The Conservation Exchange » wma 04 (lower passaic and saddle)

Riverbank Park Waterfront Restoration

admin — Tue, 19 May 2009 17:09:11 +0000

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.

New Jersey Invasive Species Strike Team

admin — Mon, 18 May 2009 17:40:40 +0000

CRI has provided continued funding for this project through its Franklin Parker Small Grants program:

2007- $4,000

2008- $5,000

2009- $6,000

2010- $5000

2011- $5000

The New Jersey Invasive Species Strike Team (CJISST) was initiated in 2008 by the Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space (FoHVOS) and the Upper Raritan Watershed Association (URWA), whose goal it was to create New Jersey’s first private/public partnership based upon a cooperative approach to prevent the spread of newly emerging invasive species though early detection & rapid response (ED/RR). ED/RR is an innovative, cost-effective and efficient approach to invasive species. Partners and volunteers involved in CJISST are all committed to a common goal — preventing the torrent of new invasions that will further degrade New Jersey’s natural resources.

Strike Team partners use early detection/rapid response (ED/RR) methodology to map the locations and densities of newly emerging populations of invasive species and to remove them before they spread further. Eradications are prioritized based on the frequency, range and density of the species, as well as the conservation value of specific sites. Engaging a wide range of partnerships with state, county, and municipal agencies, conservation and community organizations, private landowners, and an extensive network of volunteers ensures the success of this project.

Ecosystem Services Provided:

Biological Diversity: Habitat- federal threatened species habitat protection; Ecosystem resilience and pest control- invasive plant removal

Outreach & Education: volunteer training, public education on invasive species

Total Project Cost: $250,000

Status: In 2011, the New Jersey Invasive Species Strike Team became an independent non-profit organization. CRI’s grant funds have helped leverage nearly $250,000 in additional grants from other funders.

NJISST now includes over 55 project partners from multiple sectors including government (federal, state, county, and municipal), non-profit, corporate and private. Stewardship and education/outreach activities occur throughout the project area which covers 1.6 million acres across 9 counties (Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Monmouth, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Somerset and Union). Key project accomplishments include: searching over 50,000 acres, detecting nearly 2,000 populations, eradicating over 600 populations, providing over 50 educational presentations with over 800 total participants, and providing outreach and training to over 1300 partners and volunteers. The project has also established a Steering Committee to guide its progress moving forward and a website to provide technical materials including a project map depicting detections and eradications (www.njisst.org).

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

Branch Brook Park Restoration

admin — Thu, 14 May 2009 18:08:43 +0000

Waterways constitute Branch Brook Park’s most important ecological resource and one of its most important historic attributes. Historically, the Olmsted firm envisioned Branch Brook Park’s continuous waterway system as its aesthetic spine. Over the years, the system has become stagnant and polluted, partially filled in, and subject to reduced water flow.

Restoration of this natural system is critical to the Branch Brook Park Alliance’s plans to preserve Branch Brook Park and catalyze the economic development of the surrounding residential community. Restoration of the waterways and the riparian buffer will not only improve the appearance and increase public use and enjoyment of the park, but also benefit the local and regional ecosystem by improving water quality, lowering nutrients and sedimentation, increasing oxygen and improving the trophic level both in the watercourse and the watershed.

A healthy watercourse will support a wider diversity of aquatic life and improve habitats for flora and fauna in the park. The restored waterways will also have the potential to support environmental education activities along with increased opportunities for bird watching, fishing and boating.

Ecosystem Services Provided:

Water Protection, Filtration, & Control: Water quality and quantity- protection of groundwater recharge areas, restoration of stream buffers and watershed

Outreach, Recreation & Aesthetics: Public access- access to waterfront with associated recreational activities; Environmental education

Total Project Cost: $281,000 for the feasibility study

CRI has provided funding for this project through its Franklin Parker Small Grants program: $4,000 in 2008, and $2,500 in 2009.

Status: A waterway feasibility study is currently underway. The Branch Brook Park Alliance will also be seeking additional funds for full restoration of the waterway.

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