In 2011, CRI awarded this project $4,000 through its Franklin Parker Small Grant program.
The proposed project is to design, construct, and plant a scrub/shrub coastal maritime forest with indigenous coastal species on a barren dirt lot located between the Bradley Beach Boardwalk and Ocean Avenue. The lot is composed of hard-packed dirt and is used for summer staff parking, winter storage of beach equipment, gravel pile placement, and access to the beach for heavy equipment and emergency vehicles. The project would provide valuable forage and staging habitat for coastal residents and migratory avian and insect species and other coastal detritivores. As part of the project, an ancillary boardwalk consisting of eco-friendly materials will be incorporated into the design to provide public and handicap access from the existing boardwalk, through the coastal maritime forest, to the adjacent Fletcher Lake Park. In addition, stabilization and re-vegetation of the shorelines directly adjacent to the proposed maritime forest (approximately 100’ feet on each side of an existing flume bordering Lake Fletcher) will be completed.
The maritime forest will provide 0.4 acres of valuable coastal and beach/back dune habitat for resident and migratory birds and insects (monarch butterflies, dragonflies), forage base (fruits and berries) for important coastal species, refuge from predators during migration, and staging areas for herons and egrets. The project will also provide enhanced storm and flood protection to local residents, and improved lake water quality and coastal/marine habitat through the elimination of runoff associated with the existing lot and increasing infiltration, as well as the natural treatment of approximately 430,125 gallons of runoff annually. Improvements to water quality and the stabilization/ re-vegetation of the shoreline directly adjacent to the forest will also assist in improving critical resident and migratory fish habitat and will improve the aquatic environment of finfish and shellfish utilization.
Ecosystem Services Provided:
Climate Stabilization and Air Pollution Mitigation: Carbon sequestration- afforestation using scrub/shrub coastal maritime species
Water Protection, Filtration & Control: Water quality and flood control-reduction of runoff, improved infiltration
Biological Diversity: Habitat-improved habitat for migratory birds, insects, migratory fish, finfish, and shellfish
Recreation and Aesthetics: Public access- eco-friendly boardwalk provides public and handicap access from existing boardwalk through forest to adjacent park
Total Project Cost: $50,000-75,000
Status: The project is supported by project partners: Coastal America Foundation, NJ Corporate Wetlands Restoration Partnership, the Borough of Bradley Beach, the Bradley Beach Environmental Commission and Shade Tree Commission, NOAA, EPA, US Fish and Wildlife, National Park Service, NJDEP, Monmouth County, Pinelands Nursery and Supply, the American Littoral Society, and the US Army Corps of Engineers. In-kind services and labor will be provided by the Borough of Bradley Beach. The town will do permitting, construction, plantings, etc. The survey is complete, and further funding is needed for design and materials. Some materials will be donated.
If you would like further information about this project, please contact Conservation Resources.
