded banks, which would include at least one level of terraces for plantings;
- Use of local rock to restore and armor the new stream bed, and the use of local rock and both natural logs and stumps, as well as coir logs, to create and protect the protect the new banks and terraced areas;
- Planting of the terraced areas and the top of the new stream banks with native trees and shrubs;
- Mulching and care of the newly-planted trees and shrubs;
- Fencing of the restored and planted areas to protect from deer browse, as necessary;
- Installation of an energy dissipation/sediment chamber at the outfall of existing concrete pipe where the stream channel crosses under Main Street in order to dissipate the energy from stormwater discharges into the stream channel in order to prevent or minimize future erosion, and to allow for the capture and periodic removal of sediment from the chamber before it enters the restored stream bed;
- Replacement of the existing headwall where the stream corridor crosses a sewer line easement to prevent backups there during high water flows;
- Installation of signage and a small educational kiosk to inform local residents and park visitors of the benefits of the project, as well as things they can do to help enhance stream corridors; and
- Monitoring the project for three years to replace any dead or dying trees and shrubs.
Ecosystem Services Provided:
Water Protection, Filtration, and Control: Water quality- restoring buffers, stream bank stabilization
Total Project Cost: $450,000
Status: Conservation Resources is directly managing this riparian restoration project located in Emerson Woods, a municipal park owned by the Borough of Emerson, Bergen County. CRI has retained Princeton Hydro to design and construct the project, which is being undertaken in collaboration with Emerson Borough and the Bergen Save the Watershed Action Network. Funding for the project was made available to CRI by ERA South, in satisfaction of DEP permit mitigation requirements for a nearby redevelopment project located within the same watershed.
If you would like further information about this project, please contact Conservation Resources.
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Tags: franklin parker small grants program, schiff natural lands trust, wma 08
Posted in agricultural production, biological diversity, climate stabilization and/or air pollution mitigation project, completed projects, franklin parker small grants program, land preservation project, projects funded by conservation resources, recreation & aethestics
In 2010, CRI awarded this project $3,500 through its Franklin Parker Small Grant program.
Pleasant Valley Mills Farm is a working farm and sheep ranch located in Mendham Township. It is a very scenic, highly visible property located on Roxiticus Road. A large portion of the property is forested and adjacent to Schiff Nature Preserve. The forest consists of mature hardwoods. Preservation of these forests would allow Schiff to expand its trail network and incorporate ecological management of this new tract into Schiff’s existing Forest Stewardship Plan.
Preservation of the property through fee-simple purchase and conservation easements would help to complete an open space and farmland preservation greenway stretching from McVickers Preserve to Burnett Brook Natural Area and Mt. Paul County Park. Acquisition would also entail fee-simple acquisition of frontage on the North Branch of the Raritan River, which would increase the public’s access to this C1 stream. Although there are Mendham Township Parks upstream on Burnett Brook and India Brook, the public currently has very little access to the wider and more substantial North Branch as it flows through Morris County. In addition to public access throughout the fee-simple portion of the property, the proposed conservation easement would allow continued agricultural use and contain a dedicated public right-of-way for Patriots’ Path. The farm also serves as a host for children attending summer agricultural camp programs.
Pleasant Valley Mills Farm is identified as the top priority in the Mendham Township Open Space Plan as well as Schiff’s open space conservation plan. The property is held in trust and ultimately will be threatened with development. Schiff Natural Lands Trust is working with the Trust to ensure that the property remains in its natural, historic, and agricultural state into the future through a combination of fee simple and conservation easements.
Ecosystem Services Provided:
Climate Stabilization and Air Pollution Mitigation: Carbon sequestration- avoided deforestation
Water Protection, Filtration and Control: Water quality and quantity- protection of a C1 stream
Biological Diversity: Habitat- protection of headwaters
Agricultural Production: Local agricultural systems- preservation of a suburban working farm
Recreation and Aesthetics: Public access- hiking trails, access to waterfront; Environmental education- summer agricultural camp for children
Total Project Cost: $5.9 million
Status: The project closed and Pleasant Valley Mills Farm was preserved in December of 2012.
If you would like further information about this project, please contact Conservation Resources.
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Tags: flat rock brook nature association, wma 05 (hackensack hudson and pascack)
Posted in franklin parker small grants program, projects funded by conservation resources, recreation & aethestics
Flat Rock Brook Nature Association (FRBNA) is currently implementing the restoration of its Native Habitat Gardens. Gardens around the building and areas within the existing Quarry Boardwalk are being renovated by staff and volunteers to create native gardens that can be used for education and as demonstrations of natural landscapes for homeowners. Educational signage will be installed to help explain about the gardens, the value for wildlife, the plants found in the gardens, the micro-ecosystems present, and other general conservation information.
The Quarry Boardwalk is a 530 foot long trail that is handicap accessible and travels around the heart of the Native Habitat Gardens. The trail is frequently the first trail that visitors walk. The boardwalk is used by those who have trouble walking, parents with strollers, and school groups. Unfortunately, the Quarry Boardwalk has severely deteriorated over the past 25 years and requires replacement. FRBNA seeks to have a design created with technical specifications and a modified site plan which will facilitate the process of creating a new ADA compliant Quarry Boardwalk.
Ecosystem Services Provided:
Water Protection, Filtration, and Control: Water quality- protection of wetland
Recreation and Aesthetics: Public access- ADA-compliant hiking trails
Total Project Cost: (Entire Boardwalk Installation) $175,000
Status: CRI awarded this project a $2500 grant in 2012 as part of its Franklin Parker Small Grants program.
If you would like further information about this project, please contact Conservation Resources.
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Tags: hackensack riverkeeper, wma 05 (hackensack hudson and pascack)
Posted in franklin parker small grants program, projects funded by conservation resources, recreation & aethestics, water protection, filtration, & control
Eco-Cruises raise people’s awareness that the Hackensack River and the waterways of the NY/NJ Harbor Estuary are resources to be protected, preserved and restored. As more people become aware of the river’s potential and its continued recovery, Hackensack Riverkeeper (HR) staff informs them of the continuing threats to the river’s health and engages them in activities to combat those threats. The most egregious sources of pollution such as industrial discharges and open landfills have been mostly eliminated from the watershed but challenges still remain. Hackensack Riverkeeper continues to serve as the river’s primary defender by working to eliminate remaining threats including Combined Sewer Overflows and polluted stormwater runoff. As such, Eco-Cruises are a key component of HR’s environmental educational strategy. Both the Combination Education Program and Urban Watershed Education Program include Eco-Cruises for students.
Hackensack Riverkeeper seeks funding to improve its boat storage facility and to provide outdoor classroom/waiting space for program participants.
Ecosystem Services Provided:
Water Protection, Filtration, and Control: Water quality- protection of NY/NJ Harbor Estuary
Outreach, Recreation, and Aesthetics: Environmental education- workshops, classes
Total Project Cost: $5120
Status: This project was awarded a $3500 grant from CRI’s Franklin Parker Small Grant program in 2012.
If you would like further information about this project, please contact Conservation Resources.
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