The Decker property is an 8.5 acre tract of land located on Union Avenue in Bloomingdale, NJ. It is fairly wooded with a young mixed hardwood forest, predominately red maple. There are easily hiked trails that run throughout the property which provide a scenic tour of the flora, fauna, and waterways.

The property contains several streams and is surrounded by a series of connected lakes. The Lower Morse Lake, the Upper Morse Lake, and Terwilliger are all connected by classified C2 streams. The waterways eventually flow downstream into Pequannock River.

The northwest portion of the property is considered a groundwater recharge zone according to the Passaic County Planning Department. The recharged groundwater from this property makes its way back to reservoirs and streams or becomes a source for wells. Contamination on the surface of these areas could lead to contamination of any of these water resources. Therefore, protecting the Decker property will help provide safe and clean drinking water to the surrounding area and its downstream reaches.

Decker is very close to the Passaic River Coalition’s Federal Hill property, located to the south across Union Avenue. Preserving the Decker tract will be in accordance with the PRC’s goal of creating adjacent greenways along Passaic River tributaries.

According to the Passaic County Open Space Preservation Master Plan for Bloomingdale, Decker has been determined by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to be a critical habitat for plants and animals on the Threatened and Endangered Species lists. They consider the property suitable for the Wood turtle and Bald eagle, two of the nation’s most endangered and iconic species. Other breeds of turtles, toads, snakes and turkeys have been spotted on the property by Passaic River Coalition Staff.

Ecosystem Services Provided:

Water Protection, Filtration & Control: Water quality and quantity- protection of groundwater recharge, protection of headwaters

Climate Stabilization and Air Pollution Mitigation: Carbon sequestration- avoided deforestation

Biological Diversity: Habitat- federal threatened species habitat protection

Recreation and Aesthetics: Public access- hiking trails, access to waterfront

Total Project Cost: $374,000

In 2008, CRI provided $2,500 in funding for this property through its Franklin Parker Small Grants program.

Status: The Passaic River Open Space Trust awarded the Passaic River Coalition approximately 50% of the fair market value for the Decker tract. The PRC anticipates closing on this property in Spring of 2010.

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

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