|
|
|
Archive for the 'climate stabilization and/or air pollution mitigation project' Category
Tags: ny-nj baykeeper, wma 12 (monmouth)
Posted in climate stabilization and/or air pollution mitigation project, franklin parker small grants program, land preservation project, projects funded by conservation resources, recreation & aethestics
In 2011, CRI awarded this project $4000 through its Franklin Parker Small Grant program.
The Waackaack Creek Greenway provides habitat to a variety of shore birds, wading birds, crabs, and various fish species. Great Blue herons, great egrets, red-winged blackbirds, fiddler crabs and killifish are in regular view onsite. At nearby Natco Lake there is a heron rookery for Black and (state threatened) Yellow-crowned night herons. The area benefits from on-going monitoring by NJ Audubon who has been a strong advocate for preserving Waackaack Creek and surrounding habitat.
Funds are needed for the acquisition, maintenance and improvements of properties comprising the Waackaack Creek Greenway. For several years, Baykeeper has worked closely with the local communities to create the Greenway, which is now in various phases. As Baykeeper moves to acquire the remaining parcels, they look towards establishing continuity amongst the sites with signage and trail linkages, as well as critical stewardship funding to ensure appropriate management of these sites for the future.
The project includes:
- funding for the previously acquired Bachstadt property to develop a Stewardship Plan,
- acquisition soft costs for the McNamee property, and
- improvements and signage for the previously acquired Mahoras property.
Ecosystem Services Provided:
Climate Stabilization and Air Pollution Mitigation: Carbon sequestration- avoided deforestation
Recreation and Aesthetics: Public access- hiking trails
Total Project Cost: not yet available
Status: The Port Authority of NY/NJ generously provided the majority of the acquisition costs for these properties. Additional funding was from the Friends of Holmdel Open Space, NY/NJ Baykeeper, NJDEP Green Acres, Monmouth County, and Hazlet and Holmdel Townships.
If you would like further information about this project, please contact Conservation Resources.
Tags: natural lands trust, wma 18 (lower delaware)
Posted in biological diversity, climate stabilization and/or air pollution mitigation project, ecological restoration project, land preservation project, NRD settlement candidate project, recreation & aethestics
From the 1930′s until 2003, this property was maintained as the Salem Country Club which offered both a 9-hole golf course and tennis courts. The club ceased active operation a few years ago and, with the cessation of mowing, is now emerging as early successional habitat. A section southwest of the golf course consists of farmland, wetlands and woodland with residential properties around it. The tree and shrub species in the golf course area are a mix of natives and exotics. Warm season grasses are beginning to establish themselves within the dominant carpet of cool season grasses in the old fairways and greens, and many tree seedlings are sprouting through the cool season grass carpet.
This property is bound to the west by the Delaware River, with about 600’ of river frontage. The scenic view along the Delaware River is spectacular. Pea Patch Island and historic Fort Delaware (where the largest heron rookery north of Florida is located) can be seen, as well as Fort Mott State Park in New Jersey and the more industrial State of Delaware shoreline. Immediately across the river on the Delaware side can be seen the entrance to the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal. A protective berm defines the property line along the river, and the brown sand beach is accessible during low and mid-tide periods.
The owners are long-time supporters of the Natural Lands Trust, and would like to see paths for public use mowed through the area, and have volunteered – even after the property is preserved – to assist with this task.
Ecosystem Services Provided:
Climate Stabilization and Air Pollution Mitigation: Carbon sequestration- reforestation
Biological Diversity: Habitat- grassland ecosystem restoration
Recreation and Aesthetics: Public access- hiking trails, access to waterfront
Total Project Cost: $500,000
Status: Immediately after purchasing the property in April of 2011, the landowners submitted an NJDEP Green Acres application to explore preservation funding options, and also contacted NLT staff. A Phase One assessment was completed by the landowners, with no significant hazards found. Assessment must be updated by NLT.
If you would like further information about this project, please contact Conservation Resources.
Tags: friends of hopewell valley open space, wma 11 (central delaware)
Posted in biological diversity, climate stabilization and/or air pollution mitigation project, ecological restoration project, projects funded by conservation resources
CRI awarded this project a $68,100 grant in 2011 through its RPWHP Grant Program.
The project will directly restore forest on 40 acres of abandoned agricultural fields at the Hollystone Preserve, which is part of the Baldpate Mountain Ecosystem – the largest contiguous forest area in the Hopewell Valley. The Preserve is co-owned by the State of New Jersey, Mercer County, Hopewell Township and Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space (FoHVOS).
The project area has been identified as an important forest conservation area by RPWHP. This project is an expansion of efforts previously funded by RPWHP, whihc included the restoration of over eight acres at the summit of Baldpate Mountain performed by FoHVOS and Mercer County in 2010.
The components of the project include:
- Soil restoration- soil testing will be used to guide the restoration process with the goal of mimicking soil conditions in adjacent native forest. FoHVOS will work with experts and contractors to develop precise soil restoration prescriptions and perform soil restoration activities.
- Deer Exclosure Fencing- exclosure fencing, installed by a contractor, will be maintained for a minimum of 10 years to allow dense, native woody plant growth to form. At that point, deer will not be able to have a significant impact on continued plant growth.
- Native Plantings- the short term goal is to provide high quality early to mid-successional habitat by installing a variety of species that require open habitat. Ecologically healthy and diverse meadow and shrubland communities are exceptionally rare on the landscape and this project will support many elements of the native flora and fauna for several decades. Native trees and shrubs of mature forests will be planted in smaller quantities than early to mid-successional species because natural dispersal from nearby habitats is expected to occur over time.
- Heavy Invasive Species Clearing- Eight acres of the project area are currently infested by dense, woody invasive species. Mercer County staff will utilize heavy equipment to clear the vegetation. Cutting , followed by soil restoration activities, is expected to control nearly all invasive species currently present.
Ecosystem Services Provided:
Climate Stabilization and Air Pollution Mitigation: Carbon sequestration- reforestation
Biological Diversity: Ecosystem restoration- soil enhancement, restoring native plant ecosystem
Total Project Cost: $136,200
Status: Soil restoration will be conducted in late Spring 2012, followed by installation of deer fencing in Summer 2012. Native plants will be planted in Fall 2012 and Spring 2013.
If you would like further information about this project, please contact Conservation Resources.
Tags: d&r greenway land trust, wma 10
Posted in biological diversity, climate stabilization and/or air pollution mitigation project, ecological restoration project, projects funded by conservation resources
In 2011, this project received a $7,500 grant through CRI’s Carbon Sequestration and Restoration Grant Program.
The J. Seward Johnson Sr. Woodland Preserve is a 14-acre nature preserve located in Princeton, NJ. While the Preserve’s canopy trees are notably diverse, the shrub and herbaceous layers have been degraded by Princeton’s historic overpopulation of deer, and a resulting invasion of non-native plant species, including large populations of several emerging-invasive shade-tolerant shrubs, most notably Oriental Photinia. Through a 3-acre fenced exclosure, and planting of a native shrub understory comprised of 1800 shrubs, grasses, sedges, and wildflowers, D&R Greenway intends to guarantee the future carbon-sequestering capacity of the preserve. These plants will be sourced in large part from D&R Greenway’s own Native Plant Nursery, and will be custom grown for the site from local-ecotypic wild seed collections. 
D&R Greenway will also conduct Early Detection/Rapid Response surveys and eradications across the entire 14-acre preserve, removing thousands of stems of Oriental photinia and other emerging invasive plants, in partnership with the New Jersey Invasive Species Strike Team. The innovative nature of this restoration, in a fragmented suburban woods burdened by emerging invasive species and a high deer population, suggests this project as an ideal model for future restorations in similar contexts region-wide.
Effectiveness of carbon sequestration will be measured by comparing a stem count of native saplings within the deer-excluded area to a similar three-acre area of the preserve, which will remain unfenced and unplanted, five years after planting. Saplings will be defined as tree species at breast height or above, less than 3” dbh. Amount of carbon sequestered will be based on biomass extrapolations for these saplings; the true carbon sequestration impact of these trees will be in the long-term, as they replace the existing canopy trees over time.
Ecosystem Services Provided:
Climate Stabilization and Air Pollution Mitigation: Carbon sequestration- reforestation
Biological Diversity: Ecosystem restoration- invasive plant removal and ecosystem management
Total Project Cost: $25,350
Status: D&R Greenway will be erecting fencing and controlling for invasives this winter, and planting during the 2012 growing season.
If you would like further information about this project, please contact Conservation Resources.
Tags: new jersey conservation foundation, wma 08 (north and south branch raritan)
Posted in agricultural production, climate stabilization and/or air pollution mitigation project, land preservation project, NRD settlement candidate project, recreation & aethestics
The Hill & Dale Preserve is located in Tewksbury Township, Hunterdon County. It provides magnificent and sweeping views of preserved farmland and distant mountain ranges, including Round Valley Reservoir.
The first 115 acres of the new Hill & Dale Preserve at the base of Hell Mountain were acquired by New Jersey Conservation Foundation. Conservation Resources helped facilitate a large grant to this project from a previously collected Natural Resource Damage Settlement. To read the press release, click here.
Project History
New Jersey Conservation Foundation (NJCF) has been looking for a preserve in its Black River Greenway project area that would host both natural and agricultural components representative of the region. This property meets their criteria. If NJCF could acquire this whole site, then they would intend to convert the lower agricultural land to an organic farming operation, while some of the more steeply sloping fields would be converted to conservation land for passive recreation. The hayed areas towards the top would likely be converted to warm-season grasslands, and would include hiking trails where visitors could enjoy distant views.
The property has been of critical local interest for many years, and nonprofits and the local government have sought to preserve it for over a decade. The Garden State Greenways project identified the property as containing both Critical Resource: Agriculture and Grasslands, as well as providing a Critical Connector. Tewksbury’s Open Space Plan identifies parcels of greater than 30 acres in size (p.140) The plan proposes to carry out the Township’s policy to preserve open space by evaluating these parcels based on several criteria, including the following which the property meets: aquifer recharge, presence of freshwater wetland, unique wildlife and plant habitats, mature woodlands, headwater streams, steep slopes, aesthetic views and vistas, accessibility to the public, suitability for multiple types of uses, sustainability of the property’s intended use, and opportunity for preservation. The Township plan encourages preservation of large interconnected natural areas. Preservation of this property, nestled between the Township’s Hell Mountain Preserve and the Rothpletz farm, certainly meets this goal. The County plan recommends collaboration with nonprofits and others in the conservation of priority lands in conservation zones. The County Park Plan encourages protection of meadows of significant size (25 acres or more) to provide habitat to grassland bird species, and encourages 200 foot or larger buffers to streams, which would be afforded by preserving this property. Furthermore, the Hunterdon County Planning Board identified Hell Mountain as the area in Hunterdon County with the highest Natural Resource Score, based on its groundwater recharge, significant forest cover and significant habitat for rare plant species.
Ecosystem Services Provided:
Climate Stabilization and Air Pollution Mitigation: Carbon sequestration- avoided deforestation, grassland restoration
Water Protection, Filtration and Control: Water quantity- protection of groundwater recharge areas
Agricultural Production: Local food systems- organic agriculture
Recreation and Aesthetics: Public access- hiking trails
Total Project Cost: $7,100,000
If you would like further information about this project, please contact Conservation Resources.
Tags: conserve wildlife foundation, wma 15 (great egg harbor)
Posted in biological diversity, climate stabilization and/or air pollution mitigation project, ecological restoration project
The Conserve Wildlife Foundation (CWF) is planning to restore the 24-acre Shaw property, part of the Tuckahoe Wildlife Management Area in Upper Township, Cape May County, NJ. Essential to this restoration will be the removal of Autumn olive and Phragmites, two invasive species that are prevalent in the wetland habitat. They also plan to remove debris from the property, do some minimal grading, and reforest the site with native trees and shrubs that provide food and cover to wildlife. They will focus on restoring early-successional and forested habitats to provide habitat for wildlife, especially migratory songbirds. The site will be monitored for at least three years following the restoration.
Ecosystem Services Provided:
Climate Stabilization and Air Pollution Mitigation: Carbon sequestration- reforestation
Biological Diversity: Habitat- scrub-shrub habitat for migratory songbirds; Ecosystem restoration- invasive plant removal
Total project cost: $204,050
Status: The CWF is seeking funding to carry out this project.
If you would like further information about this project, please contact Conservation Resources.
Tags: new jersey conservation foundation, wma 20 (assiscunk crosswicks and doctors)
Posted in climate stabilization and/or air pollution mitigation project, land preservation project, recreation & aethestics, water protection, filtration, & control
This 20-acre property is a key link in the Allentown Historic Greenbelt and the Crosswicks Creek/Doctors Creek Watershed Greenway Plan, a plan devised by the Crosswicks Creek/Doctors Creek Watershed Regional Greenway Planning Group. It offers a scenic vista and gateway to Allentown and the region. The historic house is a community landmark that reminds citizens and visitors of the region’s history as a backdrop for Revolutionary War activity. A local citizens group is working to preserve a greenway commemorating the region’s historic legacy, referred to as the Allentown Historic Greenbelt, with this property featured as key to the integrity of the Greenbelt.
The property links with adjacent preserved lands, creating a greenway for healthier habitat. The land is identified in the Crosswicks/Doctors Creek Watershed Greenway Plan as well as the Township of Robbinsville’s Land Preservation Plan. The connected system of lands will create an opportunity for a trails network. With few wetlands, the property can support a variety of recreation activities.
The land buffers Indian Run, a tributary to Doctors Creek to Crosswicks Creek which outlets into the Delaware River through the Hamilton Trenton marsh. Flooding along Indian Run severely impacts the drinking water supply of Allentown Borough. Preservation of this land would help protect the drinking water supply from further degradation.
Ecosystem Services Provided:
Climate Stabilization and Air Pollution Mitigation: Carbon sequestration- avoided deforestation
Water Protection, Filtration and Control: Water quality- protection of wetlands, water supply
Recreation and Aesthetics: Public access- hiking trails as part of historic greenbelt
Total Project Cost: $4,075,000
Status: This property is under option with the private landowner. One appraisal has been completed, and a CMV is underway.
If you would like further information about this project, please contact Conservation Resources.
Tags: new jersey conservation foundation, south jersey land & water trust
Posted in biological diversity, climate stabilization and/or air pollution mitigation project, land preservation project, water protection, filtration, & control
Maple Ridge is a 113-acre former golf course that straddles the Mantua Creek in Deptford and Mantua Townships, Gloucester County. The property serves as excellent wildlife habitat and helps protect the water resources of the Mantua Creek watershed. The site is just upstream from the Wenonah Ravine Natural Heritage Priority Site, a wooded ravine featuring a critically imperiled tree species. Preservation would help establish conservation linkages up and down the stream corridor. Successful preservation of Maple Ridge would provide a host of recreational, educational, economic and sustainable growth services to the region. It is well positioned for a park of regional significance in an area that has experienced significant growth in recent years. In fact, conservation efforts need to move quickly as the property has obtained preliminary local approvals for 123 housing units.
Ecosystem Services Provided:
Climate Stabilization and Air Pollution Mitigation: Carbon sequestration- avoided deforestation
Biological Diversity: Preservation of critically imperiled tree species
Water Protection, Filtration, and Control: Water quality- protection of headwaters
Total Project Cost: $5 million
Status: Project partners include The New Jersey Conservation Foundation, the Friends of Maple Ridge, and the South Jersey Land and Water Trust. The Friends of Maple Ridge organization is exploring all potential funding sources from government grants to private fundraising. At this time, no funding commitments have been secured.
If you would like further information about this project, please contact Conservation Resources.
Tags: new jersey audubon society
Posted in agricultural production, biological diversity, climate stabilization and/or air pollution mitigation project, projects funded by conservation resources
In 2010, this project received a $6,500 grant from CRI, Elizabethtown Gas, and PSEG through CRI’s Carbon Sequestration and Restoration Grant Program.
The New Jersey Audubon Society (NJAS) is working with a group of farmers to develop black oil sunflower seed as a specialty crop that can be sold as a Jersey Grown birdseed. As part of the project, NJAS trademarked a brand for the birdseed – S.A.V.E.TM, Support Agricultural Viability and the Environment. The project’s goals are to create a financially attractive niche crop for farmers and produce a “greener” birdseed with a reduced carbon footprint that uses product revenues to restore and manage 1 acre of grassland habitat for every 5 acres planted to sunflowers.
A significant component of the project’s attempt to reduce the crop’s carbon footprint is the use of biochar on the crops and restored grasslands. Biochar is a charcoal-based compound that is exposed to beneficial soil microbes prior to its direct application to the soil. The biochar is purported to help rebuild the soil’s organic layer, retain moisture, thus helping crops withstand drought, and harbor beneficial soil micorrhizae that can reduce the amount of artificial fertilizers and water that growing plants need. By taking annual soil samples and sending them for testing, NJAS is measuring the impacts of the use of biochar on cropped soils and restoration sites. Because the biochar decomposes very slowly and is not washed or leached from the soil, its use can help “seed” excess carbon into the soil for decades or more.
Ecosystem Services Provided:
Climate Stabilization and Air Pollution Mitigation: Carbon sequestration- carbon-based research for sequestering carbon in the soil
Agricultural Production: Soils- soil enhancement; Local agricultural systems- promoting local birdseed crops
Biological Diversity: Habitat- create habitat for grassland bird species
Total Project Cost: $120,000
Status: Funding for the grassland restoration onsite has come from a number of sources: NRCS Conservation Innovation Grant – $52,000 (this includes the grassland restoration and start-up costs associated with initiating production of black oil sunflowers for birdseed), Merck, Inc. – $18,000 for grassland restoration, CRI/Doris Duke Charitable Foundation – $35,260 (for restoration of grasslands on Merck Tract for RPWHP project). $75,000 is currently needed for equipment, and to retain a project coordinator.
If you would like further information about this project, please contact Conservation Resources.
Tags: carbon sequestration and restoration grant program, conserve wildlife foundation, wma 16 (cape may)
Posted in biological diversity, climate stabilization and/or air pollution mitigation project, ecological restoration project, projects funded by conservation resources, recreation & aethestics
In 2010, this project received a $5,000 grant from CRI, Elizabethtown Gas, and PSEG through CRI’s Carbon Sequestration and Restoration Grant Program.
The Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey (CWF) is helping to restore habitat for migratory birds in one of the best birding regions in the world– Cape May, New Jersey. CWF is working with the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife to reforest fairways and create habitat to encourage wildlife, and wildlife-watching, at a former golf course called Ponderlodge. During the spring and fall the Cape May Peninsula, at the southern tip of New Jersey, plays an essential role in providing habitat for wildlife to rest and refuel. Each year, millions of migrating songbirds, raptors, and shorebirds are funneled into the Lower Peninsula during fall migration.
This important stopover site on the Cape May Peninsula was purchased by New Jersey’s Green Acres Program in February 2006 and it is now managed by the New Jersey Fish and Wildlife (NJDFW). As its name suggests, this property was a functioning golf course just prior to being purchased for open space. After being purchased, it was instantly prized by residents and outdoor enthusiasts for its size, location, and recreational opportunities. However, in its current state, the 253-acre site has limited value to wildlife because of the low-quality habitat left behind from the golf course operations. Remnants of the golf course, including a lodge, a burned down mansion, paved trails, and many ponds and sand traps remain.
Forested habitat on site is fragmented with little understory vegetation. Forests provide critical habitat for migratory birds for use as stopover habitat and for nesting. Restoration of these forests will also increase the minimum patch size requirements to provide suitable habitat for several species of endangered and threatened birds, including the red-shouldered hawk, Cooper’s hawk, and barred owl. Endangered amphibian species, like the eastern tiger salamander and southern gray treefrog, that utilize ponds with adjacent forests will also benefit from this project.
CWF has used NJDFW’s Habitat Restoration Plan to help guide efforts at Ponderlodge to enhance the site to benefit wildlife, especially migratory birds. While the focus has primarily been on the restoration of wildlife habitat, CWF also realizes that their reforestation efforts are capturing carbon from the atmosphere. They will calculate the amount of carbon that is being captured from their reforestation efforts at Ponderlodge.
Ecosystem Services Provided:
Climate Stabilization and Air Pollution Mitigation: Carbon sequestration- reforestation
Biological Diversity: Habitat- protection of habitat for endangered/threatened species
Recreation and Aesthetics: Environmental education- Backyard habitat demonstration site
Total Project Cost: $30,000
Status: Since acquisition, CWF has worked with NJDFW to restore and reforest approximately 5 acres and enhance 12 acres of native warm season grasses. They have funding to create a “Backyard Habitat Demonstration Site” which will help educate local residents on the importance of using native species that provide habitat for migratory birds by providing food and cover. Funding will be needed in winter of 2011 to help purchase materials for the intended restoration activities on site.
If you would like further information about this project, please contact Conservation Resources.
|
|
|
