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Archive for the 'wetlands mitigation project' Category
Tags: u.s. fish and wildlife service
Posted in NRD settlement candidate project, biological diversity, ecological restoration 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 now finalizing engineering designs for the project. Project construction can begin as early as Spring 2010 with funding sources in place.
If you would like further information about this project, contact Conservation Resources Inc.
Tags: rahway river association, wma 07 (arthur kill)
Posted in biological diversity, climate stabilization and/or air pollution mitigation project, ecological restoration project, projects funded by conservation resources, riparian mitigation candidate project, water protection, filtration, & control, wetlands mitigation project
In 2008, CRI facilitated a $42,000 payment for this project from a previously collected NRD settlement.
This exciting project will restore a portion of the headwaters of the Rahway River.
Over the past several years, Millburn Township has been working with USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) to design a stream restoration project that would reduce stormwater runoff and restore the historic hydrology at Old Short Hills Park. The project includes creating a meandering stream that will connect two existing ponds and replacing an existing water control structure. The new stream will be lined with attractive native wetland trees, shrubs, wildflowers, and grasses. The project also entails removing silt from one of the ponds to restore original depth in order to improve water quality and habitat for native aquatic species.
Ecosystem Services Provided:
Climate Stabilization and Air Pollution Mitigation: Carbon sequestration- aforestation
Water Protection, Filtration, and Control: Water quality and quantity- wetland restoration, protection of headwaters, riparian land protection
Biological Diversity: habitat- protecting aquatic and riparian habitat, ecosystem restoration
Total Project Cost: $94,300
In 2008, Conservation Resources Inc. helped to facilitate a $42,000 contribution to this project from the NJDEP Office of Natural Resource Restoration.
Status: Project is fully funded and restoration is underway.
If you would like further information about this project, contact Conservation Resources.
Tags: musconetcong watershed association
Posted in biological diversity, ecological restoration project, recreation & aethestics, riparian mitigation candidate project, water protection, filtration, & control, wetlands mitigation project
The Musconetcong River runs 42 miles from Lake Hopatcong to the Delaware River, the longest undammed river east of the Mississippi. Over 24 miles of the Musconetcong River are designated as part of the National Wild and Scenic River System due to the remarkable recreational and scenic characteristics of this watercourse. It is the existence of the Warren Glen Dam that ends a 20 mile stretch of this Wild and Scenic River. The Musconetcong River Restoration Partnership believes that the removal of the Warren Glen and Hughesville Dams would add up to 6 additional miles of river to the National Wild and Scenic River System.
The goal of this project is to complete a feasibility study to evaluate restoration and engineering requirements for the Warren Glen and Hughesville Dam removals, and to complete removal of the remnants of the Rieglesville Dam. The feasibility study will include a survey of the dams, including impoundments and extensive diversions, sediment survey and analysis, and a conceptual design of restoration at Warren Glen and Hughesville Dams.
The successful completion of this project will improve fish passage, restore natural sediment transfer, restore floodplain wetlands, improve water quality, restore aquatic habitat, improve forage for raptors, and reduce public safety risk.
Ecosystem Services Provided:
Water Protection, Filtration, and Control: Water quality-protection of headwaters, wetland restoration; Water quantity-restoration of natural water flow, increased aquatic habitat
Biological Diversity: Habitat- extend aquatic habitat for fish spawning and raptor forage
Recreation and Aesthetics: expand area designated as part of National Wild and Scenic River system
Total Project Cost: $571,169
Status: The Musconetcong River Restoration Partnership is seeking matching funds in the amount of $50,000. Non-federal matching funds will help the Partnership’s application to the NOAA Open Rivers Initiative Grant Program to compete for funding.
If you would like further information about this project, contact Conservation Resources Inc.
Tags: great egg harbor watershed association, wma 15 (great egg harbor)
Posted in NRD settlement candidate project, biological diversity, ecological restoration project, projects funded by conservation resources, water protection, filtration, & control, wetlands mitigation project
Between 1977 and 1982, approximately 1.5 miles of flat un-channeled wetlands from Cologne Avenue to Babcock Creek were illegally channelized and diverted to drain hundreds of acres of wetlands. After the creation of this huge ditching system with levees on both sides, the water table has been lowered and the adjacent wetlands have been separated from the flood plain. This modified hydrology and stream flow is causing water quality degradation to Adams Branch, Babcock Creek and Babcock Swamp, which are parts of the Pinelands National Reserve, the National Wild and Scenic River System, Makepeace Wildlife Management Area, and Atlantic County’s new 700 acre Cologne Park.
The goals of this project are to improve water quality and enhance stream corridor and wetlands habitat for aquatic life, fish, and other wildlife. A restoration plan must be developed that will specify the implementation of small scale projects along the length of the ditched reach of Adams Branch. This could include bank grading and the installation of cross vanes, log weirs, root wads, ditch plugs, brush sills or fascine sills, and live stakes and tubelings that could be utilized to adjust morphologic features, connect the channel to the floodplain, slow flows, and create habitat.
Ecosystem Services Provided:
Water Protection, Filtration, and Control: Water quality- protection of headwaters, coastal ecological restoration project, filtration and sediment control; Water quantity- stormwater management; Flood control- flood plain management
Biological Diversity: Habitat- protection of aquatic ecosystem, fish habitat enhancement
Total Project Cost: $38,900
In 2009, CRI awarded the Great Egg Harbor Watershed Association a $3,500 grant for this project through its Franklin Parker Small Grants program.
Status: A restoration design proposal for $23,900 has been secured, and funding outreach is now underway.
If you would like further information about this project, contact Conservation Resources Inc.
Tags: conserve wildlife foundation
Posted in biological diversity, climate stabilization and/or air pollution mitigation project, ecological restoration project, wetlands mitigation project
The habitat in the “triangle” at Malibu Beach Wildlife Management Area currently has little to no value to many species of wildlife, especially migratory songbirds. Adjacent beaches are critical feeding and resting areas for migratory, breeding, and wintering shorebirds. The New Jersey Department of Transportation restored portions of the beach by removing invasive species and establishing native species to provide habitat for wildlife. However, this upland site has been proposed for use as a dredge disposal site, which would have no value to wildlife.
Studies have shown that migratory songbirds rely on coastal maritime forests for food and cover during fall migration. However, like most other areas along the entire east coast of New Jersey, the remaining forests on barrier islands are severely degraded or completely missing. The need for more “islands” of maritime forest along the Atlantic Coast is crucial to protect the high numbers of songbirds that migrate along the coast of New Jersey each year.
Ecosystem Services Provided:
Climate Stabilization and Air Pollution Mitigation: Carbon sequestration- reforestation
Biological Diversity: Habitat- restoration of maritime forest habitat
Total Project Cost: $227,500
Status: Conserve Wildlife Foundation of NJ would like to complete invasive plant removal, replanting of native foliage, and vertebrate monitoring by 2012.
If you would like further information about this project, contact Conservation Resources Inc.
Tags: new jersey conservation foundation, wma 14 (mullica)
Posted in biological diversity, climate stabilization and/or air pollution mitigation project, ecological restoration project, water protection, filtration, & control, wetlands mitigation project
The headwaters of the Wading River Watershed originally supported extensive stands of Atlantic White Cedar forest, before conversion to agriculture during the first half of the 20th Century. Based on historical map sources, aerial photos, soil type, and the continued existence of adjacent stands of Atlantic White Cedar, the New Jersey Conservation Foundation has identified 300 acres suitable for planting of Atlantic White Cedar seedlings in wetlands where hydrology is measured to be appropriate for supporting this diminished habitat type.
The planting sites are all former agricultural areas that currently are–or in the near future will be– part of a wetlands restoration project. NJCF’s goal is not to convert existing native plant communities, but rather to restore areas that have already been highly modified.
- All Atlantic White Cedar seedlings will be grown from local seed collected on the Franklin Parker Preserve;
- All planting sites would be completely enclosed in deer fencing in units of approximately 25 – 50 acres per enclosure, and fencing would be removed once seedlings have grown to a safe height;
- Primary control of competition from red maple, pitch pine, or other tree species would be clipping via volunteer labor.
- It is the policy of NJCF that no Atlantic White Cedar harvest, salvage or otherwise, will ever be undertaken at Franklin Parker Preserve. The sole purpose for this restoration is to re-establish historic locations of Atlantic White Cedar cover type in the headwaters of the Wading River watershed, and to allow natural processes to dictate the ecological trajectory of these habitats over time.
Ecosystem Services Provided:
Water Protection, Filtration & Control: Water quantity- protection of headwaters
Climate Stabilization and Air Pollution Mitigation: Carbon sequestration- reforestation
Biological Diversity: Habitat- federal threatened species habitat protection; Ecosystem restoration
Total Project Cost: $330,000
Status: Planting sites have been identified within the Franklin Parker Preserve.
If you would like further information about this project, please contact Conservation Resources Inc.
Tags: new jersey conservation foundation, wma 17 (maurice salem and cohansey)
Posted in NRD settlement candidate project, agricultural production, biological diversity, land preservation project, water protection, filtration, & control, wetlands mitigation project
The 463-acre Fichera property sits on the northern reaches of the Mannington Meadow, one of the most important migratory waterfowl habitats on the entire Atlantic Flyway. It is surrounded by tidal meadowlands on three sides. Here, the Salem River flows south through the Pine Island meadow along the northern and western portions of the property, and continues into the Mannington Meadow in the southern portion of the property. A mix of marshes and emergent wetlands, open water, forested wetlands and cultivated farmland, the Fichera property is comprised of approximately 249 acres of uplands and 214 acres or wetlands and tidelands. It also features a nine-acre island in the Mannington Meadow.
While portions of the property are overrun with Phragmites, it is rich in natural resources. Where there is regular tidal flooding, there are stands of wild rice, spartina and pickerelweed. There is abundant wildlife including river otters, herons and other wading birds, gulls and waterfowl. For many years and until recently, the property was the site of a productive bald eagle nest. The property continues to serve as important foraging habitat for a number of bald eagles which inhabit the area. The agricultural portions of the property are classified as critical grassland habitat under the State’s Landscape Project database. Due to its importance as a stopover for tens of thousands of migratory birds, this area has been targeted by federal, State and non-profit agencies as a conservation priority. The Fichera property is contiguous with NJDEP-owned land managed as the Salem River Wildlife Management Area.
Agriculturally, the property has 138 acres of Prime Soils, 40 acres of Soils of Statewide Importance, and 116 acres of Unique soils. At present, Mr. Fichera cultivates about 160 acres of the property in vegetables, including peppers and eggplant. The property lies within the Salem County Agricultural Development Area, as designated in the County Farmland Preservation Plan.
The Fichera property is a perfect example of how closely natural resources and agriculture are linked in Salem County. The New Jersey Conservation Foundation (NJCF) is committed to preserving the vast majority of the cultivated land through farmland preservation funding and will grant lifetime farming rights to Mr. Fichera.
Ecosystem Services Provided:
Agricultural Production: Soils- prime soils, soils of statewide importance, unique soils
Biological Diversity: Habitat- protection of critical grassland habitat, migratory waterfowl habitat, federal threatened species habitat
Water Protection, Filtration & Control: Water quality- protection of tidal wetlands
Total Project Cost: $100,000 is still needed for this project.
Status: This property closed in the Spring of 2010.
If you would like further information about this project, please contact Conservation Resources Inc.
Tags: franklin parker small grants program, ironbound community corporation, wma 04 (lower passaic and saddle)
Posted in NRD settlement candidate project, biological diversity, climate stabilization and/or air pollution mitigation project, ecological restoration project, projects funded by conservation resources, recreation & aethestics, supplemental environmental project, water protection, filtration, & control, wetlands mitigation project
Green space and recreational facilities are essential to healthy communities. With less than 25 acres of usable parkland for a population of over 50,000 residents, the Ironbound Community in Newark has a significant need for open space. As its population increases, the need for green space continues to grow. Many city parks are in disrepair and decline, and no new parks have been added for decades. The renovation of the Ironbound’s Riverbank Park, in conjunction with construction of new recreational facilities adjacent to the park, will provide residents with much-needed open space and will ensure a healthier future for the members of the Ironbound Community.
The restoration of the Ironbound’s Riverbank Park will involve several phases, beginning with the hiring of a landscape architect. Subsequent plans will include streambank stabilization, invasive species removal and native replantings, wetlands reconstruction, construction of paths and lighting, incorporation of gardens, art, and performance venues, and creation of a landscape which encourages passive recreation and a gathering of community.
Ecosystem Services Provided:
Water Protection, Filtration & Control: Water quality- streambank stabilization, stream buffers, preventing erosion and sedimentation, wetlands restoration, groundwater recharge
Climate Stabilization and Air Pollution Mitigation: Carbon sequestration- aforestation; Physical urban climate moderation- community greening project; Air quality- adding trees and native plants
Biological Diversity: Habitat- improving aquatic habitat, increasing urban habitat; Ecosystem restoration- invasive plant removal, restoration of native plantings
Recreation & Aesthetics: Public access- walking trails and access to waterfront
Total Project Cost: $11 million
In 2008, CRI granted the Ironbound Community Corporation $4,000 for this project through its Franklin Parker Small Grants program.
Status: In the planning stages.
If you would like further information about this project, please contact Conservation Resources Inc.
Tags: franklin parker small grants program, great egg harbor watershed association, wma 15 (great egg harbor)
Posted in ecological restoration project, projects funded by conservation resources, riparian mitigation candidate project, water protection, filtration, & control, wetlands mitigation project
In 1992, 13.5 miles of the South River was designated by Congress as part of the National Wild and Scenic River System. The care and management of this national resource river segment was delegated by Congress at the local level to the 12 municipalities of the Great Egg Harbor River Council, the Great Egg Harbor Watershed Association, Atlantic County, and the state of New Jersey.
Large wakes produced by the high speed operation of numerous personal watercraft in this narrow tidal section of the South River has caused bank erosion which is damaging bed and bank vegetation, contributing to sedimentation, and impacting aquatic and other natural resources. To provide adequate protection for this part of the National Wild and Scenic River System, local partners need to join together to repair the river damage and enforce no wake speed restrictions to prevent further damage.
The Great Egg Harbor Watershed Association will oversee the installation of biologs that will protect approximately 60 linear feet of riverbank. The stabilization materials will consist of coir fiber products and wood stake anchors, and the materials will be installed in accordance with the construction guidelines of Chapter 16– “Streambank and Shoreline Stabilization Protection,” of the National Engineering Handbook (NEH), Part 650, 1996, published by the United States Department of Agriculture.
Biologs trap sediment and nutrients from land runoff, which helps decrease sedimentation. The physical structure of the log functions as a “wave breaker” preserving easily eroded shorelines. Most of the installation work will be done at low tide when the bank toe area is naturally dewatered.
Ecosystem Services Provided:
Water Protection, Filtration & Control: Water quality- Restoring riparian buffers, stream bank stabilization, preventing erosion and sedimentation
Total Project Cost: $4000
In 2008, CRI granted $2,500 to the Great Egg Harbor Watershed Association for this project
through its Franklin Parker Small Grants program.
Status: The project is in the planning process–specifications are under development, permits are applied for, and full funding is being sought.
If you would like further information about this project, please contact Conservation Resources Inc.
Tags: Edison Wetlands Association, wma 09 (lower raritan south river and lawrence)
Posted in NRD settlement candidate project, biological diversity, ecological restoration project, recreation & aethestics, riparian mitigation candidate project, water protection, filtration, & control, wetlands mitigation project
Edison Wetlands Association (EWA) conceived the ambitious Raritan River Walkway and waterfront Brownfields-to-Greenfields (B2G) project in 2002. The visionary project broke ground in August 2009, and its first phase was complete by year-end. By transforming the garbage and toxic waste of Edison Landfill and Kin-Buc Landfill Superfund Site into gardens and rich wildlife habitat, the Raritan River Walkway is creating a national B2G model for redeveloping industrial sites into safe public greenfields with riverfront access and recreation. EWA announced the walkway’s completion with a press conference onsite in late 2009 with Assemblymen Peter Barnes and Patrick Diegnan, then-Mayor Jun Choi, and Conservation Resources Inc. president Michael Catania. The trail will formally open to the public in the Spring of 2010.
EWA advocated successfully for the Township of Edison and the Middlesex County Freeholders to post for a $508,725 bond and reimbursement, and their advocacy led the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) to allocate over $600,000 in Natural Resource Damages (NRD) to this project. The NRD funding itself came from the Hatco site settlement in Woodbridge, where EWA worked with NJDEP to force a $13.2 million cleanup of PCB lagoons. The state funding was managed by the nonprofit Conservation Resources Inc. (CRI), which worked with NJDEP, EWA and the Township to forge an agreement for the project to begin. The first phase offers a scenic 1,500-foot trail with the first extended public access to Edison’s seven-mile riverfront in Township history. The trail includes kiosks, native wildflowers and butterfly gardens, a footbridge spanning a tidal wetlands inlet along Mill Brook, and a public gazebo.
Ecosystem Services Provided:
Water Protection, Filtration & Control: Water quantity- wetland restoration
Biological Diversity: Habitat- restoring native vegetation, protecting aquatic habitat
Recreation & Aesthetics: Public access- hiking trails, access to waterfront; Environmental education- informational displays
Total Project Cost: $870,848
Status: The walkway was constructed and formally announced in the Fall of 2009, and the footbridge constructed over the winter. It will formally open to the public on or around Earth Day, 2010.
If you would like further information about this project, please contact Conservation Resources Inc.
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