Through this project, the North Jersey Resource Conservation & Development Council (NJRCD) and project partners will implement eight riparian restoration projects in the Upper Delaware and Wallkill Watersheds. These watersheds in northwest New Jersey are not only experiencing tremendous development pressure, but are also home to some of the state’s most pristine wildlife habitat. Now is a critical time to implement riparian restoration projects to provide linkages and extend habitat corridors in this crucial habitat region as well as to improve water quality in these streams.
Riparian buffers provide numerous benefits including:
- reduced soil and sediment pollution
- increased shading of waterways to decrease water temperature and in turn increase dissolved oxygen
- reduced non-point source pollution and stormwater run-off that could contain nutrients such as nitrates, phosphates, and inorganics
- reduced flooding as a result of slower out-of-bank flows
- increased native wildlife habitat
- increased band and shoreline stability, and
- improved aesthetic and recreation value.
Sites for buffer installation will be selected utilizing a proven method used by North Jersey RC&D for several years through other grant funded projects. RC&D staff will work with project site owners to develop and implement the restoration plan. The RC&D Watershed Specialist will also coordinate volunteer labor and equipment needed to implement the project. Site maintenance plans will be developed for each site and annual monitoring conducted to ensure that the plan is being followed.
Ecosystem Services Provided:
Water Protection, Filtration & Control: Water quality- restoring stream buffers, riparian land protection, stream bank stabilization, preventing sedimentation
Climate Stabilization and Air Pollution Mitigation: Carbon sequestration- aforestation, riparian buffer restoration
Biological Diversity: Habitat-extend habitat corridors and increase native wildlife habitat
Total Project Cost: $282,520
CRI granted this project $4,000 in 2007, and $3,000 in 2008 through its Franklin Parker Small Grants program.
Status: Since 2006, North Jersey RC&D has been able to implement the planting of seven sites throughout the Upper Delaware and Wallkill River Watersheds. Current funding for the riparian restoration projects in this area is through a Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) contribution agreement from the Natural Resources Conservation Service. In 2010, North Jersey RC&D will be continuing to fund and install native riparian vegetation at four additional locations. Continued funding would allow the momentum that has been building for these types of stewardship projects to continue.
If you would like further information about this project, please contact Conservation Resources Inc.
