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Archive for the 'NRD settlement candidate project' Category
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: 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: new jersey conservation foundation
Posted in land preservation project, NRD settlement candidate project, riparian mitigation candidate project
 Swamp pink photo courtesy of USFWS This 96-acre property, located within the New Jersey Conservation Foundation‘s Burden Hill Project Area, is located in Alloway Township near the Thundergut Pond Wildlife Management Area. It is approximately 80% forested, and contains part of a federally listed Swamp pink (Helonias bullata) population estimated at 1900 plants. It is adjacent to preserved farmland.
In 2008 the NJDEP designated parts of the property as Exceptional value wetlands with some Intermediate value wetlands as well. Important tributaries of Alloway Creek flow through the property, some of which support thriving Swamp pink populations on adjacent parcels of land. This critical forest habitat can support other threatened species as well, such as Red-headed woodpecker, Bald eagle, and Cooper’s hawk.
The United States Fish and Wildlife Service considers this property to be of the highest conservation priority in accordance with its Swamp pink recovery plan.
Ecosystem services provided: groundwater recharge, carbon sequestration, riparian buffer, federal threatened species habitat protection
Total project cost: $997,500
Status: The property owner has filed an application to sell with Green Acres and the Natural Lands Trust. Green Acres is presently unable to move on the property due to unavailability of funding.
If you would like further information about this project, please contact Conservation Resources.
Tags: elizabeth conservancy, franklin parker small grants program, wma 7
Posted in agricultural production, biological diversity, climate stabilization and/or air pollution mitigation project, land preservation project, NRD settlement candidate project, recreation & aethestics
CRI awarded $3,500 to this project in 2010, and $2500 in 2011, through its Franklin Parker Small Grants program.
Acquisition of the Bongiovanni land is desired to conserve / restore green space in Elizabeth and encourage environmental stewardship, children’s natural learning and community gardens. In the city of Elizabeth, New Jersey, land containing fruit trees, flowering trees, and vegetable beds together on a sizable parcel is extremely rare.
The Elizabeth Conservancy (EC) would like to preserve the Bongiovanni property, and maintain its existing trees that have graced the property for many years, while providing beauty and environmental benefits to the community. The EC intends to reintroduce native plant species on the site to attract and support native wildlife and begin re-establishing the biodiversity that once existed in our neighborhoods; then support others to do likewise. Children’s natural learning will be encouraged on site and combined with community gardens. Following land acquisition, a small environmental education center will replace an existing structure. The EC ‘s goal is to model, educate, and create momentum for replication so that open green space/community gathering spots will be multiplied throughout the city.
A half acre of green space on an urban residential street can make a huge difference in quality of life, and as a model, is more easily replicated.
This project site is also valued for the well it contains, which is also extremely rare in Elizabeth. In past years it had been used for watering the family’s vegetable and flower beds. The EC would like to preserve and use it for bed irrigation to conserve water and keep utility bills to a minimum.
Through this project the EC can begin to serve the needs of Elizabeth’s culturally diverse population by providing opportunities for urban children and adults to connect with nature, grow their own food, exercise and improve their health, increase their environmental and gardening knowledge, and strengthen their community at the local neighborhood level. Through the successful implementation of this project the EC can reach out and assist others who would like to do similar work in their neighborhoods, and create momentum for environmental stewardship and healthier living in urban centers.
Ecosystem Services Provided:
Climate Stabilization and Air Pollution Mitigation: Carbon sequestration- avoided deforestation; Physical urban climate moderation/Air quality- community greening project
Biological Diversity: Habitat- urban habitat enhancement
Agricultural Production: Local food systems- urban community gardening
Outreach, Recreation and Aesthetics: Public access to green space, environmental education
Total Project Cost: $ 600,000 – 700,000
Status: All due diligence work has been completed on this project. The Elizabeth Conservancy has received commitment from funders for the full amount needed for the Bongiovanni land acquisition, and is now focusing on money needed for an environmental education center.
If you would like further information about this project, please contact Conservation Resources.
Tags: ridge and valley conservancy, wma 01 (upper delaware)
Posted in biological diversity, climate stabilization and/or air pollution mitigation project, ecological restoration project, land preservation project, NRD settlement candidate project, projects funded by conservation resources, recreation & aethestics, water protection, filtration, & control
In 2009, this project received a $7500 grant from CRI and Elizabethtown Gas through CRI’s Carbon Sequestration and Restoration Grant Program.
The Dark Moon Preserve consists of mixed limestone forest atop dolomite outcrops, agricultural fields, and a riparian corridor. The geology of the site is unusual. Dolomite deposits on the southern part of the preserve stand out in marked relief at elevations higher than the Martinsburg Shale to the west. These give way again to dolomite at the north edge of the preserve where dolomite outcrops and large sinkholes are found.
The forest is a dense mixed deciduous forest with moderate understory. A spring emerges at the eastern edge of the forest, which is part of the headwaters of Trout Brook which flows through the site. The brook flows through the fields with little forested buffer. The site contains the remnants of the Dark Moon archaeological site, a Woodland Period Minisink village. The site has been extensively excavated and documented. Only the mounded remains of the excavation can be found on site.
The site is managed by the Ridge and Valley Conservancy (RVC) as a nature preserve with passive recreation, including hiking, photography, nature study and horse riding. The intact forest will remain in its present condition. The agricultural fields will be converted from the current crop cover to native warm season grasses to promote beneficial insects, ground-water recharge, riparian protection, ground-nesting birds, and raptors.
The Dark Moon Preserve is a demonstration carbon sequestration research site. With funding from Conservation Resources, the Ridge and Valley Conservancy is working with Rutgers University, Newark College of Arts and Sciences, to measure carbon levels in the soil before and after warm-season grasslands are established on the site’s agricultural fields. The baseline readings were completed in the summer of 2010, with follow-up measurements scheduled for 2015.
To date, RVC has planted 28 acres of native grasses, and plans on an additional 6 acres in the Spring of 2011, and has recently removed 7 acres of invasive Autumn Olive.
A trailhead has been constructed that accommodates horse trailers. A horse trail system has been created. A local Eagle Scout erected kiosks that provide information on the preserve, including the archaeological site it contains, a trail map, and information on the benefits of warm season grasses.
Ecosystem Services Provided:
Water Protection, Filtration and Control: Water quality and quantity- protection of groundwater recharge areas
Biological Diversity: Habitat- federal threatened species habitat protection
Climate Stabilization and Air Pollution Mitigation: Carbon sequestration- grassland restoration
Recreation & Aesthetics: Environmental education- trailhead kiosk with map and information about native grasses
Status: The property is managed by Ridge and Valley Conservancy (RVC). Green Township has an interest in stewardship of the site, as they were a participant in the acquisition. RVC has enlisted the assistance of a local land steward who mows trails through the site. The site is under a Green Acres conservation easement. Ridge and Valley Conservancy seeks funds for ongoing stewardship.
If you would like further information about this project, please contact Conservation Resources.
Tags: delaware riverkeeper network, wma 1, wma 11, wma 16 (cape may), wma 17 (maurice salem and cohansey), wma 18 (lower delaware), wma 19, wma 20
Posted in biological diversity, ecological restoration project, franklin parker small grants program, NRD settlement candidate project, projects funded by conservation resources, recreation & aethestics, water protection, filtration, & control
Clean and healthy water in our rivers and streams is critical for thriving ecosystems, healthy human and wildlife communities, and clean drinking water for the Delaware River region. The Delaware Riverkeeper Network (DRN) works to protect the Delaware River and allof its tributary streams from pollution discharges, whether they be small spills or major catastrophic events.
When there is a pollution discharge, every moment counts. It is critical that agencies are alerted immediately; that clean-up efforts are identified and undertaken and when they are failing that the problem is identified and corrected; and that every injured animal and habitat is assisted and documented to ensure their greatest survival and to make sure the polluters are held fully accountable for the harm.
The Delaware River Safe Water Action Team (DR SWAT) is a proactive initiative that includes a structured, permanent, and ongoing water watch and response program, including a DRN Emergency Response Command Center that can kick into high gear at a moment’s notice. This program also includes routine monitoring and vigilance by trained volunteer monitors to ensure that potentially harmful practices and industrial activities are detected and watch-dogged early–to be able to work to avoid catastrophic and more deadly spills down the road by dealing with potential problems and pollution quickly.
DR SWAT will:
- supply agency approved protocols and trained volunteers at the ready in the wake of a catastrophic pollution event;
- coordinate and interact with agency emergency responders in order to inform and expand the success of their effort;
- inform press, public, and decision-makers of ongoing pollution incidents;
- inform the government natural resource damage assessment process;
- effectively engage the public which is energized and concerned in the wake of a catastrophe;
- document the added resources that a volunteer network can bring in the event of a catastrophic pollution incident, in order to encourage the use of this model in other watersheds and communities;
- create a solid and comprehensive watch-dog network of volunteer monitors to perform routine water testing in areas where major threats and impacts are planned or ongoing; and
- collect important stream data to document both acute harm and also long-term health of streams over time. Work with agencies to do the same and fill agency data gaps as budgets tighten.
Ecosystem Services Provided:
Water Protection, Filtration & Control: Water quality- protection of headwaters, wetlands protection, erosion and sedimentation control, best management practices tracking
Biological Diversity: Habitat- federal threatened species habitat protection, protection of aquatic habitat; Ecosystem restoration- cleanup of catastrophic pollution event
Outreach, Recreation & Aesthetics: Environmental education- volunteer training, providing public with information
Total Project Cost: $200,000
CRI has awarded two grants to this project through its Franklin Parker Small Grants program: $3000 in 2008, and $3500 in 2010.
Status: since the project launch date, Delaware Riverkeeper Network has trained over 350 new volunteer monitors to be part of the DR SWAT monitoring team, but more stream sampling stations and volunteers are needed as the Delaware River Basin faces many emerging threats.
If you would like further information about this project, please contact Conservation Resources.
Tags: new jersey conservation foundation, stony brook millstone watershed association
Posted in biological diversity, climate stabilization and/or air pollution mitigation project, completed projects, land preservation project, NRD settlement candidate project
 The Ricciardi Property consists of approximately 14 acres that is located entirely or substantially on the Princeton Ridge, a unique ecological area that extends from the Millstone River and D&R Canal State Park, across the northern region of Princeton Township into Hopewell Township, where it is known locally as the Mount Rose Ridge. This property connects nearly 300 acres of undisturbed, forested habitat on the eastern Princeton Ridge.
Since at least 1959, Princeton’s Master Plan has identified the Princeton Ridge as among the most important and sensitive environmental features in the community. The area contains regionally important forested habitat. According to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, the Ridge’s mature forests provide habitat for several endangered and threatened species, including the Wood turtle, Eastern box turtle (species of concern), Cooper’s hawk, and Barred owl. In addition to the endangered and threatened species, the Ridge provides migration and nesting habitat for a number of migratory birds that require large patches of unfragmented forests to live and breed.
This property was purchased and preserved in August of 2011. Project partners included the Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, New Jersey Conservation Foundation, the Kingston Greenways Association, and Friends of Princeton Open Space. Public agency funding partners include the state Green Acres Program, Mercer County and Princeton Township.
Ecosystem Services Provided:
Climate Stabilization and Air Pollution Mitigation: Carbon sequestration- avoided deforestation
Biological Diversity: Habitat- federal threatened/endangered species habitat protection
Total Project Cost: $3.95 million
Status: This project closed in August of 2011.
If you would like further information about this project, please contact Conservation Resources.
Tags: trust for public land
Posted in climate stabilization and/or air pollution mitigation project, land preservation project, NRD settlement candidate project, recreation & aethestics
Camp Albocondo is a 58-acre former campground in Tom’s River Township on the Manchester border, north of Winding River Park. It has approximately 18-20 developable upland acres plus significant wetlands.
The property encompasses both sides of the Category 1 Toms River and borders Township owned land both to the north and south creating a natural extension of Winding River Park. The property has an in-ground pool and man made lake, as well as several buildings in various conditions. This property has excellent potential to be used as a summer day camp /campground. The site is a well buffered refuge from busy Toms River and contains many mature trees and access to the Toms River. The property is accessed from Whitesville Road and is adjacent to the Boy Scouts of America offices.
The property has a number of buildings, including one habitable house used by a caretaker. There is a second home which is boarded up in poor condition. Other buildings include two cement block restroom facilities, a large barn at the rear of the pool and a trading post/snack bar.
Ecosystem Services Provided:
Climate Stabilization and Pollution Mitigation: Carbon sequestration- Avoided deforestation
Recreation and Aesthetics: Public access- summer day camp
Total Project Cost: The Trust for Public Land needs to raise an additional $2.5 million to preserving this property
Status: Contract signed; appraisals ordered
If you would like further information about this project, please contact Conservation Resources Inc.
Tags: rahway river association, wma 07 (arthur kill)
Posted in biological diversity, ecological restoration project, franklin parker small grants program, NRD settlement candidate project, projects funded by conservation resources, recreation & aethestics
Brightwood Park is a natural oasis in highly developed Westfield, Union County, New Jersey. It consists of mature forest (upland and wetland), wildflower meadow, lakes and lakeshore shrubland communities. All of these habitats are under immediate threat from an overabundance of white-tailed deer, and infestations of invasive plant species.
White-tailed deer are a very significant problem at Brightwood Park and their removal of much of the native forest understory facilitates invasive species infestations. Numerous native trees, shrubs and herbs show severe deer browse damage (deer preferentially eat native species relative to invasive species). Sun gaps in the tree canopy typically support the growth of young trees that regenerate the forest. However, deer browsing is eliminating growth of new trees — if left unchecked, forest cover will ultimately be eliminated at the Park. The extent of invasive species infestation at Brightwood Park is significant.
The Rahway River Association hopes to accomplish the following goals with this restoration: 
- Eliminate deer browse impacts on habitat with creation of deer exclosure
- Eradicate emerging populations of invasive species
- Reduce private landowner use of invasive species through outreach to Westfield residents
- Encourage volunteer stewardship and study of Brightwood Park by local students (K-12)
- Maintain invasive-free areas
- Initiate a consistent annual volunteer effort toward reduction of invasive species throughout the Park
- Foster native forest regeneration through removal of invasive canopy trees
- Create wildflower meadow in the 1-acre area near the parking lot and lake
- Restore lakeshore shrubland community between the lake and wildflower meadow
- Restore health of lakes by developing and implementing engineering plans to eliminate lake eutrophication
- Restore health of lakes by controlling the resident Canada goose population
Ecosystem Services Provided:
Biological Diversity: Habitat-federal threatened/endangered species habitat protection; Ecosystem restoration- invasive plant removal, native flora restoration
Outreach, Recreation and Aesthetics: Environmental education- outreach to residents, volunteer training
Total Project Cost: $242,400
Status: CRI provided a $4,000 grant for this project in 2007 through its Franklin Parker Small Grants program.
If you would like further information about this project, contact Conservation Resources Inc.
Tags: u.s. fish and wildlife service
Posted in biological diversity, ecological restoration project, NRD settlement candidate project, recreation & aethestics, riparian mitigation candidate project, water protection, filtration, & control, wetlands mitigation project
The Mill Dam Fish Passage Restoration Project will install a denil-type fish ladder within the Mill Dam to provide access to spawning and rearing habitat for migrating fish and would benefit migratory fish populations that historically spawned in the Rancocas River including: alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus), blueback herring (Alosa aestivalis), American shad (Alosa sapidissima), and American eel (Anguilla rostrata). The fish ladder at Mill Dam would provide access to approximately 11 miles of spawning habitat for alewife, American shad, and American eel.
Currently, alewife are able to use the Rancocas River up to Mill Dam. However, alewife are prevented from using areas upstream of the Mill Dam due to the obstruction. As a result of the Mill Dam, hundreds of alewife congregate at the base of the dam every spring during the spawning run. In addition, a fish ladder was constructed at the Smithville Dam approximately 5 miles upstream in anticipation of fish passage being provided at Mill Dam. The land use around the Rancocas River includes agriculture, open space, and residential and commercial development.
Improving migratory fish access into the Rancocas River will enhance the biological diversity of the riverine ecosystem, also benefitting wading birds and other wetland-dependent wildlife species. As studies have shown, the reintroduction of herring populations through spawning runs not only makes available the juvenile herrings as a food supply for other marine or freshwater fish, but other life stages of the herring provide additional foraging opportunities for birds, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals. Thus, the number of fish species and piscivorous birds upstream of the dam will rise due to the overall improvement in the health of the Rancocas River’s riparian system as natural aquatic food webs are rebuilt.
Recreational fishing opportunities for the public will increase with future “herring runs.” The recreational fishery for striped bass (Morone saxatilius) will benefit from the increases in aquatic biodiversity and forage fish populations. A variety of warm-water fish (e.g., chain pickerel (Esox niger), smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu), largemouth bass (M. salmoides)) will feed on alewife, thus providing recreational fishing opportunities for both anadromous and warm-water fisheries.
Ecosystem Services Provided:
Biological Diversity: Ecosystem restoration- restoring spawning grounds, restoring forage for upstream species
Recreation and Aesthetics: Public access- recreational fishing
Total Project Cost: $500,000
Status: The project has completed conceptual designs and is finalizing engineering designs for the project. Project construction can begin when funding sources are in place.
If you would like further information about this project, contact Conservation Resources.
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