Fall 2006
“And in the end it’s not the years in your life that count.
It’s the life in your years.” -Abraham Lincoln
SJL&WT Volunteers Assess Local Streams
The South Jersey Land and
Water Trust began its Visual
Stream Assessment project in the
Gloucester County area with a
training session for volunteers on
September 30. This project is being
conducted with the Rutgers Cooperative Research and Extension, Water
Resources Program. The project’s
purpose is to evaluate the conditions
of aquatic ecosystems associated
with streams, using a US Department
of Agriculture Visual Stream Assessment Protocol, in order to identify
problem sites throughout our watersheds that can be addressed later on.
The assessment method uses visual
indicators such as water appearance,
channel condition, fish cover, and
barriers to fish movement to determine the health of a stream. Information gathered during this project
will be added to an ongoing study by
Rutgers University, which will also
generate a database for SJL&WT to
use in prioritizing restoration projects.
Approximately 40 volunteers,
including students from Rowan
Continued on page 3
300 Foot Stream Buffer Rule Upheld
NJ Supreme Court Denies Developers Appeal of Stormwater Regulations
The New Jersey Supreme Court
denied the New Jersey’s Builders
Association petition challenging the
300 foot buffer rule contained in
New Jersey’s stormwater regulations
adopted in 2004.
New Jersey adopted sweeping stormwater regulations in 2004, which
included a requirement for 300 foot
buffers on either side of Category
one streams and their drainage area.
Environmental organizations in
New Jersey worked for many years
towards the adoption of the regulations. The New Jersey Builders
Association (NJBA) opposed the
regulations and challenged the New
Jersey Department of Environmental
Protection (DEP) authority to issue
the regulatory requirement, claiming
the buffer requirement functioned
as a “no build” provision “directly
regulating the use of land without
regard to stormwater control or
management and promulgated by
the DEP without state-wide land use
regulatory jurisdiction.”
The Appellate Court rejected the
argument in April 2006, recognizing
DEP’s broad authority for protecting
water quality and ecosystem health.
The Appellate Court stated, “The
Legislature, in variety of measures,
has given the DEP a wide array of
power to address water quality and
pollution concerns beyond traditional
floodwater control, and to promulgate rules to protect the waters of the
Continued on page 6
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INSIDE
Thank You’s & Wish List
SJL&WT Programs Update
Conservation Design
Mistletoe
NJ Coastal Heritage Trail
Wine & Cheese Tasting Donors
SJL&WT News
Officers
Suzanne McCarthy
President
Patrick Mulligan
Vice-President
Roger Asselta
Vice-President
Richard Thomas
Treasurer
Janet Eisenhauer
Secretary
Trustees
Sue Bagienski
Carole Brodkin
Stanley Hershey
Don Kirchhoffer
Edward Komczyk
Domenic Lanciano
Jay Mounier
Joseph Orlins
Rick Parenteau
Robert Reid
Robert Scolpino
Wayne C. Streitz
Clay Sutton
Carolyn Toy
Janet Webekind
Staff
Christine Nolan,
Program Manager
Jim Sassi,
Land Preservation Coordinator
Michael Hogan,
Habitat Assessment Coordinator
P.O. Box 233
Glassboro, NJ 08028
(856) 881-2269
www.sjwatersheds.org
Wish List
GPS units
Fish nets
Hip waders
Flashlights & batteries
Magnifying glasses
Plant field guides
2
Watershed Institute Grant Awarded
Exciting news here at SJL&WT. The Stony-Brook Millstone Watershed
Association through its Watershed Institute Grants Program has awarded
SJL&WT a fourth year grant. This grant will help to sustain the success that
we have achieved in membership growth, community recognition, educational outreach, and on-going programs. The grant enables SJL&WT to hire
consultants to aid in formulating and implementing a fundraising, marketing,
and development plan. In addition, we plan to produce a business-sponsored 2008 calendar of Mike
Hogan’s photographs and increase our small and
large donor giving. At the conclusion of the grant
project, SJL&WT and it’s members will have additional capacity to develop programs that improve
the health of the environment around us.
Thank you
Stony Brook Millstone Watershed Association
Save The Date
Ecological Art
The Goldsworthy Lesson
December 14th
7pm
EIRC Bldg.
Delsea Dr. & Hollydell Ave.
Washington Twp.
856-478-2264
Joint Meeting with the
Gloucester County
Nature Club
SJL&WT would like to
thank all board members
and volunteers especialy...
Carole Brodkin for her
time spent on updating our
brochure. Don Evans
for managing our website.
Janet Webekind &
Helen Weber for gathering all of the goodies that
fill our raffle baskets.
Thank
You
Heartfelt thanks to Board
member Don Kirchhoffer for his years of service on
behalf of SJL&WT. Don has
retired from the NJ Conservation Foundation and is
moving from our immediate
area. He has also resigned
from the SJL&WT Board.
We will sorely miss Don’s
engaging personality, the inspiration he gave to all of us,
and his expertise in matters
large and small, including
his wide knowledge of state
environmental and agricultural issues. Enjoy your
retirement, Don, although
we know you will probably
get involved immediately in
environmental protection in
your new location!
SJL&WT Volunteers Assess
Local Streams continue from page 1
SJL&WT Programs
Volunteers who are interested in surveying,
monitoring streams, invasive plant removal, and
restoration, please contact Habitat Assessment Coordinator Michael Hogan at 609-476-2086 or hoganpho@
cavtel.net
Thank you to Jim Auletto of Auletto’s Catering
and Banquet hall for use of facilities for the Stream
Assessment training. Thanks also to the Rowan University BioClub and Club Advisor, Frank Wagner, for
hosting the Vernal Pool training at Rowan.
Vernal Pool Survey Project
Gloucester County College students assess Raccon Creek
University and Gloucester County College, took part
in the training program and assessments. The initial
stream assessments have been conducted in various parts of Gloucester County and in upper Salem
County.
Locations assessed so far include stream reaches of
Little Ease Run in Franklin Township, Oldmans Creek
in Harrisonville Township, Raccoon Creek in Mullica
Hill, Still Run in Clayton, Muddy Run in Elmer, and
Porch Branch, Duffield’s Run and Mantua Creek in
Washington Township. Stream information will be
posted on the SJL&WT website in the future.
H
ou
av e y
seen this
?
Volunteers and staff collected data, completed surveys
and photographed 48 vernal pool sites during 2006.
Collected information was sent to the NJ DEP Vernal Pool Program. Although the drought in effect in
the early spring had a negative impact on the survey,
this first-year effort provided the experience needed
to improve and carry on in the second year. A list of
accessible sites is mapped for volunteers to visit in
spring 2007. We have learned to rely primarily on audio identification, which will also be easier for many
individuals to conduct than wading into ponds.
Dates for the upcoming 2007 Vernal Pool training will
be posted on the SJL&WT website after the New Year.
There is a lot to be done and we hope you will be part
of it in whatever way you can be.
Girls Scouts. West Deptford
SJL&WT, with the support of the Gloucester County
Improvement Authority, Freeholder Director Stephen
M. Sweeney, Liason, has been working with local
Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops labeling storm drains
and hanging informational door hangers throughout
Gloucester County. Thanks to all the scouts and dedicated parents for helping to protect our local waterways.
3
Land Preservation
Conservation Design Can Save Time and Money
Conservation Design is a means
for developers to preserve open
space, protect environmental
features, and reduce costs. It is a
tool that a municipality can use to
manage growth through the site
planning process.
through development of an ordinance and amendment of a town’s
existing land use regulations. It
is usually mandatory within the
zones to which it is applied, with
a minimum 50% open space or
farmland being preserved, in
addition to the resources
that are normally
A municipality obtains
non-buildable
and protected,
permanently preserved open space or
such as wetfarmland... without having to use limited lands, floodplains, and
open space/agricultural preservation
steep slopes.
funds..
Conservation Design is an
approach to development that incorporates resource protection and
open space preservation into the
design process. The goal of Conservation Design is to preserve
the features that attract people to a
community by identifying the key
resources on a site and designing
the placement of buildings so as to
retain those resources.
In a more traditional subdivision
design, all of the available land
within a tract is divided into roads
and house lots, typically subject
to minimum lot size requirements.
Conservation Design involves
clustering the homes on smaller
lots and reducing the number of
roads in order to preserve open
space “common” areas within
the development and protect the
streams and forests or farmland
that was on the site initially. Open
lands must be designed so as to
link to existing or potential open
space or farmland within the municipality.
Conservation Design is achieved
4
Not only is conservation design good for the
environment, it is also good for
the wallet. Reducing the amount
of paved surfaces (roads, driveways, cul-de-sacs, etc.) as well
as storm drains and larger lot
landscaping saves costs for the
developer, who gets to build the
same number of units as with the
conventional design. It is also
good for the municipality, which
obtains additional permanently
preserved open space or farmland,
through the restricted deed on
those lands, without having to use
limited open space/agricultural
preservation funds.
One of the most ardent proponents
of Conservation Design is Randall
Arendt, planner, landscape architect, and founder of the Natural
Lands Trust that preserves land
in southeast PA and southern NJ.
Arendt’s Conservation Design
program, “Growing Greener,” is
outlined in several publications
and presented through workshops.
The South Jersey Land and Water
Trust is co-sponsoring such a
workshop with the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC), the Natural Lands
Trust, Rowan University, and the
Association of NJ Environmental
Commissions. The workshop will
be held on Thursday, November
9, 5:30 – 9 PM at Rowan University. To register for the workshop
(which costs $25 and includes
dinner and a publication), call
DVRPC at 215-238-2890 or go
to their website at www.dvrpc.org
for the registration form.
CONSERVATION DESIGN:
GROWING GREENER MODEL
Conventional Subdivision
Clustered; 50% open space
Belinda's Corner
Five Energy Tips
Mistletoe is Good for More than
Just Kissing
The next time you pucker up
under the mistletoe, consider this:
mistletoe also provides essential
food, cover, and nesting sites for
an amazing number of birds, butterflies, and mammals.
The common name “mistletoe” is derived from early observations that mistletoe would often appear in places where birds had left
their droppings. “Mistel” is the Anglo-Saxon word for “dung,” and “tan”
is the word for “twig.” Thus, mistletoe means “dung-on-a-twig.” Even
though bird droppings do not really generate mistletoe plants, birds are
an important part of mistletoe life. Birds find mistletoe a great place for
nesting, and many birds eat mistletoe berries, including grouse, mourning
doves, bluebirds, evening grosbeaks, robins and pigeons according to the
United State Geological Survey (USGS).
Mistletoe is a partially parasitic plant. It photosynthesizes its own
food but depends on a host plant, usually a tree, for its water and minerals.
Oaks are particularly favored. Mistletoe is in decline in our area due to
over-collection by people, among other causes.
Fall Stormwater Pollution Solutions
The collective impact of stormwater runoff pollution threatens aquatic
and marine life, recreational water activities, the fishing industry, and
our precious drinking water resources. Here are just a few ways you can
reduce stormwater runoff pollution.
FERTILIZERS: Fertilizers contain nitrates and phosphates that,
in abundance, cause blooms of algae that can lead to fish kills. Avoid the
overuse of fertilizers and do not apply them before a heavy rainfall. Excess application of fertilizers, herbicides, and insecticides supports
the false belief “If a little bit does good a lot will do better.”
Not so, and the excess will likely end up in our streams & lakes.
Actually, fertilize once a year in the fall if at all! Plants and
grass are spending energy growing roots in the fall for lush
foliage in the spring.
YARD WASTE: Compost or mulch yard waste. Don’t
leave it in the street or sweep it into storm
drains or streams. Yard clippings and leaves can
wash into storm drains and contribute nutrients
and organic matter to streams. In addition, cover
piles of dirt or mulch being used in landscaping
projects.
on how to use less energy and
save up to 30% on your winter
heating bill!
Lower your thermostat. 68° is recommended when
you are at home, and 60° when
out and while asleep. This can
result in a cost savings of up to
12%. Using a
programmable
thermostat can
help reduce your
heating costs as
well.
Reduce your hot water
usage. Lower your hot water
heater from 150° to 120° and
wash your clothes in cold water to
see savings of up to 16%. Take a
short shower instead of a bath.
Keep warm air inside.
First, close off vents or registers in
rooms you are not using and close
the door, unless that room has a
major common return duct. If you
have storm windows, make sure
they are closed and in place.
Weatherize. You can save
up to 10% or more on your energy
bill by reducing air leaks with
caulking and weatherstripping.
Seal holes and cracks around
windows, doors, light fixtures, and
walls. Purchase an inexpensive
weatherization kit today!
Take a free Home Energy Analysis. This cus-
tomized energy audit is designed
to help you stop losing energy
in your home and start saving
money. Take it online at www.
njcleanenergy.com or call 1-866657-6278 for a printed version.
For more info:
1-866-657-6278, or visit www.
njcleanenergy.com
Credit: NJ Board of Public Utilities
5
Legislative Update
In a recent press release, Congressmen Frank A. LoBiondo
(NJ-02) and Jim Saxton (NJ-03)
applauded the final approval by
Congress of their legislation for
the New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail. The measure, which
now goes to the President for his
signature, would extend the authorization of the Trail to provide
additional funding to continue the
work begun in 1988 that desig-
nated a Coastal Heritage Trail
along the NJ coast and Delaware
bay shore. It would also require
that a strategic plan be created to
Passage of Coastal Heritage Trail
Legislation
find additional public and private
support for the Trail.
“This is outstanding news for New
Jersey! The New Jersey Coastal
Heritage Trail incorporates the
very best of what the Garden State
has to offer in terms of important
places and sights along our shore
and across our state,” said LoBiondo. “This Trail has helped our
residents develop greater pride
and awareness of our shared history. I am pleased that the entire
delegation worked together to
preserve its story for future generations.”
Since its designation in 1988,
the sites making up the Coastal
Heritage Trail have attracted
millions of tourists and residents
to the area. Stretching some 300
miles from Perth Amboy in the
north to Cape May in the South
and along the Delaware bay to
Carneys Point, Salem County,
in the west, the Coastal Heritage
Trail connects numerous places
300 Foot Buffer Rule Upheld
State.” The correlation of riparian
(stream side) land use and water
quality was noted in the Appellate
ruling.
“This validation sets the record
straight about the importance
natural stream systems play in the
protection of water quality and
stormwater management”, said
Eric Stiles, Vice President for
Conservation and Stewardship, NJ
Audubon Society. “This is great
news for our streams and their
habitat”.
6
of historic, environmental, maritime and recreational interests.
These areas include three National
Wildlife Refuges, four tributaries
of the Maurice River which has
been designated a Wild and Scenic
River, a Civil War fort and national cemetery, as well as numerous
historic sights related to the rich
heritage of New Jersey.
Eco-tourism to the area has been
especially significant due to the
Trail’s attractiveness to a wide
range of wildlife. Whale and
dolphin watching is extremely
popular along the shore and bird
watchers from around the world
are drawn to the area to see migratory species such as plovers,
ospreys and bald eagles. Visitors
can also learn of southern New
Jersey’s rich maritime history going back to colonial days, including those of crabbing, oystering,
and shipbuilding. [Credit: Associated Press]. For more info on NJ
Coastal Heritage Trial go to www.
nps.gov/neje/
continued from page 1
“This decision will strengthen
protection of local waterways and
help municipalities plan for protection of their stream corridors,”
said Sandy Batty, Executive Director, Association of New Jersey
Environmental Commissioners.
Other states across the nation have
been watching the NJBA’s attack
on DEP’s powers to regulate and
protect the environment. The
decision marks the end of the road
for this legal challenge.
[Credit: Associated Press]
South
Jersey
does
not
have many stream segments that
are designated as Category One.
However, the South Jersey Land
and Water Trust, and several
other groups including the Salem County Task Force and the
Delaware Riverkeeper Network,
have nominated many areas along
our streams for this classification.
DEP has not yet ruled on these
nominations.
SJL&WT Supporters
Wine & Cheese Tasting Success
Thank You
Celebrating South Jersey Wineries
The third annual Wine & Cheese Tasting at Heritage Winery
on October 14th was a great success. The raffle baskets were
admired by all, were filled with contributed items and gift certificates from businesses, restaurants, and other sources (listed
below.)
Congratulations
to Ed & Millie
Cleary for winning
the Grand Prize Raffle
Basket. Enjoy your Time in
Cape May!
A special thanks to Michael Hogan Photography, Rejuvenee
Salon, Susquehanna Bank, and WildBirds Unlimited for their special donations. In addition, a special
thanks to our volunteers for soliciting our raffle basket items; Sandy Keen, Pat Mulligan, Rich Thomas,
Carolyn Toy, and especially Janet Webekind, and Helen Weber for their countless hours.
Support the businesses that Support Us!
AAA, Sewell
Academy of Natural Sciences, PA
Applebee’s
Arrive in Style - Limousine Company
AutoSheen
The Barbershop, Mullica Hill
Bartram’s Garden, Philadelphia
Basto Citizen Committee
Bee’s Nails, Mullica Hill
Big Daddy’s Famous Crab Cakes
Blue Eye’s Restaurant, Sewell
Bob’s Hobbies & Crafts, Pitman
Brunswick Zone Bowling
Camden’s Children Garden
Charlie Browns, Woodbury
Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Turnersville
Coniglio Family & Chiropractor, Mantua
Cresent Moon Cafe, Mullica Hill
Curves, Glassboro
DeBears & Co., Sewell
Déjà vu Antique & Gift Gallery, Mullica Hill
Dick’s Sporting Goods, Deptford
Don’s Bagels, Glassboro, NJ
Donna’s Hallmark, Mullica Hill
Duffield’s Farm Market, Sewell
East End Salon, Washington Twp
Garden State Discovery Museum
Great Egg Harbor Association
Guillermo’s Restuarant, Sewell
Hair Sensations, Turnersville
Harrison House, Mullica Hill
Hollywood Cafe, Woodbury
Hot Shots Billiards, Deptford
Hunan East Chinese, Turnersville
Independence Seaport Museum
Italian Affair, Glassboro
Jake’s Italian Restaurant, Newfield
Joanne’s Hallmark, Sewell
Joe’s Pizza, Mullica Hill
Leaming’s Run Gardens, Swainton
Mandarin Oriental, Pitman
Maxima Hair Salon, Mullica Hill
Michael Hogan Photography
Mirenda’s Bakery, Mullica Hill
Miss Molly’s Teas, Elmer
Morris Arboretum, PA
Mozzarella Grill, Sewell
Mullica Hill Floral Company
Total Family Hair Care, Mullica Hill
Outback Steakhouse, Turnersville
Pelican Fish Restaurant, Sewell
Pet Place, Turnersville
Pizza Hut, Deptford
Please Touch Museum, PA
Powerhouse Gym, Sewell
Ruth’s Hallmark, Glassboro
Skater’s Choice, Sewell
Starbucks Coffee, Monroe
Stir It Up Coffe House, Mullica Hill
SuperCuts, Mullica Hill
Talluto’s, Washington Twp.
Taylor’s Haircare & Beauty Supply Salon,
Washington Twp
Village Bagels, Mullica
Wild Birds Unlimited, Sewell
Winterthur Museum, DE
Support SJLWT
Basic - $20 Contributor - $35 Supporter - $50
Org/Gov’t/Business - $100 Conservationist - $200 Steward - $500
Name/Org. ____________________________________
Address _______________________________________
City ____________________State _____ Zip _________
Phone (
) _________________________________
Make checks payable to:
South Jersey
Land & Water Trust
P.O. Box 233
Glassboro, NJ 08028
Email _________________________________________
7
Save the Date
‘Birding Cumberland’ Field Trip with Pat Sutton
Sunday November 12th from 9am - 4pm
Registration: 609-861-0700
The Wetlands Institute Hosts WOW! The Wonders of Wetlands
A professional development workshop for educators
Saturday, November 18th from 9am – 4pm
Registration: 410-745-9620 or www.wetland.org
Joint meeting of SJL&WT and the Gloucester County Nature Club
Ecological Art. The Goldsworthy Lesson
Thursday December 14th 7 pm
EIRC Bldg. Delsea Dr. & Hollydell Ave. For more info 856-478-2264
P.O. Box 233
Glassboro, NJ 08028
(856) 881-2269
www.sjwatersheds.org
Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count
Starts December 14
This bird count provides the Audubon Society with valuable info about wintering bird
populations and migration dynamics. www.audubon.org/bird/cbc/
To preserve and protect the land and water resources of Southern New Jersey – maintaining and enhancing the natural, cultural, and historic
heritage of the region.
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED1
P.O. Box 233
Glassboro, NJ 08028
SJLWT
NON PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PITMAN, NJ
PERMIT NO. 38