DOCSLIB.ORG

The Highlands: Our Backyard Paradise 2005 Update

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The Highlands: Our Backyard Paradise 2005 Update 14901 9/6/05 10:30 AM Page 1 The Highlands: Our Backyard Paradise 2005 Update our backyard paradise 14901 9/6/05 10:30 AM Page 2 Message from our Co-Chairs Table of Contents he Highlands are the backyard of several of 3 The Highlands: Our Backyard Paradise Tthe nation’s largest metropolitan areas, but they are changing fast. We must take decisive 4 Highlands Values action to safeguard the water, beauty and life of this nationally significant region. The successful preservation of Sterling Forest provides a model 6 Highlands at Risk of the state and federal partnership that is needed to protect critical treasures throughout this very 7 Campaign to Protect the Critical Treasures special and threatened region. The members of The Highlands Coalition look 8 The Highlands Region Map forward to working with the millions of Americans who love and depend on these lands to help preserve them for the benefit of future generations. 10 Critical Treasures of Pennsylvania 12 Critical Treasures of New Jersey Sam Pryor, III & Franklin E. Parker 14 Critical Treasures of New York Honorary Co-Chairs The Highlands Coalition 16 Critical Treasures of Connecticut 18 A Vision for the Future and Call to Action 19 Regional Board • Contacts • Credits 14901 9/6/05 10:30 AM Page 3 The Highlands: Our Backyard Paradise n the backyard of the nation’s most densely populated Iregion lie over three million acres of forested ridges, pure streams, lakes and reservoirs known as the Highlands. These ridges stretch across Pennsylvania from the Maryland border, and into northwestern New Jersey, New York’s lower Hudson Valley and the Litchfield Hills of Connecticut. This eastern-most extension of the Appalachian Mountains forms a vital greenbelt for the Philadelphia, New York and Hartford metropolitan areas. The Highlands are an essential source of drinking water, clean air, critical wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities for the 25 million people who live within one hour’s drive of the region. In the following pages you will discover the Critical Treasures of the Highlands and learn about the ongoing efforts of the Highlands Coalition – a group of over 100 organizations – to protect these lands and waters. Your help is needed and we ask you to please support this important effort. Eighty percent of the nationally significant Highlands landscape is unprotected from poorly-planned residential, commercial and industrial development. Action is necessary at all levels of government to secure the drinking water and quality of life for millions of Americans. Photos: (cover) NYC from Ramapo Mts., NJ in the Highlands by George Aronson; frostflower/pitch pine/Minisceongo Creek, NY by Tom Cunningham; flycatcher ©S.J.Lang/VIREO; 3 (inside cover) Dunderberg Mountain, NY by Tom Cunningham; (this page) Black Mtn. overlooking Silver Mine Lake, NY by Tom Cunningham 14901 9/6/05 10:30 AM Page 4 Highlands Values WATER Undisturbed forests protect water quality in Highlands reservoirs, aquifers, watersheds and waterways, reducing the need for costly artificial water treatment facilities. Forested watersheds in the Highlands also help prevent soil erosion and destructive downstream flooding. There are over 1,860 miles of trout streams, which are an indicator of high water quality, and over 535 miles of canoeable rivers in the New York-New Jersey portion of the Highlands. Mighty rivers such as the Delaware, the Hudson and the Housatonic flow from their headwaters in the Highlands region. The Highlands provide and protect water supplies for more than fifteen million people, including much of Philadelphia, New York City, Hartford and over half the population of New Jersey. 4 Photos: vernal pond in CT Highlands by Alden Warner; Wanaque Reservoir, NJ by George Aronson; Minisceongo Creek, NY by Tom Cunningham 14901 9/6/05 10:30 AM Page 5 BEAUTY LIFE The Highlands region is a tapestry of diverse The Highlands are home to a remarkable forests, scenic ridges, sparkling waterways diversity of life, nourished by verdant forests, and productive farmlands, which enriches lush wetlands and clean waterways. Black the lives of residents and visitors alike. bear, river otter, bobcat, coyote and wild trout are among the Highlands’ surprising Each year, there are more than 14 million inhabitants, while its forested ridges are visits to the region’s 484,000 acres of public essential migration corridors for raptors and lands for outdoor recreation including over 70 species of neotropical songbirds that camping, birdwatching, hunting, fishing, fly from Latin America to breed and nest. biking, paddling and hiking the Appalachian and Highlands Trails. Hundreds of thousands Nearly 55 percent of the NY-NJ Highlands of acres have exceptional scenic value. provide important habitat for 247 rare, threatened or endangered species of plants The Highlands are also rich with historic and animals. Large, unbroken tracts of forest communities and sites that connect us provide the critical core interior habitat to our past, in addition to farms, orchards important species require for survival. and vineyards which help preserve pastoral vistas and support local economies and Forests also moderate temperature, communities. The outstanding landscapes filter the air, and combat global warming. of the Highlands provide a high quality One mature tree produces $600 worth of of life for our families and attract tourists pure oxygen per year, while an acre of to the region. forest captures 31 tons of carbon dioxide and 13 tons of pollutants annually. Photos: Monksville Reservoir, NJ by Wilma E. Frey; American bittern/fisherman by Tom Cunningham; black-throated blue warbler by S. Maslowski/USFWS 5 14901 9/6/05 10:30 AM Page 6 Highlands at Risk SPRAWL THREATENS THE HIGHLANDS Permanent protection is in place for only about 20 percent of the NY-NJ Highlands and 14 percent of the four-state Highlands region. The majority USDA FOREST SERVICE REPORT of the Highlands is under intense pressure from poorly-planned residential, commercial and The New York-New Jersey Highlands Regional industrial development that threatens to Study: 2002 Update highlights recent land-use undermine the water supply and quality of life for trends and makes alarming predictions about the millions of residents in this densely populated area. future of the Highlands region. A similar analysis of the CT and PA portions of the region is Fragmentation and alteration of interior forest expected in the near future. habitats pose the greatest threats to Highlands • Over 25,000 acres of land were developed in biological communities. Since 1984, 65,000 acres the NY-NJ Highlands between 1995 and 2000. in the NY-NJ Highlands – a total area of over 100 • Nearly 300,000 acres of critical watershed square miles of contiguous forest – have been lost lands are unprotected. to development. • Current development trends could reduce the Over 5,000 acres of the NY-NJ number of watersheds with exceptional value water quality by 75 percent. Highlands are lost to sprawl • Continuing development trends could cause each year. groundwater shortages in many watersheds. • Eighty percent of the Highlands is privately owned and vulnerable to development. Too Much at Risk • Prime interior forest habitat is decreasing rapidly, putting wildlife dependent upon large forested areas at serious risk. 20% NY-NJ Highlands • The loss of wetland and forestland quadrupled between 1984 and 1995, reaching 3,400 acres Protected land 80% per year. Unprotected land • Under current zoning the region’s population could increase by 48 percent. • Twenty municipalities experienced greater than 20 percent population growth between 1990 and 2000. • Build-out of remaining developable lands could be reached in 20-30 years. 6 Photos: acres for sale by John McKeith/EarthImagery; development in Lower Milford Twp., PA by Wildlands Conservancy/T. L. Gettings; Tilcon Inc.’s Quarry in Haverstraw, NY 14901 9/6/05 10:30 AM Page 7 Campaign to Protect the Critical Treasures he Highlands Coalition has identified nearly 100 “Critical TTreasures,” or priority conservation areas in the four-state Highlands region, where additional lands need to be preserved. Increased federal, state and local funding for land acquisition is needed to protect these special places. The Federal Government must partner with state and local governments in the Highlands region to protect the Critical Treasures of this nationally significant landscape. Responsible planning at the state, regional and local levels is needed to protect natural resources and foster smart growth. The successful preservation of Sterling Forest offers a model for land conservation partnerships that should be emulated throughout the region. Conserving the priority lands and resources of the Highlands region will ensure the protection of water, forests, wildlife and the quality of life for millions of people and future generations. Photos: pond at sunset by Darryl J. Nicholson; mountain laurel by Wilma E. Frey; pitch pine on Storm King Mtn., NY by Tom Cunningham 7 14901 9/6/05 10:30 AM Page 8 14901 9/6/05 10:31 AM Page 9 Vision MAP 14901 9/6/05 10:31 AM Page 10 Critical Treasures of Pennsylvania ennsylvania’s Highlands wander through Northampton, PLehigh, Bucks, Berks, Montgomery, Chester, Lebanon, Lancaster, Dauphin, York, Cumberland, Adams and Franklin counties, stretching from the Maryland to the New Jersey border. Streams flowing from Highlands ridges supply water to Allentown in the north and Reading, Pottstown, Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley in the south. Natural areas such as Haycock Mountain, Spring Mountain, Unami Hills, Ridge Valley Creek, Oley Hills and Hosensack Swamp are home to many threatened and endangered species and native brook trout. The Highlands region also contains many important bird breeding areas, such as Quakertown Swamp, Tohickon and Tinicum Creeks and the Hopewell Big Woods, the largest contiguous forest remaining in southeastern Pennsylvania. Historic properties from the iron ore industry are concentrated in the Pennsylvania Highlands.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • A Century of Forest Stewardship in New Jersey 1905-2005
    A Century of Forest Stewardship in New Jersey 1905-2005 Researched and written by Kevin Wright © Kevin Wright 2005 An Introduction to New Jersey’s Natural Parks and Forest Reservations Tucked between blue-hazed mountains and the ocean shore, the State of New Jersey occupies a full cross section of the Atlantic slope with terrains and habitats that vary remarkably mile by mile. The cultural landscape is equally picturesque; what began as the most ethnically and religiously diverse colony has become the most densely populated State in the Union. Consequently a wonderful variety of plant and animal life competes on a daily basis with a spreading suburban population for space and resources. New Jersey’s virgin forests vanished by 1860, having been repeatedly cut over. With such widespread deforestation, even the Highlands “presented a perfectly bare appearance.” By 1900, about 46% of New Jersey’s land area, amounting to two million acres, remained woodland, though its condition was generally poor. Though this forest area was close to lumber markets, its overall value was insignificant, due mainly to repeated and uncontrolled destruction by forest fires. The first generation of professional American foresters, trained mainly in the carefully managed forest reserves of Germany, recommended the practice of scientific forestry to restore the exhausted condition of New Jersey’s remnant woodlands after centuries of exploitation. They believed that even the poor sandy soils of the Pine Barrens might yield crops of “commercially valuable trees … at a more rapid rate than is the rule on the average forest soil in the East, due to a favorable climate.”1 They not only advocated the creation of an organized firefighting force, but also a system of state-owned demonstration forests to promote reforestation.
    [Show full text]
  • Hopewell Big Woods Night Skies
    HOW CAN YOU HELP? The Pennsylvania Outdoor HELP SAVE Lighting Council HOPEWELL BIG WOODS’ NIGHT SKIES This Not This Use Shielded Lights to Hide the Bulb Volunteers promoting better outdoor lighting for Pennsylvania PA Chapter of the International Dark‐Sky Association Contact Information: E‐Mail: [email protected] So you can: Shield Your Barn Light Web: www.polcouncil.org • Enjoy the stars Brochure funded by generous support from: • Get a good night’s sleep • Protect the environment • Be a thoughtful neighbor Shut Lights Off When Not Needed • Be kind to nature’s creatures 40W Look inside for 10W helpful information This project was funded in part by a grant from Community Conservation Partnerships Program, under the administration of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation Use Low-Wattage Bulbs and the William Penn Foundation in support of the Schuylkill Highlands Shield Floods and Aim Downward Mini-Grant Program administered jointly by Natural Lands Trust and Schuylkill River Heritage Association. WHO NEEDS Hopewell Big Woods DARK NIGHTS? Hopewell Big Woods PEOPLE AND ALL OF NATURE’S French Creek State Park CREATURES NEED A PERIOD Hopewell Furnace NHS Crow’s Nest Preserve OF DARKNESS EVERY 24 HOURS. Birds & Animals 15 3 Courtesy Natural Lands Trust Hopewell Big Woods, a 73,000 acre expanse, is the last large unbroken forest remaining in southeastern PA. It is one of the most important natural areas in the region, an exceptional resource with hundreds of plant and bird species, pristine forests, unique People (Neighbor’s Floodlight) wetlands, and clean streams, providing open space, drinking water, and unique scenic, cultural, and natural resources.
    [Show full text]
  • HOPEWELL FURNACE NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE a Resource Assessment
    october 2004 october HOPEWELL FURNACE NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE A Resource Assessment ® NATIONAL PARKS CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION THE HOPEWELL FURNACE ASSESSMENT 1 ational Historic Site ational Historic nace N ell Fur Hopew NATIONAL PARK SERVICE The iron-making fur- n the woods of southeastern grates, and cannon shot and shells for nace resides in the Pennsylvania, a community of men, patriot forces during the Revolutionary War. cast house, the cen- ter of the Hopewell Iwomen, and childre n worke d to supply As technology progressed, the furnace community. This is iron for the growing nation. They created eventually became outdated. In 1883, it where stoves, ket- a village called Hopewell that was built closed, and the furnace workers and their tles, machinery, and other iron products around an iron-making furnace. From 1771 families left to make their livings elsewhere. were fashioned. to 1883, Hopewell Furnace manufactured They left behind their homes, work build- iron goods to fill the demands of growing ings, tools, and other evidence of the iron- eastern cities like Philadelphia, New York, making community that once thrived. and Baltimore. While the most profitable Today the remains of Hopewell Furnace items were stoves, the furnace cast many represent an important time in America's other objects such as kettles, machinery, maturation as a nation. The production of iron in hundreds of small furnaces like archival items relate d to the site's history. Hopewell provided the key ingredient in What today's visitors will not find are America's industrial revolution, enabling the the noise, heat, and pollution that were United States to become an economic and ever-present in the community during the technological leader worldwide.
    [Show full text]
  • Musconetcong River National Wild and Scenic Rivers Study
    Musconetcong River National Wild and Scenic Rivers Study River Management Plan Prepared by: Musconetcong River Management Council Musconetcong Watershed Association Heritage Conservancy National Park Service June 2011 Update The views and conclusions contained in this document are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as representing the opinions or policies of the U.S. Government. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute their endorsement by the U.S. Government. Musconetcong National Wild and Scenic River Management Plan EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This management plan proposes a strategy for managing the Musconetcong River and its many outstanding resource values. It was prepared as part of a study to evaluate the Musconetcong River for inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. The Musconetcong River drains a 157.6 square mile watershed area in northern New Jersey, and as a major tributary to the Delaware River, is part of the 12,755 square mile Delaware River watershed. The Musconetcong River is a boundary water for its entire length, first dividing Morris and Sussex counties, then Hunterdon and Warren counties. All or portions of 26 municipalities lie within the natural boundaries of the Musconetcong watershed. Fourteen municipalities fall within the river segments eligible for National Wild and Scenic Rivers designation. The impetus for the Musconetcong National Wild and Scenic Rivers study can be traced back to 1991, when petitions were circulated calling for the protection of the Musconetcong River under both the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System and New Jersey Wild and Scenic Rivers program. In 1992, Congress passed legislation authorizing the National Park Service to study the eligibility and potential suitability of the Lower Delaware River for addition to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
    [Show full text]
  • Chapter 3.5 Southern Highlands Region 3.5 Southern Highlands Region
    Chapter 3.5 Southern Highlands Region 3.5 Southern Highlands Region 3.5 Southern Highlands Region mentioned are large resources there are also many smaller recreational opportunities scattered throughout the region. When The Southern Highlands Region is located within the southern totaled, the Southern Highlands Region as a whole has more portion of Berks County and bordered by the Metro Region to the than twice the existing recreational acreage recommended by the north and Lancaster and Chester Counties to the southwest and National Recreation & Park Association. southeast. Throughout this region is an abundance of recreational, ecological and historical resources. This region is Recreation considered to be one area of the County that is going to see a steady rise in population as more and more people move into the Recreation is mainly of the passive type in this region. There are area along the US 422 and Pennsylvania Turnpike corridors. large State and Federally-owned parks within the Southern New Morgan Borough has been the site of a number of ambitious Highlands and they provide much of the recreational development proposals that could contribute significantly to the opportunities to not only the citizens of the region but the citizens region’s population. of neighboring Counties as well as all of Berks County. School districts, municipalities and privately-owned facilities cater mainly The Southern Highlands Region has a multitude of recreational, to the local need of residents. Although there seems to be a ecological and historical resources with the majority being geared toward passive recreation. The Schuylkill River Greenway/Trail extends through this region ultimately winding its way to Philadelphia.
    [Show full text]
  • Environmentally Sensitive Areas Guidance Document
    New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Bureau of Release Prevention ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS GUIDANCE DOCUMENT Revised September 2014 Introduction This guidance on environmentally sensitive areas is intended for use as a reference and a guide when gathering information to be used in preparing the topographical maps for Discharge Prevention, Containment and Countermeasure (DPCC), and Discharge Cleanup and Removal (DCR) Plans. It gathers in one place all the citations listed in N.J.A.C. 7:1E-1.8, which establishes the definition of environmentally sensitive areas (ESA) for the purpose of developing the DPCC/DCR plan. The areas described in this document are by no means the only ESA in New Jersey, but represent those most likely to be adversely affected by a discharge of a hazardous substance. When used in conjunction with the requirements of N.J.A.C. 7:1E-4.10, Mapping criteria, it will prove useful in preparing the topographical maps and the offsite response measures that are required as part of the DCR plan. Additional information concerning the certification of ESA information is available in A Guide to the Preparation of Discharge Prevention, Containment and Countermeasure (DPCC) and Discharge Cleanup and Removal (DCR) Plans and Plan Renewals, available on the Bureau of Release Prevention website at http://www.nj.gov/dep/rpp/brp/dp/index.htm. N.J.A.C. 7:1E-4.2(b)9 requires that topographical maps be included in the DPCC plan, while N.J.A.C. 7:1E-4.10(d) requires that these maps cover all surrounding areas which could be affected by a discharge from the facility, including ESA.
    [Show full text]
  • Wawayanda State Park and Surrounding Areas in Sussex and Passaic Counties, New Jersey and Orange County, New York
    GICAL A LO ND O W E G A T Y E E R S S R U E R J V E W Y E New Jersey and Geological and Water Survey N 1835 The Geology and Landscapes of Wawayanda State Park and Surrounding Areas in Sussex and Passaic Counties, New Jersey and Orange County, New York by Richard A. Volkert and Scott D. Stanford 2014 STATE OF NEW JERSEY Chris Christie, Governor Kim Guadagno, Lieutenant Governor Department of Environmental Protection Bob Martin, Commissioner Water Resources Management Daniel Kennedy, Assistant Commissioner Geological and Water Survey Karl Muessig, State Geologist NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION The mission of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is to assist the residents of New Jersey in preserving, sustaining, protecting and enhancing the environment to ensure the integration of high environmental quality, public health and economic vitality. NEW JERSEY GEOLOGICAL AND WATER SURVEY The mission of the New Jersey Geological and Water Survey is to map, research, interpret and provide scientific information regarding the state’s geology and groundwater resources. This information supports the regulatory and planning functions of the DEP and other governmental agencies and provides the business community and public with information necessary to address environmental concerns and make economic decisions. For more information, contact: New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection New Jersey Geological and Water Survey P.O. Box 420, Mail Code 29-01 Trenton, NJ 08625-0420 (609) 292-1185 http://www.njgeology.org/ Cover photo: Wawayanda Lake viewed from Double Pond Trail. Photo by R. Volkert. The Geology and Landscapes of Wawayanda State Park and Surrounding Areas in Sussex and Passaic Counties, New Jersey and Orange County, New York INTRODUCTION with broad, flat tops, and ridge flanks that are commonly steep and locally form cliffs.
    [Show full text]
  • Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site Foundation Document
    NATIONAL PARK SERVICE • U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Foundation Document Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site Pennsylvania July 2017 Foundation Document To Birdsboro, 724 & 422 LL HI M il d T l a U N Cr o L T ee e S k R n a E pe H C d Trail e Trail Sh HOPEWELL FURNACE FRENCH CREEK NATIONAL HISTORIC STATE PARK SITE Raccoon Trail d a o R Site of k Brison House r Church House (dry) a P (not open to public) Head e Visitor c Ra ard zz Tr Center Site of u a i B l Mule Barn Wood Lot East House S p West Head o Creek Run u French t Race B Lloyd House e t H Furnace (not open to public) h 345 e o s p d e m a w HOPEWELL s Carriage Shed ti e l p l LAKE a B C h u r Bethesda Church c R Hor h o s and Cemetery e a - S d h Creek o Nathan Care House T r e (not open to public) a i l MOUNT T r a Care Barn i PLEASURE l (not open to public) NATURAL Site of H a Harrison Lloyd LANDS TRUST r ri House so n ad North o H R BERKS CO. o Ll r oy se d To St. Peters CHESTER CO. -S h R o a e o d a s T d e r h a t i ( e l u 0 0.1 Km 0.3 n B p a v e 0 0.1 Mi 0.2 d ) To Warwick, 23 Historic trace and Morgantown, 76 (not open to vehicles) Hiking Trail STATE GAME LANDS Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site Contents Mission of the National Park Service 1 Introduction 2 Part 1: Core Components 3 Brief Description of the Park 3 Park Purpose 4 Park Significance 5 Fundamental Resources and Values 6 Other Important Resources and Values 7 Interpretive Themes 8 Part 2: Dynamic Components 9 Special Mandates and Administrative Commitments 9 Special Mandates 9 Administrative Commitments
    [Show full text]
  • Pennsylvania News
    Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program National Park Service Northeast Region U.S. Department of the Interior Pennsylvania News NPS Unit State Capital Boat ferry demonstration on the Delaware River Water Trail ProJEcts AND PartnERS 2011 Recent Successes CURRENT PROJECTS Delaware River Water Trail 1. Cynwyd Heritage Trail Lower Merion Township In 2010, RTCA guided a Steering Committee consisting of staff 2. Derry Station Heritage Trail from the Upper Delaware Scenic & Recreational River, Dela- Derry Area Revitalization Corporation ware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Delaware & Lehigh 3. Logan Triangle Redevelopment National Heritage Corridor, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Com- Logan Community Development Corporation mission, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJ DEP), and American Canoe Association’s Delaware Valley 4. Ohio River Trail Ohio River Trail Council Division in the development of a comprehensive signage pro- gram for paddlers on the 220-mile water trail through the three 5. Pennsylvania Highlands Trail Network states of New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. The signage Appalachian Mountain Club program was based on the previously established Delaware 6. Schuylkill River to Boars Back Trail Connector River Water Trail Concept Plan. Natural Lands Trust 7. Schuylkill River Water Trail A $26,270 NPS Challenge Cost Share grant funded the develop- Schuylkill River Greenway Association ment of the sign plan, while Pennsylvania Department of Con- servation and Natural Resources and NJ DEP funds totaling $49,000 are contributing to the development of additional plans to improve river safety, and enhance marketing of the water Find out more about each project starting on page 2.
    [Show full text]
  • Winter Hiking Tips Plan, Prepare, Explore! Don Weise Qualifications and References
    Winter Hiking Tips Plan, Prepare, Explore! Don Weise Qualifications and References Background: - Life Member, Past Board Member, and Development Director, New York-New Jersey Trail Conference (Mahwah, NJ) - Co-Chair, West Milford Open Space Committee, Environmental Commissioner - Author of 2 hiking guidebooks - Hiking/trail running guide: led 600+outings in last 25 years - Volunteer trail maintainer - Castkill 35er What We Do: Trails and much more Create great outdoor experiences on 2,165 miles of trails! Build, maintain trails, bridges, steps, boardwalks and more Protect trails and the natural areas they cross Buy land for trails, advocate, restore native plant habitats Engage 2,400 volunteers in 100,000+ hours annually Cost-efficient volunteer model fills gaps in park maintenance Where the Adventures Are Trail Conference Trails North Jersey: 750 miles • Appalachian Trail, Highlands Trail, Long Path • All major state parks • 2 national parks/rec areas • Many county and local parks New York: 1,415 miles • Appalachian Trail, Highlands Trail, Long Path, Shawangunk Ridge Trail • Hudson Valley: Harriman-Bear Mtn, Breakneck Ridge (Hudson Highlands SP), Sterling Forest, Black Rock, Storm King, Schunemunk, Fahnestock, etc. • Shawangunks & Catskills: Minnewaska- Sam’s Point, Catskill Forest Preserve Top 3 Misconceptions About Trail Making 1. “The trails just kind of make themselves…right?” 2. “I thought the park service/my taxes took care of that.” 3. “You use volunteers—so isn’t it free?” Primary staff duties: Conservation Corps: Work with, plan
    [Show full text]
  • Musconetcong River Study Report, New Jersey
    MUSCONETCONG RIVER NATIONAL WILD AND SCENIC RIVERS STUDY FINAL STUDY REPORT Prepared by: Musconetcong Advisory Committee Musconetcong Watershed Association Heritage Conservancy National Park Service June 2004 The views and conclusions contained in this document are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as representing the opinions or policies of the U.S. Government. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute their endorsement by the U.S. Government. M USCONETCONG R IVER N A TIONAL W ILD AND S CENIC R IVERS S TUDY Executive Summary The Musconetcong River drains a 157.6 square mile watershed area in northern New Jersey, and as a major tributary to the Delaware River, is part of the 12,755 square mile Delaware River watershed. It flows 42.5 miles in a general southwest direction. The Musconetcong River, nestled in the heart of the New Jersey Highlands region, features a remarkably diverse array of natural and cultural resources. The limestone geologic features present in the Musconetcong River corridor are unique in the state, and the steep slopes and forested ridges in the upper segments of the river corridor contrast with the historic villages, pastures, and rolling agricultural lands at the middle and lower end of the river valley. For its entire length the Musconetcong River is a boundary water, first dividing Morris and Sussex counties, then Hunterdon and Warren Counties. All or portions of 25 municipalities lie within the natural boundaries of the Musconetcong River watershed. Fourteen municipalities fall within the river segments eligible for National Wild and Scenic Rivers designation.
    [Show full text]
  • 26 a Third Area of Steep Slopes Occurs Throughout the Pochuck Mountain
    A third area of steep slopes occurs throughout the Pochuck Mountain area of northwest Vernon Township. In these areas slopes exceed 25%, indicating a rapid elevation change over a short distance. Moderate slopes of 15% to 25% are less predictable throughout the county. The soils of these areas are less susceptable to erosion and have a lesser impact on stormwater flows. They occur more frequently in the county’s eastern, northern and western areas, but are found throughout Sussex County. Threatened and Endangered Species Sussex County’s diverse topography and land use patterns provide excellent habitat for many plant and animal species. Many of the species found in the county, such as deer, game birds and several species of fish, provide abundant hunting and fishing opportunities. Other habitat types contain non-game threatened and endangered species. Certain of these species are considered to be important indicators of the overall health of the ecosystems they inhabit. Therefore, taking steps to conserve functional threatened and endangered species habitat will provide benefits for many other species in the county. There are two state-maintained databases that highlight important habitat for threatened and endangered species: the Natural Heritage Database and the Landscape Project. Information from the Natural Heritage Database is used to map Natural Heritage Priority 26 Sites which identify some of the best and most viable occurrences of endangered and threatened plant, animal and natural communities in New Jersey. These sites do not encompass all known habitat for endangered or threatened species; rather, they identify sites where rare species or natural communities have been reported to exist.
    [Show full text]