Fourth Phase of Pompton Riverwalk Project Complete

The Township of Pequannock and The Land Conservancy of New Jersey are pleased to announce the completion of the fourth phase of the Pompton Riverwalk. 16 homes have now been purchased in the floodway, 14 of which have been removed to make way for the Riverwalk - a public walking path along the Pompton River.

This novel concept of removing people and property from harm’s way and replacing them with public recreation opportunities has been recognized by Morris County, which is rearranging its Open Space Preservation Trust to encourage more projects like Pequannock’s Pompton Riverwalk.The addition of over two acres of preserved land to the project brings the multi-phase floodplain protection and land preservation project one step closer to completion. This open space and flood mitigation project protects residents and provides flood storage, open space, and public access to the Pompton River for future generations.

The Weir property (0.3 acres) on Pequannock Avenue was purchased in December 2011, making it the final property in Phase IV. Other properties include the former Gidi property on North Pequannock Avenue (0.3 acres), the Shudtz property on Riverside Drive (0.3 acres), the Berkshire property on Harrison Road (0.6 acres), the Hunt property on Riverside Drive (0.3 acres), and the Soldatenkov property on Pequannock Avenue (0.2 acres).

With the acquisition of the last home on one street in Pequannock, the Township no longer has to send boats in to rescue and evacuate residents during floods. This program has been extremely well received by desperate and flood weary residents on some of Pequannock’s hardest hit streets. “This is another step of the larger Riverwalk buyouts projects,” explained Frank Spizzirri, Chairman of the Pequannock Township Open Space Advisory Committee and lead advocate for this project.

“This program has also provided homeowners the opportunity to be removed from the floodway, which just recently had waters in excess of 10 feet high on the property. Hurricane Irene caused the worst flooding in town since 1902, even worse than 1984. The owner's are very excited about the buyout and are searching for a new place in town to settle out of the flood area.”

The Pompton Riverwalk is a multi-phase project which began six years ago under the leadership of Pequannock Township and the Pequannock Township Open Space Advisory Committee, with the expert assistance and consultation of The Land Conservancy of New Jersey. Homes around the banks of the Pompton River, as well as the riparian corridor have long suffered from flooding. Rather than continuing in the old model of flood, rescue and rebuild, Pequannock Township officials and the Open Space Advisory Committee decided to pursue a different and extremely beneficial flood protection strategy.

The Land Conservancy of New Jersey is working with the Township of Pequannock in the development and expansion of this Blueway program to provide flood protection for severely impacted residences and private property, while creating new public recreation opportunities in the community. This program targets the most flood prone homes and streets in the municipality.

“Pequannock Township, with the assistance of Morris County and the State, has been at the forefront of preserving flood prone properties as open space in New Jersey,” explained Gregory Collins, Land Preservation Specialist with The Land Conservancy of New Jersey. “The success of the Pompton Riverwalk project is the result of a well-planned strategy to convert these flood prone residences to an interconnected park system along the river for the enjoyment of current and future Township residents, and will also reduce the Township’s emergency and cleanup costs following future major flooding in the area.”

The Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders, with the support of the County Open Space Committee, has funded Pequannock Township’s annual requests for grant funds for the Pompton Riverwalk project. The Township and Conservancy are now entering Phase V of the Riverwalk. Since its initial grant request for this project, the Township has received $1,837,900 in grant funding from Morris County for the Riverwalk project and has matched this with funds provided through Green Acres totaling $1,743,600.

Since 2003 The Land Conservancy of New Jersey has permanently protected 1,519 acres in towns located in the floodplain of the Passaic River. Much of this land is now owned and managed by the State of New Jersey, and it functions as it was meant to – to hold waters from severe storms and provide protection to neighboring residents from floods.

The January 2011 report to the Governor from the Passaic River Basin Flood Advisory Commission identified goals which included expanding and expediting property buyouts and preservation of the flood storage area, among the fifteen recommendations provided to the Governor. By working with The Land Conservancy, the Township accelerated the success of its conservation and flood protection program.

160 Acres Preserved in Frelinghuysen Township

The Land Conservancy of New Jersey, Frelinghuysen Township, Warren County, and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection are pleased to announce the preservation of over 160 acres of forested land in the heart of the municipality. A priority of the Township’s Open Space Committee and governing body, the purchase and preservation of the properties straddling Route 94 and Lincoln Laurel Road will permanently protect the forest and create an opportunity for trails and hiking in the municipality.

A joint project of the Township, County and the State of New Jersey, this project was successfully negotiated and brought to a close through the work and effort of The Land Conservancy of New Jersey, in partnership with the Township.

“The preservation of this undisturbed habitat will allow us to enjoy the continued existence of native species at their best,” states Robin Randolph, Chair of Frelinghuysen Township’s Open Space Committee. She continues, “Frelinghuysen Township is grateful to the Warren County Board of Chosen Freeholders and New Jersey Green Acres for their generous support of this project. Without them, this preservation effort would not have been possible.”

“Once slated for development, the Frelinghuysen Forest Preserve is a wonderful piece of property and Warren County is thrilled that we could help permanently protect it,” explains Corey J. Tierney, Esq., on behalf of The Warren County Department of Land Preservation. “Not only is the 160 acre Preserve easily accessible, but it boasts a beautiful forest with small streams and an existing network of trails leading back to a picturesque pond. The property will be managed by the Township using local volunteers. This will be a tremendous open space resource for all Warren County’s residents. It is great to see municipalities, like Frelinghuysen Township, taking ownership of these critical natural areas.”

Corey continued, “It takes a lot of hard work by many different people to bring these projects together. We worked closely with the Frelinghuysen Township Open Space Committee and The Land Conservancy of New Jersey who coordinated this acquisition with grants obtained from Green Acres and Warren County’s Municipal and Charitable Conservancy Trust Fund. The County’s participation, of course, was made possible by our Chosen Board of Freeholders - who deserves special thanks for continuing to support local open space preservation.”

The Frelinghuysen Forest Preserve is comprised of two properties owned by relatives who sold the properties together for preservation. This Preserve will offer hiking trails, bird watching platforms, and will be a classroom in nature for recreational hikers, school children and scout groups. This Preserve is large enough to host a large trails network Habitat for sensitive species, springs, seeps and headwater streams make these properties valuable for natural resource protection. The Preserve can be easily accessed from existing driveways on State Route 94 and Lincoln Laurel Road.

47 Acres Added to Lodestar Park in Fredon Township

On August 18, 2011 Fredon Township purchased and preserved a second property to be added to Lodestar Park. Matching funds provided by the State of New Jersey Green Acres program, the Township’s Open Space Trust Fund was utilized to purchase this 47 acres property to enlarge Lodestar Park, enhancing the recreational activities available at the park for local residents.

Located along Paulinskill Lake Road, this beautiful property will allow for expansion of the developing trail network in Lodestar Park as well as protecting its scenic and environmentally sensitive land. In 2008 the Township purchased and preserved the 16 acre former Freeborn property which expanded Lodestar Park and provided the Township with space for a trail that leads to the stream and hemlock ravine now located within the park.

Lodestar is a wonderful and very different kind of park. It is anchored by a preserved historic house located on the rural agricultural setting of the property. The park provides a sense of place within this community and is a center for recreation and social gatherings in the Township. The development of the park facilities has complemented the surrounded natural features and this acquisition enhances the recreational value and conservation objectives of the community.

"Fredon Township is very excited over the recent acquisition of 47 acres adjacent to Lodestar Park. Not only will this land serve to expand our park, but it will also help to implement our plans for connecting trails throughout the township. With the assistance of The Land Conservancy and funding from both grant monies and our Open Space Trust, we were able to add this valued land to our inventory." Sandy Coltelli, Fredon Township Open Space Chairperson

“Lodestar is not your average park. Although it provides a place to play, this park is unique because it also provides lessons in history, agriculture and nature. It has been developed with respect for its environs and its past, and as a result it creates a sense of place for a wonderful community. If you want to know about Fredon Township, go to Lodestar Park,” said Sandy Urgo, Land Preservation Manager at the Land Conservancy. “We congratulate Fredon Township for its vision in creating this wonderful place for generations to visit, enjoy and learn from.”

Two Scholarships Awarded to New Jersey’s Young Environmental Leaders

8/31/2011


The Land Conservancy of New Jersey is pleased to announce their 2011 Scholarship recipients. Steven Sheets, graduate of Livingston high scool was awarded the Rogers Family Scholarship and Brian Curry of North Brunswick was awarded the Russell W. Myers Scholarship. The Conservancy grants two awards yearly to outstanding New Jersey college students studying in an environmental field. Each student received $7,750. Since 1984, $163,500 has been awarded to 42 deserving college students by the Conservancy, helping to develop New Jersey’s future environmental leaders.

Steven Sheets is a junior at Delaware Valley College where he is pursuing a degree in Environmental Science. Steven spent last summer working at Picatinny Arsenal conducting research into advanced wastewater treatment technologies. During the school year he works as both a resident assistant and a student tutor at Delaware Valley College. “The gift of education is one of the greatest gifts a person can receive. I am very grateful and honored to have been chosen to receive the Rogers Family Scholarship. It is a remarkable and truly significant gift that will assist me in my goal of becoming a leader in the field of environmental science.”

Brian Curry is a senior at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey studying Environmental Planning and Design. Brian has been working on a self-initiated project to create a wildlife program at Davidson Mill Pond Park in South Brunswick. The program aims to integrate technology and nature to teach local children about the importance of conservation and sustainable living through experimental learning in an outdoor classroom. “Receiving the scholarship has opened my eyes to the abundant possibilities that my passion and hard work can explore. This award has motivated me to pursue my environmental interest with renewed vigor. There is no parallel to the feeling that my passion – what makes me happiest – has earned such meaningful attention and appreciation,” said Brian.

The Russell W. Myers Scholarship was established in 1983 to honor the Conservancy’s founder. The late Mr. Myers was the first director of the Morris County Park Commission and served for a quarter of a century, developing one of the finest park systems in the nation. The Rogers Family Scholarship was established in 2005 by Gray and Mollie Rogers, dedicated conservationists who wanted to expand the Conservancy’s educational support for outstanding conservation-minded New Jersey college students. Gray Rogers is a past Chairman of the Conservancy’s Board of Trustees. The Conservancy currently awards two scholarships yearly to New Jersey residents. The Russell W. Myers Scholarship was established in 1983 to honor the Conservancy’s founder. The late Mr. Myers was the first director of the Morris County Park Commission and served for a quarter of a century, developing one of the finest park systems in the nation.

The Rogers Family Scholarship was established in 2005 by Gray and Mollie Rogers, dedicated conservationists who wanted to expand the Conservancy’s educational support for outstanding conservation-minded New Jersey college students. Gray Rogers is a past Chairman of the Board of Trustees for The Land Conservancy of New Jersey.

To be eligible for the Conservancy’s Scholarship Program, college students must be New Jersey residents who have a 3.0 Grade average or better, and pursuing a career related to environmental preservation. Applications for 2012 will be available January 1 and must be submitted to The Land Conservancy of New Jersey by April 1.

THE WORLD SERIES OF BIRDING RESULTS
by Dennis Briede Stewardship Manager

It was a minute before midnight of the big event. The gas tank was filled. The coolers were packed with food & drink. Our team The Highlands Hawks consisting of Alan Boyd, Stephen Kloiber & I were well rested & ready to go. It was time to begin the 2011 World Series of Birding. It was dark, cool & cloudy.

We started at midnight in Blairstown (Warren County) where we managed to get our first bird, the Whip-poor-will calling in the pitch black night up on Catfish Mountain. Avoiding the skunks, opossums, raccoons and deer crossing our car’s path we then headed to the marshes & swamps of Sussex County to hear other night birds such as rails, owls & bitterns. We managed to get a rail, an owl but no bitterns. A few other birds were also calling such as geese, sparrows and a turkey.

We then spent dawn in the Wantage Grasslands of Sussex County listening for the open farm & grassland birds such as bobolink, savannah sparrow, orchard oriole & kingbird. The next 3 hours were spent winding through and stopping at the many productive spots in the deep wilds of High Point State Park & Stokes State Forest where we added hawks, warblers, vireos, woodpeckers & thrushes.

At 9:30 am we then left the forest and headed south on Rt 206 to an old sandpit north of Newton where we added indigo bunting, swallows and a kingfisher among others. After a 2.5 hour ride south we stopped at the Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge known as Brigantine where we added a bunch of birds such as terns, ducks, gulls, sandpipers, herons & egrets. Our list was growing.

Our next stop was Belleplain State Forest in Cape May County. There we added the beautiful summer tanager and the blue grosbeak among others. From there we visited several of the parks near the beaches of Cape May and got many more shorebirds such as sandpipers, plovers, terns & gulls.

As evening approached the wind picked up so we were not able to hear any more night birds. It was time to call it quits after driving over 600 miles. We then checked in to the meeting place where we got a round of applause from the crowd. I found out later that all participants entering the meeting place got a round of applause.


We ended up with 151 species of birds which was 7th place in the entire state category and 11 place overall out of 64 teams. In order to take on such an endeavor as The 24 hour World Series of Birding one has to not only be awake for more than 24 hours but also be sharp enough during the entire time not to miss any bird calls. When it was over we slept very soundly that night.

We at the Land Conservancy of New Jersey would like to say thank you to all who pledged dollars for this event. Because of the generosity of all of our donors we raised over $14,000 toward our land preservation efforts. Now you get a round of applause.

162 acre Weber tract preserved in Kinnelon Borough

6/23/2011

Weber tract preserved, newest addition to the Morris County park system

A 162 acre Weber Tract in Kinnelon Borough has been preserved in a partnership with The Land Conservancy of New Jersey, Morris County Park Commission, Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders, and the State of New Jersey. This property is the culmination of a multi-year effort to protect this critically situated land in the New Jersey Highlands.

The Borough will own 100 acres of the property for recreation (for hiking and bird watching) and natural resource protection and a 62 acre portion of the land will be added to Morris County’s Silas Condict County Park. Located within the New Jersey Highlands Preservation Area, this site features steep slopes, scenic ridgelines, bluffs and wetlands.

The property is located on Maple Lake Road, near Route 23 and Kinnelon Road. Its mountainous terrain affords exceptionally scenic views of the surrounding landscape. This land will become part of an interconnected greenbelt that extends north from the Silas Condict County Park into neighboring West Milford Township. This property provides habitat for a diverse collection of species on the federal and state threatened and endangered species list. Protecting this land prevents fragmentation of the forested landscape which is one of the greatest threats to New Jersey’s wildlife habitat.

The World Series of Birding

by The Conservancy's World Series of Birding Team Captain, Dennis Briede

The World Series of Birding was established by the New Jersey Audubon Society in 1984 to help raise money for conservation. Since its inception the participants have raised a combined total of nearly $10,000,000. The Land Conservancy of New Jersey raises $16,000 - $20,000 each year through the support of our members for our World Series of Birding team. Every species found, every dollar raised preserves & protects critical bird habitat in New Jersey.

In 1984 there were only 13 teams. Now there are over 50 teams in every category. The objective of the day is to tally as many bird species as you can in a 24 hour period. This can be done by bicycle, boat, car, foot, in one county, in one spot (a deck) or a group can cover the entire state of New Jersey. You need to be skilled not only in the identification of about 200 species of birds; you must also know their songs and calls. A good majority of the bird species during that 24 hour period are heard and not seen (yes even in the dark!) You have to remain sharp for 24 straight hours if you want to tally 150 plus species for the day.

This is the 15th year in a row that a team from The Land Conservancy of New Jersey has participated in the World Series of Birding. Our Highlands Hawks team consists of Captain Dennis Briede (Conservancy Stewardship Manager), Alan Boyd and Stephen Kloiber. Dennis and Alan have been birding since 1980. Stephen is an exceptional birder and is only 18 years old. He joined the team last year and has been birding with Alan and Dennis for nearly a year.

It’s best to have a team that is familiar with each other because the team will be together from 10:00pm Friday night until 1:00am Sunday morning (27 hours or so). We will even eat in the vehicle between stops (cooler provided). Toyota/Lexus has been kind enough to lend the Conservancy a vehicle for the event. Last year the team drove over 600 miles by the end of the day. It is a fun event but at the same time it is very grueling.

The most important key is the route. Most of the really high scoring groups start in north Jersey and end up at Cape May by midnight. Usually the groups start out visiting swamps and wetlands from midnight until about 5:00am to hear the wetland birds such as bitterns, rails and ducks. Scouting is needed to find nesting hawks and owls. At dawn you need to find a place with diverse habitat to tally all of the various birds singing and calling in the early hours. From there you visit special spots that are host to some of the uncommon and more difficult species to find. Our team’s goal this year is to be on our way to south Jersey by 9:30am or there won’t be enough time to visit all of the special spots in that area. All teams must either email the results or report to the final meeting place by midnight or be disqualified.

Please help our Highlands Hawks team raise money for The Land Conservancy of New Jersey’s land preservation work. Please donate any amount you can. You can make a per-bird pledge online here (for example, $1 per bird). Our goal is to tally 200 species or more!