This project is located on the Central Valley Farm in the Musconetcong River watershed in Bethlehem Township, Hunterdon County New Jersey.  The West Portal Brook is approximately 2,000 feet in length as it flows through the property. This stream is classified by NJ DEP as a Category One, Trout Production Stream. The implementation of a riparian buffer corridor on this property included components of installation of 2100 feet of livestock exclusion fence, removal of multiflora rose and the establishment of riparian corridor in accordance with the design plans prepared by North Jersey RC&D.

The goal of the project is to improve the water quality in West Portal Brook, prior to its confluence with the Musconetcong River, through brush management, installation of livestock exclusion fencing and establishing a riparian buffer. The fencing parallel to the stream excludes livestock from the stream corridor. The establishment of a riparian forest buffer within the fenced corridor will provide benefit to both aquatic and terrestrial habitats.

The riparian forest buffer was established from the top of the stream bank to the livestock exclusion fence, a minimum distance of 25 feet. The buffer will help to improve and protect water quality by reducing the amount of sediment and associated pollutants, such as nutrients, in the surface runoff. The improved riparian corridor will provide food, shelter, shading, nursery habitat, and pathways for resident and nonresident aquatic, semi-aquatic and terrestrial organisms.

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

Status: In August 2011, 3.4 acres of invasive plants such as multiflora rose were removed, while preserving existing native trees and shrubs. North Jersey RC&D completed this work as a contract through Tuff Greens Inc. The New Jersey Youth Corps were directed by The Fence Company and North Jersey RC&D to string the 5-strand high tensile fence lines. Around 400 trees and shrubs were planted at the project site in early November 2011 by volunteers from Trout Unlimited and members of the community. Most of the trees had black mesh or welded wire caging placed around them to reduce damage by deer browse during the establishment time period.

If you would like further information about this project, please contact Conservation Resources.