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The project, to be implemented by A.P. Construction of Philadelphia, will "enhance wildlife habitats and re-establish tidal flow to the property’s marshes" in portions of Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area, the DEP said.
The Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area is managed by NJDEP Fish & Wildlife for its value to endangered, threatened and nongame wildlife, the DEP said in a release. It features 1.5 miles of pristine shoreline and has a blend of several habitat types, including dunes, forest, scrub and early successional fields.
Higbee Beach was long known for being a nude beach, but rules changed following a state appellate court ruling in 2001, banning indecent exposure at the once-state-owned property.
“We are excited to work together with other programs within DEP to restore this portion of Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area to maximize wildlife benefits and public access,” said Assistant Commissioner for Fish & Wildlife David Golden. “Once completed, the site will have a new trail network and multiple wildlife viewing platforms integrated into enhanced stopover habitat for migrating species. It will surely be one of New Jersey’s best wildlife viewing destinations.”
The Pond Creek Marsh Restoration site consists of the former Harbison-Walker magnesite facility and associated landfill, Davey’s Lake and most of the Pond Creek marsh. The plant extracted magnesium from seawater.
According to the DEP, the project's main goal is to re-establish tidal inundation to a large portion of Pond Creek Marsh without increasing flood risk to the upper watershed or inundating the eastern freshwater marsh area while allowing for habitat management of the northern marsh area.
"Achieving these goals will require modifying the inlet channel to allow sufficient tidal flushing, developing a network of secondary and tertiary channels to assist tidal flow into the interior of the marsh, excavating deep flood pools for fish habitat and creating upland islands for shorebirds," the DEP said in a release.
A public meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 8 at Lower Township’s Municipal Hall, where DEP staff will present an overview of the project and respond to participant questions.
Those unable to attend the meeting are welcome to email comments and questions throughout the project’s duration to NJDEP-HBR-inquiries@portal3.pbid.com.
The project is funded with Natural Resource Damage funds and co-led by DEP’s Office of Natural Resource Restoration and Office of Coastal Engineering in partnership with Fish & Wildlife.
Click here for a comprehensive view of the project, including a Zoom link to the meeting.
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