Proposed American Battlefield Protection Bill Could Preserve NJ Sites

Reenactors at Morristown's Jockey Hollow   photo via nps.gov

"In the early Revolutionary struggle, few of the States among the old Thirteen had more of the battle-fields of the country within their limits than old New Jersey." 
~ Abraham Lincoln in an 1861 address to the New Jersey Legislature. 

If you went to school in NJ, you had a lesson at least once where you were told that General Washington not only slept here but spent more time in NJ with the Continental Army than any other state. Our best known sites are the Trenton Barracks, the Princeton and Monmouth battlefields, the Jockey Hollow encampment and Washington's Headquarters in Morristown.

The sites that are of concern are the many lesser-known sites that are being ignored and may end up being destroyed by development like a Continental Artillery winter encampment in the Pluckemin section of Somerset County's Bedminster Township.

Michele Byers'  post on preserving some of New Jersey's historic landscapes alerted me to a bill introduced by New Jersey Congressman Rush Holt that would preserve our Revolutionary War sites.

The American Battlefield Protection Program already helps preserve Civil War sites, and the new bill would extend the program to the Revolutionary War and War of 1812 sites. The amendment was passed by the House of Representatives on September 10 and will now go to the Senate, where a companion bill has been introduced.

New Jersey has a good claim to being the "Crossroads of the American Revolution" being between the British stronghold in New York and our capital in Philadelphia.

If you want to learn more about the American Battlefield Protection Program Amendments Act, or S779 - go to the Library of Congress website at http://thomas.loc.gov/home/thomas.php.

If you are interested in this preservation, you can contact New Jersey's two U.S. Senators, Frank Lautenberg and Robert Menendez, and ask them to support S779 via the Senate website at www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm?State=NJ.



For more information about New Jersey's Revolutionary War history, visit the Crossroads of the American Revolution website at www.revolutionarynj.org.

Studying the Allegheny Woodrat: A Video

There are dozens of non-game mammal species found in New Jersey. (There are also six whale species which occur off the state's coast, all of which are listed as both state and federally endangered.) Of these, there are three land mammal species listed as "endangered": the bobcat, Indiana bat and Allegheny Woodrat.

The NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife has posted a link to a video featuring the Division's Endangered and Nongame Species Program's research on the Allegheny woodrat. The population being studied, found in the boulder talus along the base of the Palisades on the Hudson River, is the only one remaining in the state and numbers fewer than 100 individuals,

A video, by award-winning videographer Andre Malok, is found on the NJ.Com website.


                Studying the Allegheny Woodrat - NJ.com video

Although classified as a rat, the Allegheny woodrat has none of the negative characteristics of its other rodent cousins. This small mammal poses no threat to human health or safety. It's found in just one remaining area in New Jersey, within the gigantic crevice filled boulder fields beneath the cliffs of the Palisades in Bergen County. Principal zoologist Mick Valent, from the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife's Endangered and Nongame Species Program (ENSP), along with a small team of volunteers, are trapping woodrats to help study and understand the population decline which is estimated at fewer than 100 animals. The decline has caused concern about the species'€™ future, prompting a close look at the possible causes.

NJDEP  Allegheny Woodrat Fact Sheet (pdf, 59kb)

Sustainable New Jersey Communities

The three interrelated components of sustainability are:
Prosperity - support your local economy and use community resources
Planet - practice responsible enviornmental management and conservation
People - embrace social equity and fairness

Sustainable Jersey® is a certification program for municipalities in New Jersey that want to go green, save money, and take steps to sustain their quality of life over the long term.

The organization identifies concrete actions that municipalities can implement to become "certified" and be considered leaders on the path to a sustainable community.

They also give "how to" guidance and resources to enable communities to make progress on each action, and provides access to grants, and identifies existing and new funding opportunities for municipalities to make progress toward the actions.

378 NJ communities have registered and 125 have been certified so far.


Sustainable Jersey's Annual Awards Luncheon will be held November 13, 2012.

The Blue Hills of NJ and the Revolutionary War

map via www.revolutionarynj.org/crossroads-guide/mountain-refuges

What we call the Watchung Mountains today was known to General Washington and the Continental Army as the Blue Hills. They were the natural barrier that could keep the Army safe from incursions by the British who held Manhattan.

You may have visited some of these sites, or you might drive by them every day. 

Bound Brook Village and the surrounding area were British targets during their encampment at New Brunswick in 1777. On April 13, there were 4,000 British and Hessian troops under General Cornwallis that moved from New Brunswick and surprised the American garrisons who were guarding the Raritan River crossings. They were overpowered and the Battle of Bound Brook was lost by the Colonists.

The village of Middlebrook, between the first and second range of the Watchung Mountains, was a site where the Continental Army camped along in June 1777 and returned to in the winter of 1778-1779. 

That portion of the Army was made up of 10,000 troops - which equaled the population of Somerset County at the time. So as not to overwhelm the local residents, state brigades were spread out across the area. There was a Maryland brigade to the east of Middle Brook and the Virginia troops were on the west side. Pennsylvania was assigned across the Raritan, on the west side of the Millstone River, and the artillery was camped at Pluckemin. 

General Washington identified "Middlebrook" as the location in his dispatches. That 18th century village no longer exists. It is now the western end of Bound Brook. 

Explore and learn about the Mountain Refuges Area

Jersey Black Bears Are Active in Autumn

New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection is advising residents and outdoor enthusiasts in New Jersey’s “bear country’’ that black bears are preparing for winter and are now actively foraging for food as they prepare for the denning season.

“Black bears are preparing to den up for the winter season and need to consume large amounts of food in the fall,” said David Chanda, Director of the DEP’s Division of Fish and Wildlife. “If you live in areas frequented by bears, try to ensure they will not find food near your homes, as bears will naturally take advantage of easy meals by searching through unsecured garbage cans and dumpsters, or raiding bird feeders.’’

The DEP urges residents to strictly adhere to guidelines for eliminating or securing potential black bear food sources to reduce potential problem encounters with bears this fall, said Commissioner Bob Marti.

Feeding bears either deliberately or unintentionally by carelessly leaving out food or garbage can have serious consequences. Bears that learn to associate food with people readily become a nuisance and are more likely to damage property or exhibit aggression, which may lead to the bear’s destruction in order to protect the public.

“Property owners, hikers and campers can reduce the likelihood of attracting bears if they diligently bear-proof residences and camps by removing or properly securing any potential bear food,” said Chanda. “It is also critically important for people to never feed black bears. Feeding bears is dangerous, illegal, and may result in bears becoming aggressive.”

Most of New Jersey's black bears live in the northwest portion of the state, particularly Morris, Sussex, Warren and northern Passaic counties, and portions of Hunterdon, Somerset, and Bergen counties. However, as the bear population in New Jersey has grown in recent years, black bears have been sighted in all 21 counties, and bear-human encounters have occurred more frequently in places outside of traditional bear country, including more heavily populated suburban areas of the state.

To deal with this issue, a New Jersey Comprehensive Black Bear Management Policy was developed by the state’s Fish and Game Council and approved by Commissioner Martin. That policy emphasizes managing black bears through research and monitoring, non-lethal and lethal control of problem bears, public education on co-existing with bears—including trash management, and includes an annual controlled hunt.

Reducing conflicts with bears is a community effort. It only takes several households with unsecured food to create a nuisance bear that could affect an entire neighborhood.

These simple rules for living in bear country will help minimize conflicts with black bears:

• Invest in bear-proof garbage containers. If not using bear-proof garbage containers, store all garbage in containers with tight fitting lids in a secure area such as a basement, the inside wall of a garage, or a shed.
• Use electric fencing to protect livestock and beehives.
• Put garbage out on collection day, not the evening before.
• Wash garbage containers with a disinfectant at least once a week to eliminate odors. Draping ammonia or bleach soaked cloth over containers will help to eliminate odors.
• Do not place meat or sweet food scraps in compost piles.
• Feed birds only from December 1 to April 1, when bears are least active.
• If you feed birds when bears are active, suspend birdfeeders at least 10 feet off the ground.
• Clean up spilled seeds and shells daily.
• Feed outdoor pets during daylight hours only. Immediately remove all food scraps and bowls after feeding.
• Clean outdoor grills thoroughly after each use. Grease and food residue can attract bears.
• Do not leave food unattended while camping or picnicking.
• Store all food items in coolers inside vehicles where they cannot be seen or in bear-proof food storage lockers at State Park facilities.
• Never feed a black bear. It is dangerous and against the law.

Report bear damage or nuisance behavior to your local police department or to the Division of Fish and Wildlife at (877) 927-6337.

To learn more about New Jersey's black bears, visit njfishandwildlife.com/bearfacts.htm
NJ's Comprehensive Black Bear Management Policy, visit nj.gov/dep/fgw/bearpolicy10.htm

Fall Trout Stocking Has Begun in NJ

Photo by Tom Pagliaroli

More than 20,000 trout are being released by the state Division of Fish and Wildlife to streams and ponds in 17 New Jersey counties this month, providing anglers with some good autumn fishing across the state, according to the Department of Environmental Protection.

Two-year old brook and rainbow trout, averaging 14-to-16 inches, are being stocked in 17 streams and 15 ponds and lakes statewide. Also, three-year old rainbow trout, averaging 18-24 inches, are being released in state waters. All of the fish being released were raised at the DEP’s Pequest Trout Hatchery in Warren County.

Waters being stocked include large streams and rivers in northern and coastal areas, such as the Big Flatbrook, Pequest River, South Branch Raritan River, Musconetcong River, and the Manasquan River and Toms River. Next week, ponds and lakes in the central and southern portions of the state will be stocked in some of the more popular fishing waters, including Farrington Lake, Oak Pond, Greenwich Lake, and Mary Elmer Lake.

All fall-stocked waters may be fished as soon as they are stocked.

The complete list of fall-stocked waters and the stocking schedule is available at www.njfishandwildlife.com/flstk.htm or through the Trout Stocking Hotline (609) 633-6765.

“Trout fishing in New Jersey is a truly remarkable tradition, one that connects families and friends as a rite of both the spring and fall,” said Commissioner Martin. “Governor Christie is committed to supporting the great outdoors in our state, from protecting and enhancing the high quality of water that is needed to support these prized fishing opportunities to maintaining and expanding our state parks, forests and wildlife management areas.”

For the second consecutive year, fall trout stocking has been pushed back to the second week of October, rather than the first week of the month. In recent years fall stocking often has been postponed due to weather conditions that resulted in high water temperatures and/or low stream flows. Moving the start of fall stocking to the second week of October takes advantage of cooler temperatures, which benefit trout and minimizes the potential for last minute stocking schedule changes that impact anglers.

Fishing for trout in New Jersey requires a fishing license and trout stamp for anglers between the ages of 16 and 70. Buying a fishing license and trout stamp can be done easily through the Division of Fish and Wildlife’s Automated Licensing System. Anglers can buy and print a fishing license and trout stamp online or can purchase a license and stamp at one of more than 200 license agent locations throughout the state.

All proceeds from freshwater fishing licenses are dedicated to improving fishing in New Jersey and protecting the quality of the state’s waters both for fish and people.

A wealth of information about trout fishing and all other freshwater fishing in New Jersey, including regulations, stocking schedules, fishing access points and fishing tips, can be found at
http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/fishing_fresh.htm

For stocking locations maps visit:
http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/images/fishing/trout_fallstock_map12.jpg
http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/pdf/2012/fall_stocking_map12.pdf

Gateway NRA Celebrates its 40th Anniversary

On October 27, 1972, Congress passed legislation that created a new kind of national park. The park would have natural, historic, and recreational treasures that one would expect to find in a national park, but what made this place different, was its location. Unlike most large national parks, which were located in rural, and remote areas, this was located in and around the nation’s largest urban area. The idea was to bring the parks to the people, and the result was Gateway National Recreation Area.

Visitors to Gateway's 26,000 acres can bike, fish, kayak, go to the beach, camp overnight under a starry sky or explore Civil War-era forts and historic aircraft. See why over 325 bird species come to Gateway. Find out what's happening this week and this season on Staten Island, at Jamaica Bay in Brooklyn and Queens and at Sandy Hook, New Jersey.

On October 27, Gateway NRA Celebrates its 40th Anniversary with programs on the history of Gateway, and all of the things that make it one of the great things about being in the New York and New Jersey metropolitan area.

At Sandy Hook we will mark the date with our annual observance of the Fort Hancock Days Weekend, Oct. 27-28.

Fishing at Horseshoe Cove

 

Battery Potter at Sandy Hook

Battery Potter entrance today

Gateway NRA/NPS Museum Collection

View of Battery Potter looking southeast.  One gun is raised in the firing position.

Fort Hancock's Battery Potter, constructed from 1890-1894, was the first disappearing gun battery in the U. S. Originally called Lift-gun Battery #1, it was the first and only disappearing gun battery powered by a steam hydraulic lift system. In operation from 1893-1906, it was obsolete by the time it was built because the fastest firing of the gun took over two minutes.

The Army had developed a new gun carriage that used a counterweight to raise and lower the gun called the Buffington-Crozier carriage. This carriage allowed the guns to fire two rounds per minute.
Battery Potter stayed in operation until 1906 because it had a 360 degree range of fire and was capable of covering Sandy Hook Bay. When Battery Arrowsmith was constructed on the bayside of Sandy Hook at Camp Low, Battery Potter's guns were no longer needed.

Drawing of soldiers loading Battery Potter's gun.

NPS/Harpers Ferry Center Commissioned Artwork

.

Cheesequake State Park

Cheesequake State Park is just off the Garden State Parkway. This 1,274-acre park in Old Bridge, Middlesex County, has fishing, kayaking, hiking and camping available among the coastal wetlands and forests also make for quality and sometimes surprising getaways in the well-developed Raritan Bay region.

“Cheesequake State Park is another jewel in the state’s incredible park system, offering our residents a wealth of affordable recreational opportunities and not far from home,’’ said Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Martin. “We urge residents from all parts of the state to take a drive, spend a day and explore this terrific venue.’’

Self-guided tours are also available for visiting kayakers who’d like to navigate the well-marked Cheesequake Water Trail. A corresponding, waterproof brochure pointing out historic locations and unique plants and wildlife is available.

For those who enjoy the simple pleasures of enjoying a park on foot, Cheesequake also has much to offer. There are five designated trails ranging from 1-1/2 to 3-1/2 miles. The Red, Yellow, Green and Blue trails, which range from easy to moderate with inclines, are for hiking and walking. The multi-use White trail is for hikers and mountain bikers.

The fresh-water fishing of Hooks Creek Lake – about six acres large – offers ample opportunity to land a trout, bass, catfish or sunfish, while crabbing from the ADA-accessible Crabbing Bridge is also available.

More than 40 tent and trailer sites with fire ringers and picnic tables are available for campers. Each site has flush toilets and shower facility within walking distance. The summer fun continues with swimming and boating on the lake, but there are certainly those who enjoy the fall hikes and winter sledding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing available at the park.

SOURCE: http://www.nj.gov/dep/daw/cheesequake/

Great Swamp Educational Programs

The Great Swamp Watershed Association (GSWA), located in Harding Township, NJ, is the nonprofit member-supported environmental organization that monitors and protects water quality, and investigates and participates in land use issues in the watershed community, while working to strengthen environmental regulations in New Jersey.

GSWA also provides environmental education to community groups, teachers and students to help everyone understand the important role we each play in protecting our drinking water and preserving the natural beauty of our environment.

• Seasonal environmental education programs are open to the general public. View a list of seasonal programming.
•  Environmental science education programs designed for school classrooms—grades 3 to 12 and beyond. Read more about classroom instruction.
• Programs For Educators include teacher training workshops focusing on state-approved core content and suitable for use in the classroom or Nature Center for teaching across curriculum. Topics include water conservation, the water cycle, biodiversity, wildlife habitats and more. Read more about teacher training workshops.

Batso Village Hosts Country Living Fair

Situated on picturesque Batsto Lake, the historic village of Batsto is an idyllic portal into the history and culture of New Jersey’s famed Pine Barrens, a place that brings the spirit of the region to life in the clanging of the blacksmith’s hammer, a child’s wooden rocking horse resting on a sunlit windowsill, the rush of wind through the crooked boughs of pitch pines.

The annual Country Living Fair, a large celebration of Pinelands culture and natural history through living history demonstrations, crafts, music, antiques, food, and old-time cars and farm equipment will be Sunday, October 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Batsto Village. The festival is sponsored by the Batsto Citizens Committee Inc. and the New Jersey Park Service.

The village is quite possibly the best place for visitors from near and far to begin their exploration of New Jersey's globally unique Pine Barrens.

More information on Batso http://www.nj.gov/dep/daw/batsto/



NJDEP New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection

Jersey Devil Hike

Jersey Devil Hike

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28

9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Leeds Point, Atlantic County

Gather your courage and join New Jersey Conservation Foundation's Chris Jage, Assistant Director for South Jersey, on an 8-mile hike in Leeds Point, Atlantic County, birthplace of the mythical Jersey Devil.

The legend of the Jersey Devil dates back to the 1700s when Mother Leeds - reputed to be a witch - gave birth to her 13th child, supposedly the son of the Devil himself. Jersey Devil sightings and encounters have been reported throughout the Pine Barrens in the years since.

The cost of the tour is $5 per person, and advance registration is required.  Limited to 25 people. To register online, click here. For more information, contact Carol Banhart at carol@njconservation.org or 908-234-1225, ext.126.

Volunteers Needed for Cox Hall Creek WMA in Cape May County

Volunteers are needed to help plant native trees, shrubs, grasses and wildflowers for wildlife inside Cox Hall Creek Wildlife Management Area in southern Cape May County.

October 10-11th from 10-2pm. (possibly the 12th if needed)
Cox Hall Creek Wildlife Management Area, Villas, NJ

This site is the former location for an old golf course named “Ponderlodge.” It was demolished last year and we need your help to install a series of gardens that will be used to demonstrate what people can do to help provide habitat for wildlife in lower Cape May County.

The entrance for Cox Hall Creek WMA is at the intersection of Bybrook & Delview Rd. We'll meet in the parking area. The area where we'll be working is right next to the parking area. Restrooms are on site. We'll provide some light refreshments.

Please bring some landscaping/planting tools, shovels, work gloves etc...that you can use to help plant.

We will have light refreshments. There is a bathroom on site. Please bring a pair of work gloves and dress accordingly.

Please RSVP by emailing Ben Wurst. 

Heavy rain will postpone till the following day.
 
More info about the project: conservewildlifenj.org/protecting/habitat/restoration/ponderlodge/

Lenape34: The Origins Walk on October 8

The FreeWalkers, a long-distance walking network, is offering one last long walk in its series of walks for 2012 - the Lenape34: The Origins Walk, a 34-mile walk on Columbus Day, October 8th. It's an interesting day to contemplate our origins and the land we usually take for granted.

The challenge begins before dawn and continues; first north then south through every major reservation and many parks in Essex County. This walk appeals to walkers, hikers and naturalists. The topography is constantly changing.

Visit the event site at lenape34.org or sign up for the LENAPE34 today.

Is 34 Miles is too long for you? If you find 34 miles too daunting a goal, consider walking part of the event following our schedule. You can carpool, catch a bus or hop on board a train at certain locations. There's plenty of alternative places to start and finish.

Press Release   Sep 27 - PUBLIC INVITED TO WALK 34 MILES ON LENAPE TRAIL ON COLUMBUS DAY 

LENAPE34 Flyer 2012