Environmental Commission

MANALAPAN TOWNSHIP

NATURAL RESOURCE INVENTORY

(ADDENDUM)

PREPARED FOR

MANALAPAN TOWNSHIP ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION

NOVEMBER, 1993

This document was prepared with the aid of a grant from the Department of Environmental Protection and Energy, Office of Environmental Services.

120 Route 522 & Taylors Mills Road, Manalapan, New Jersey 07726(908)446-3200 TABLE OF CONTENTS

OPEN SPACE

Existing Land Use Definition of Open Space Areas Contiguous Open Space

STORMWATER MANAGEMENT

Introduction Watersheds Stormwater Management Overly Stormwater Quality Stormwater Management Practices

WILDLIFE

Major Vegetation Communities Wildlife Diversity

LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix 1 List of Mammalian Species Appendix 2 List of Reptile and Amphibian Species Appendix 3 List of Avian Species Appendix 4 Open Space Overlay Appendix 5 Stormwater Management Overlay Appendix 6 Wildlife Overlay DEFINITION OF OPEN SPACE

Existing Land Use

Historically, Manalapan Township was largely a rural community, although Manalapan's land use character has changed since the 1960's wherein rapid population growth, availability of vacant land, and varying development patterns dominated. Manalapan has changed from a rural community to a suburbanized community. The regional differences in land use can further be interpolated by the presence and location of certain transportation corridors.

An extensive study of land use in Manalapan Township was performed during 1989 by Townplan Associates. This study revealed that there are five (5) major categories of land use throughout the township. Bisecting the middle of the township is the Conrail Freight Line. This rail line separates the township into two distinct land use types. The northern half (top portion) of Manalapan is typified as a suburban residential use. Various residential subdivisions, inclusive of mostly single-family developments, predominate here. Residential development (uses) occupy 31% of all land use acreage in Manalapan (1989). The lower half of the township, south of the Conrail Freight Line, is distinctly a rural community. The majority of agricultural lands are located in the lower half of the township and occupy approximately 25% of the township's land area. Vacant or undeveloped parcels of land also predominate in the lower half of the township. Undeveloped land accounts for 15% of land cover or approximately 3,000 acres. Undeveloped land is defined, as per the Master Plan, as land under private ownership.

Other land use categories include commercial, public land, quasi-public, and industrial. Commercial land use comprises both retail and office areas. These areas are concentrated along main corridors such as US Highway Routes 9 and 33. Three percent of Manalapan's land area is categorized as commercial. Public land is inclusive of parks, schools, utilities, roadways, and certain public buildings and associated land. Public land encompasses 16% of the total land area within Manalapan Township. Other quasi-public lands include cemeteries, private schools, institutions, houses of worship, and organizations. The last use is industrial properties which comprise only a very small percent of the township's land area.

Definition of Open Space Areas

To provide balance with the objectives, principles, and policies of the Master Plan for Manalapan Township, open space is defined as areas known and designated as State, County and Local parks, conservation easements, refuges, public land and certain quasi- public areas, recreational facilities, environmentally sensitive areas such as flood plains, wetlands, and acquifer recharge areas.

Some of the Master Plan's principles are to identify certain natural features which represent environmental critical areas arid create conservation areas which can be regulated and managed. Other important objectives of the Master Plan include protecting areas of scenic, cultural and recreational values while promoting a "desirable" visual environment. The Conservation Plan Element of the Master Plan lists ten (10) natural resource designations. The plan emphasizes the preservation and conservation of these natural resources as well as their utilization. The Open Space Overlap Map (1993., EDG) provided, indicates areas listed within the Master Plan. These areas include the larger public parks, the state parks and reserves, preservation/reservation areas, and a public golf course. The overlay does not include every small pocket park nor lands associated with or occupied by the township's various schools. These latter areas, however, are considered important open space entities because they may be utilized for recreation and contribute to the overall acreage of open space.

The major categories of open space are defined by the Master Plan as agriculture, fields, or woodlands and other public/private lands. The Land Use Overlay Map defines and labels all known park areas. The largest park, Monmouth Battlefield State Park, is located within the central eastern portion of the township and occupies approximately 1500 acres comprised of woodlands, farmland and successional fields. The developed areas of the park include the visitor center, parking lots, maintenance facilities, and internal roadways. The Wemrock Brook and Weamaconk Creek transect the park in an east to west direction. Both are tributaries of . The relatively large acreage of Monmouth Battlefield State Park comprises 6.5% of the township's land area. The State park provides recreational and educational opportunities and promotes preservation and conservation of the environmentally sensitive areas and historic amenities. Other large areas of designated open space include Thompson Park and the Manalapan Recreation Center (both municipal owned properties). Additional parcels of township owned property are located throughout the area in smaller acreages. These areas include: small neighborhood parks, land dedicated for overland conveyance of surface waters or drainage ways, playground areas, the Village Green, and preserves.

Other areas of undeveloped open space include areas dedicated as conservation easements which typically include freshwater wetlands, flood plains, and areas with steep slopes. Quasi-public areas such as the Quail Hill Boy Scout Reservation and the Knob Hill Golf Course, provide recreational opportunities and preservation of open space areas.

Contiguous Open Space

The township contains two (2) major streams, each with connecting tributaries. These two main streams are the Matchaponix Brook located in the northern half of the township and the Manalapan Brook occupying the lower half of the township. The Matchaponix Brook watershed contains the following tributaries: Pine Brook, Milford Brook, Tepehemus Brook, McGellaird's Brook, Weamaconk Brook, and Wemrock Brook. Two tributaries are associated with Manalapan Brook; they are Stillhouse Brook and Gander Brook. All of these brooks are defined as either freshwater wetlands, state open waters, flood plains, etc. and are contiguous areas of land which currently exist as undeveloped open space areas. These contiguous open space areas account for between 5 and 10 percent of the township's total land area. The "Open Space" Overlay delineates these areas of contiguous open space as closely following the limits of freshwater wetlands and open water lakes and ponds. The plan does not delineate all open space areas, yet it indicates land areas that could be acquired for greenbelts. Particularly within the southern portion of the township, the contiguous open space areas transect relatively large tracts of vacant, undeveloped, privately owned parcels. A large portion of these vacant parcels is currently farmland. The contiguous areas are important components of "open space". They function as valuable interconnected greenways and wildlife corridors. These greenways or natural linkage areas enhance protection of the natural resources, provide aesthetic and scenic vistas, promote environmental awareness, and diversify recreational opportunities. Other positive attributes of linking greenways and corridors, which also promote regional benefits, include stream and watershed protection and management, wildlife enhancement and conservation, as well as wetlands preservation.

Matchaponix and Manalapan Brooks both flow to the northwest merging in Spotswood (Middlesex County) where the South River then begins. The headwaters of these brooks, however, are mostly concentrated within the Manalapan Township boundaries. Considering the fact that these surface waters do flow through both Monmouth and Middlesex Counties, the watersheds have regional connections. Various townships and communities are transected by these waterways whereby each township imposes positive and negative impacts based on its land use diversity. Along these "green belts" where acquisition could occur, a public need will be satisfied whereby emphasis on recreational and educational opportunities and ecological awareness could be encouraged. Future considerations for the interconnection or linkage of linear features such as foot or bike paths and interpretive trails, as well as informative displays, scenic posts, and historic landmarks or monuments can be erected All communities can be intergrated within Manalapan Township and expand to adjoining townships. An overall regional linkage can occur from forming these greenways. The regional connection is a vital goal because enhancement and protection of the natural resources and greenways will then be expanded to cover a larger acreage. STORMWATER MANAGEMENT

INTRODUCTION

Stormwater management is the study to understand, control, and utilize waters within the hydrologic cycle. The hydrologic cycle is the continuous circulation of the earth's water. The cycle is driven by energy obtained from the sun and gravity. Evaporation and transpiration are the processes by which water is returned to the atmosphere. In evaporation water is taken from a liquid to gaseous form and occurs from sources such as free water, ground, or plant surfaces. In transpiration water is taken from a liquid to gaseous form during synthesis of plant tissue. Precipitation is the process by which water is returned to the earth's surface. Not all precipitation reaches the ground. Some precipitation may be evaporated as it falls, or may be caught on vegetation surfaces such as leaves and branches, and these processes are called interception. The remaining water available from precipitation after interception, evaporation and transpiration is known as runoff. Runoff can be defined as surface runoff, which moves across the land, and subsurface runoff, which infiltrates and moves through the soils.

The applications utilized from the study of stormwater management are evident in numerous diverse fields, such as agriculture, water supply, flood control, and stormwater quality. This stormwater management addendum to the October 1976 Natural Resource Inventory (NRI) and subsequent June 1992 NRI Addendum and Supplement, will deal primarily with stormwater management principals dealing with stormwater quality. It should be noted that both the original NRI and 1992 NRI Addendum and Supplement addressed related stormwater management topics, and are listed below: October 1976 NRI June 1992 NRI Addendum & Supplement Surficial Geology Surface Water Quality Standards Slope and Topography Water Supply Flood Plains Depth to Water Table Soils Foundation Limitations Erosion Potential Septic Suitability

Since the 1960's, the problems of water quality in rivers, lakes, acquifers, estuaries, bays and oceans has become a leading issue in stormwater management. The 1972 Clean Water Act's goal was that all United States waters be fishable and swimmable. Stormwater quality is the study to understand and control water pollution within stormwater that causes undesirable physical, biological and chemical changes in receiving surface and subsurface waters. These changes are largely the result of airborne pollution and improper and changing land use. Sources of water pollution can be broken into two (2) categories, point source and nonpoint source pollution. Point source pollution includes discharges from industrial, sewage and drainage systems which affect surface and subsurface waters from a specific "point". Nonpoint source pollution includes discharges from farms, construction sites, cities, residential areas and atmospheric fallout. Point source pollution has become partly controlled. The more difficult problem to be resolved is the control of nonpoint source pollution and, at the present time, nonpoint source problems are probably larger in magnitude than point source problems. WATERSHEDS

Manalapan Township is situated within two (2) major New Jersey river basins; the Basin and the Basin. Almost the entire township drains into the Raritan River Basin (99.8%), with only a very small portion (0.2%) tributary to the Manasquan River Basin. This stormwater management addendum will focus on the Raritan River Basin only.

The Raritan River Basin drains approximately 1,100 square miles of north-central New Jersey, ultimately discharging into Raritan Bay. Portions of Manalapan Township which are situated within the Raritan River Basin, are located within three (3) major watersheds; the Matchaponix Brook, Manalapan Brook and Millstone River. The majority of the township drains into the Matchaponix Brook watershed (51.6%) and Manalapan Brook watershed (47.4%), with only a small portion (0.8%) tributary to the Millstone River watershed. This stormwater management addendum will concentrate on the two (2) principal watersheds which drain the township, the Matchaponix Brook and Manalapan Brook.

Table I Drainage areas within the Manasquan River Basin and Raritan River Basin (approximate areas and percentage of Township given)

Manasquan River Basin, 0.05 sq. mi. (0.2%) Manasquan River Watershed, 0.05 sq. mi. (0.2%)

Raritan River Basin. 30.80 sq. mi. (99.8%) Millstone River Watershed, 0.25 sq. mi. (0.8%) Cranberry Brook drainage area, 0.17 sq. mi. (0.6%) Millstone River drainage area, 0.08 sq. mi. (0.2%) Manalapan Brook Watershed, 14.62 sq. mi. (47.4%) Manalapan Brook drainage area, 12.45 sq. mi. (40.4%) Still House Brook drainage area, 0.51 sq. mi. (1.6%) Gander Branch Brook drainage area, 1.66 sq. mi. (5.4%)

Matchaponix Brook Watershed, 15.93 sq. mi. (51.6%) Barclay Brook drainage area, 0.80 sq. mi. (2.6%) Pine Brook drainage area, 3.31 sq. mi. (10.7%) Matchaponix Brook drainage area, 1.77 sq. mi. (5.7%) McGellaird's Brook drainage area, 2.28 sq. mi. (7.4%) Milford Brook drainage area, 2.72 sq. mi. (8.8%) Tepehemus Brook drainage area, 1.57 sq. mi. (5.1%) Weamaconk Creek drainage area, 2.50 sq. mi. (8.1%) Wemrook Brook drainage area, 0.98 sq. mi. (3.2%) 30.85 sq. mi. = Area of Township

MATCHAPONIX BROOK

The Matchaponix Brook along with its major tributaries Barclay Brook, Pine Brook, McGellaird's Brook, and its tributaries the Milford Brook and Tepehemus Brook; Weamaconk Creek and its tributary the Wemrook Brook drain 15.93 square miles of the northern half of the township. After flowing in a general westerly direction, the McGellaird's Brook and Weamaconk Creek join just northwest of the Borough of Englishtown, to form the Matchaponix Brook. The Matchaponix Brook then flows north into Old Bridge Township. However, the Pine Brook flows in a general westerly direction joining the Matchaponix Brook near the Township border with Old Bridge Township. Barclay Brook is a smaller drainage area which drains the extreme northwest corner of the township. Tributaries to the Barclay Brook flow westward into Old Bridge Township north of the Old Bridge Airport.

8 The topography within the Matchaponix Brook Watershed consists of flat to gently rolling coastal plain. Elevations range from near 50 feet where the Matchaponix Brook exits the township to over 160 feet above sea level in Monmouth Battlefield State Park and in the northeast corner of the township. Within the Matchaponix Brook Watershed there is a complete scope of land uses from the highly developed Route 9 corridor to rural farming areas. However, most of the watershed has been developed as single-family residential dwellings. The headwaters of the Matchaponix Brook lie just north and east of Manalapan Township in Marlboro and Freehold Townships.

The Matchaponix Brook Watershed has a substantial amount of existing development, principally single family residential areas. The zoning for the remaining watershed is anticipated to be mostly low density residential with limited industrial and commercial zones. Much of the flood plain is natural, wooded, and located adjacent to residential areas. All major streams in the watershed have been studied. State regulations control activities within the flood plains and the Manalapan Code Stormwater Management Ordinance addresses increases in runoff from new developments.

MANALAPAN BROOK

The Manalapan Brook along with its tributaries - the Still House Brook and Gander Branch Brook drain 14.62 square miles of the southern half of the township. The headwaters of the Manalapan Brook occur in the extreme southeast corner of the township and consist of relatively low gently rolling coastal plain hills, rising generally to between 150 feet and 210 feet. The headwaters flow in a general northerly direction, with the lower portion of the watershed flowing westward in a relatively flat coastal plain. The Manalapan Brook flows westward into Monroe Township and descends to an elevation of nearly 60 feet. At Spotswood, the Manalapan Brook and Matchaponix Brook merge 1:0 form the South River. Within the Manalapan Brook Watershed the majority of the land is undeveloped, with agriculture being the primary developed use. The Manalapan Brook Watershed is relatively undeveloped. Much of the watershed remains undeveloped or principally used for agriculture. The remaining watershed is anticipated to be mostly low density residential with limited industrial and commercial zones. Much of the floodplain is open, wooded and located adjacent to agriculture and wooded areas. All major streams in the watershed have been studied. State regulation controls activities within the floodplains and the Manalapan Code Stormwater Management Ordinance addresses increases in runoff from new developments.

STORMWATER MANAGEMENT OVERLAY

The stormwater management overlay provided with this NRI Addendum and Supplement shows USGS Flood prone areas, watershed boundaries, drainage area boundaries, existing ponds or lakes, detention basins and known outfall (point source) locations. The USGS Flood prone areas have been provided by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and Energy GIS data base. The watershed and drainage area boundaries have been developed from the USGS Quadrangle (topographic) maps. The following 7.5 minute series, photo revised 1981, quadrangle maps were used:

Freehold Jamesburg Roosevelt Adelphia

The locations of existing lakes, ponds and detention basins were taken from the General Parcel Map of Manalapan Township, last revised February 1984. The known outfall locations were gathered from a review of development plans available at the Planning Board Office.

10 STORMWATER QUALITY

One of the principal objectives of stormwater management is the understanding and control of pollutants that affect surface and subsurface waters. Changes in stormwater quality have pronounced results on the environment. As previously stated, non point pollution has become increasingly more important and at the present time, is generally considered to be the major concern of stormwater quality. Sources of nonpoint pollution include, but are not limited to:

Agriculture Livestock Construction Precipitation Mining Urban/Suburban runoff Pollution from roadways

There are many pollutants in precipitation and runoff that affect receiving waters. The major classes of common pollutants are as follows:

1. Nutrients 2. Sediments 3. Oxygen demand 4. Bacteria (pathogens) 5. Acidity 6. Pesticides 7. Metals 8. Hydrocarbons 9. Road salts 10. Solids/floatables 11. Other toxics

11 A material can be considered to be a pollutant when its effects are damaging to animal or plant life. The removal or control of pollutants that cause degradation of water quality may be specified. Pollutant removal to improve or maintain water quality is critical to limiting the damage to animal or plant life.

Pollutants in agricultural areas contribute major quantities of water pollutants, such as sediment, livestock waste, plant residue, fertilizers, pesticides and solid wastes. Numerous factors such as soil types, land uses, topography, drainage characteristics and management practices affect water quality. Due to the large areas involved and wide range of factors, agricultural nonpoint sources are difficult to manage.

Pollutants in residential areas also contribute major quantities of water pollutants, such as solid waste, household chemicals, pesticides, fertilizers, vehicle pollutants, and animal wastes. These pollutants are largely the result of street and lawn sources. Street runoff is normally conveyed through stormwater drainage piping which is considered point source discharges. Larger pollutants settle out in pipelines, manholes, and catch basins and may be flushed out during peak storm events. Smaller pollutant particles which account for the majority of contaminants are typically discharged during all storm events. Street runoff conveys pollutants deposited primarily from atmospheric and vehicular deposits of grease, oils, fluids and other contaminants.

STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

Stormwater management practices which address stormwater quality vary greatly in efficiency and effectiveness depending upon the specific problems. Stormwater quality problems may be addressed by utilization of some of the common management practices:

A. Subdivision and Site Planning

Proper subdivision and site planning can help avoid increases in runoff, which increases potential flooding and soil erosion. Also, water quality can be maintained with proper planning. Proper planning includes mini­ mizing disturbances, reproduction as close as possible to predevelopment

12 hydrological conditions, preservation of floodplains and wetlands and care of developing environmentally critical areas, such as erodible soils, porous soils, steep slopes, and waterfronts.

B. Agricultural Management

Proper agriculture management can reduce or prevent soil erosion and control runoff. Examples of agricultural practices are no-till plant in prior crop residues, winter cover crop, timing of plowing operations and contouring rows.

C. Residential - (nonstructural methods)

Proper applications of nonstructural practices can control water quality runoff from largely developed residential areas. These methods include street cleaning, catch basin and drainage pipe flushing, solid waste management, de-icing control, pesticide control, fertilizer control, vegetative buffers and swales. Commonly used residential pesticides include insecticides, hebicides and fungicides which have been developed to kill insects, plants and fungi. Numerous pesticides can be found in garden and household products.

D. Residential - (Structural methods)

Proper applications of structural alternatives that have been considered effective can control the increase in the volume and rate of stormwater runoff from residential areas and to control water quality. These methods include retention basins, detention basins, porous paving and other methods to recharge groundwater.

13 BIBLIOGRAPHY

The following materials which were used during the preparation of this addendum to the Natural Resource Inventory, are useful sources of information on matters contained in this report.

1. "Flood Hazard Report No. 8", Scotch River Manalapan Brook", New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Trenton, N.J., October, 1972

2. "Flood Hazard Report No. 17, Matchaponix Brook System", New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Trenton, N.J., March, 1973

3. "Monmouth County Stormwater Management Plan Identification of Problems and Alternatives", prepared for the Monmouth County Planning Board, undated

4. "Stormwater and Nonpoint Source Pollution Control, Best Management Practices Manual", New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and Energy, Draft June 1992

5. "Stormwater Management", Wanlelista, Martin and Yousef, Y., 1993

6. "Handbook of Hydrology" Maidment, David, 1993

14 WILDLIFE/BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY

Major Vegetation Communities

Manalapan Township is comprised of various vegetation community types. Major vegetation communities or habitats can be characterized as terrestrial and aquatic/semi- aquatic. The terrestrial or land-based habitats within Manalapan are further divided into subcategories. Table 1 provides a description of these habitats with dominant vegetation species noted for each. Table 2 provides a breakdown of the semi-aquatic/aquatic habitats or lowlands present in the township.

TABLE 1: Terrestrial Ve2etation Habitats

• Orchards • Agricultural Lands • Mixed Oak, Mature, Deciduous Forest • Early Successional Forest - Sweetgum/Maple/Black Cherry/Sassafras • Early Successional Old Field

DECIDUOUS WOODLANDS

Oak dominated forest (mixed oak)

White Oak Red Oak • Scarlet Oak • Black Oak • Chestnut Oak

Maple dominated forest

SUCCESSIONAL FIELDS

Herbs: • Horseweed Woody Invaders: • Blackberry • Ragweed • Dwarf Sumac • Chickweed • Poison Ivy • Foxtail Grass • Sweetgum • Goldenrods • Red Maple • Broom Sedge Grass • Black Cherry • Sassafras

15 TABLE 2: Semi-Aquatic and Aquatic Habitats

• Ponds, Lakes, Reservoirs • Streams, Tributaries and Ditches • Palustrine Forested Broad-leaved Deciduous Wetlands • Palustrine Emergent Wetlands • Palustrine Scrub-Shrub Wetlands

Land use coverage information obtained from the Department of Environmental Protection & Energy (March 1993) indicates that the township contains the following vegetation types: cropland and agricultural, fruit tree orchards, deciduous upland forest, deciduous wooded wetlands, non-tidal emergent marshes, brush dominant/scrubland wetlands, reservoirs, ponds, or open water areas and old field uplands. The type of vegetation community is directly related to the soil substrate and morphology, elevation, seasonal high water table, geologic patterns and climatic factors.

Wildlife Diversity

Different vegetation communities are utilized by various species of wildlife. Certain critical factors of habitat are necessary in order for a particular species to exist and thrive. The presence of a water source, cover, and adequate food supply are all vital components of preferred habitat for wildlife species. The importance of each is dependent upon the species use of a particular habitat. Many species which are year-round inhabitants for all stages of its life (breeding, resting, foraging, nesting); other species may be transients or require a particular habitat just for breeding. These latter wildlife species may be dependent on larger or regionally diversified habitats to meet its specific needs. Therefore, the diversity of wildlife is a function of the variety of plant communities.

All vegetation communities go through ecological succession. These natural communities have patterns associated with time and space within major regional plant communities. The types of animals found in each community are typically dependent on

16 the types of plants present. The number of different species in an area is termed species richness. Species diversity within a particular habitat or plant community is a combination of richness and abundance (number of individuals of various species) (Bolen, Robinson). The stability of any species and its habitat is based on maintaining a constant population without a decline of the species.

Appendices 1, 2 and 3 provide lists of mammals, reptiles and amphibians, and birds known to be present at some part of their life cycle in Manalapan Township. These lists are comprehensive and factual. All species listed have been either documented (historic/recent), field verified through positive expert identification or suspected to be present based on attributes of habitat. The lists are inclusive to the boundaries of Manalapan Township only and do not make reference to adjoining townships or communities. The wildlife species list, as well as the bird list, contains "habitat preferences" for each species. The bird list also displays a "seasonal code" which indicates the time of year a particular species occurs (or is present) in Manalapan.

Wildlife diversity in Manalapan Township is based on the various types of habitats. Unique or important wildlife habitats are areas typically associated with the floodplains and freshwater wetlands of the various streams which transect the township. Of particular importance in Manalapan are the boxed areas shown on the "Wildlife Diversity" Overlay Map (EDG, 1993). These boxed areas are either shaded or hatched and were reproduced from the New Jersey Natural Heritage Database Index Maps. These areas indicate regional locations of known occurrences where rare, endangered and threatened species and natural communities exist. The areas are generalized and do not pinpoint any species at a precise location. An interpretation of the overlay map indicates that the shaded portion are documented locations, known precisely, and the hatched areas are also documented locations but known within 1.5 miles. An interpretation of the overlay map indicates that the central and southern portions of Manalapan Township are comprised of these documented species locations. One small area west of Englishtown Boro, near the border of Monroe Township, is designated as an area having documented locations of a species within 1.5 miles of its hatched boundaries. The other areas are concentrated at the

17 Regarding the Natural Heritage Database, there are verified sitings with positive identification of all the species listed under Table 3. In 1990, a positive identification of a Wood Turtle was made within the Wemrock Brook Watershed. Additionally, an adult bog turtle was found dead along a roadway adjacent to Weamaconk Brook, approximately 10 years ago. The two sparrow species have been identified by local expert birders and members of the N. J. Audobon Society. These above records indicate that Manalapan has wildlife habitat which has been or currently is, being used by Endangered and Threatened Wildlife species. Another verified siting includes a Cooper's Hawk (Fall, 1993) seen in the northern end of Monmouth Battlefield State Park by members of the New Jersey Audobon Society. This species is also suspected to be breeding at this location. Northern Harriers are also noted to be year-round residents in the Park.

Some additional interesting information about wildlife in Manalapan includes the following:

Red tailed hawks and great horned owls are verified as resident breeding species in Manalapan Township. The Eastern blue bird has also had a productive year with a recorded nine (9) pairs of breeding blue birds in the vicinity of Battlefield State Park alone. There also is a very healthy and productive deer herd occupying the park vicinity.

Species diversity is reliant upon the availability of sufficient habitat to support a species and to allow it to sustain through its life cycle. Wildlife ecology and management are important techniques which must be implemented by a municipality and expand to a regional basis. Firm management prescriptions must be recognized in order to perpetuate wildlife populations and habitats. At the same time, we can continue to stimulate the economy through wildlife and ecology associated activities which can provide hours of enjoyment for people.

19 m-rep-s655csk BIBLIOGRAPHY

The following materials and people which were used during the preparation of the open space and wildlife sections of the NRI, are useful sources of information contained in this report.

1. Master Plan - Township of Manalapan, New Jersey, 1991, Townplan Associates

2. Owl Haven Nature Center - Alice Forshee, Director of Center

3. Monmouth Battlefield State Park, Ms. Nancy MacNeill-Gahn - State Park Ranger

4. Mr. Nano Mardones - Local Expert Birder

5. New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and Energy - Division of Parks and Forestry - Office of Natural Lands Management - Thomas F. Breden, Coordinator: Natural Heritage Program

6. Records of New Jersey Birds, Fall 1993, Volume XIX, Number 3 New Jersey Audobon Society

7. Mr. Richard Ditch - Expert Birder, Member of New Jersey Audobon Society

8. Wildlife Ecology and Management, Robinson, W. and Bolen, E., 1984

20 APPENDIX 1

LIST OF MAMMALIAN SPECIES OF MANALAPAN TOWNSHIP

Shrews

Family Common Name Scientific Name (genus & species) Habitat Soricidae Shorttailed Shrew Blarina brevicauda Woodlands/Wetlands Least Shrew Cryptotis parva Woodlands

Family Common Name Scientific Name Habitat Talpidae Eastern Mole Scalopus aquaticus Fields Staraose Mole Condylura cristata Wetlands/S

Bats

Family Common Name Scientific Name Habitat Vespertilionidae Little Brown Myotis Myotis lucifugus Fields/Woodlands Big Brown Bat Eptesicus fuscus Fields/Woodlands Eastern Pipistrelle Pipistrellus subflavus Fields/Woodlands Red Bat Lasiurus borealis Fields/Woodlands

Rabbits

Family Common Name Scientific Name Habitat Leporidae Eastern Cottontail Sylvilagus floridanus Fields/Woodlands

Chipmunks

Family Common Name Scientific Name Habitat Leporidae Eastern Chipmunk Tamias striatus Woodlands Squirrels

Family Common Name Scientific Name Habitat Sciuridae Gray Squirrel Sciurus carolinensis Woodlands Southern Flying Squirrel Glaucomys volans Woodlands

Beaver

Family Common Name Scientific Name Habitat Castoridae Beaver Castor canadensis Rivers/Ponds

New World Rats «& Mice

Family Common Name Scientific Name Habitat Cricetidae White-footed Mouse Peromyscus leucopus Fields/Woodlands Meadow Vole Microtus pennsylvanicus Fields/Woodlands Muskrat Ondatra zibethicus Wetlands/Ponds Southern Bog Lemming Synaptomys cooperi Wetland Meadows

Old Work Rats & Mice

Family Common Name Scientific Name Habitat Norway Rat Rattus norvegicus Wetlands'Woodlands House Mouse Mus musculus Fields/Farms

Wolves. Foxes

Family Common Name Scientific Name Habitat Canidae Red Fox Vulpes vulpes Woodlands/Fields/Farrns Gray Fox Urocyon cimereoargenteus Woodlands/Fields/Farms

Raccoons

Family Common Name Scientific Name Habitat Procyonidae Raccoon Procyon lotor Woodlands/Wetlands Weasels. Skunks and Allies

Family Common Name Scientific Name Habitat Mustelidae Striped Skunk Mephitis mephitis Woodlands River Otter Lutra canadensis Rivers/Stream Short-tailed Weasel Mustela erminea Woodlands/Fields

Deer

Family Common Name Scientific Name Habitat Cervidae White-Tailed Deer Odocoileus virginianus Woodlands/Wetlands/Farms APPENDIX 2

LIST OF REPTILE AND AMPHIBIAN INHABITANTS OF MANALAPAN TOWNSHIP

Family Common Name Scientific Name Salamandridae Eastern Newt Notophthalmus viridescens

Family Common Name Scientific Name Plethodontidae Two-Lined Salamander Eurycea bislineata Red-Backed Salamander Plethodon cinereus Red Salamander Pseudotriton ruber

Family Common Name Scientific Name Pelobatidae Eastern Spadefoot Scaphiopus holbrooki

Family Common Name Scientific Name Ranidae Bullfrog Rana catesbeiana Green Frog Rana clamitans Pickeral Frog Rana palustris Wood Frog Rana sylvatica

Family Common Name Scientific Name Bufonidae American Toad Bufo americanus Woodhouse Toad (Fowler's Bufo woodhousei Subspecies)

Family Common Name Scientific Name Hylidae Northern Cricket Frog Acris crepitans Spring Peeper Hyla Crucifer

Family Common Name Scientific Name Chelydridae Snapping Turtle Chelydra serpentina

Family Common Name Scientific Name Kinosternidae Mud Turtle Kinosternon subrubrum Stinkpot Sternotherus odoratus Family Common Name Scientific Name Emydidae Painted Turtle Chrysemys picta Sported Turtle Clemmys guttata Wood Turtle Clemmys insculpta Bog Turtle Clemmys muhlenbergi Eastern Box Turtle Terrapene Carolina

Family Common Name Scientific Name Scincidae Five-lined Skink Eumeces fasciatus

Family Common Name Scientific Name Colubridae Worm Snake Carphophis amoenus Black Racer Coluber constrictor Ringneck Snake Diadophis punctatus Rat Snake Elaphe obsoleta Eastern Hognose Snake Heterodon platyrhinos Milksnake Lampropeltis triangulum Northern Water Snake Nerodia sipedon Common Garter Snake Thamnophis sirtalis Smooth Earth Snake Virginia valeriae Corn Snake Elaphe guttata APPENDIX 3

LIST OF AVIAN SPECIES IN MANALAPAN TOWNSHIP

Family Common Name Habitat Season Code Gaviidae Common Loon Lakes W,T

Family Common Name Habitat Season Code Podicipedidae Pied-Billed Grebe Ponds, Lakes W

Family Common Name Habitat Season Code Anatidae Mute Swan Ponds Y, T

Subfamily Cyginae Canada Goose Lakes, Ponds, Fields Y, S

Subfamily Anserinae Snow Goose Ponds, Grainfields W

Subfamily Anatinae American Black Duck Lakes, Ponds, Rivers, Wetlands Gadwall Lakes, Ponds Mallard Lakes, Ponds, Grainfields, Y Wetlands Northern Pintail Lakes, Ponds Wood Duck Wetlands, Ponds S Blue-winged Teal Wetlands, Ponds Northern Shoveler Wetlands Muscovy Farms, Ponds , Lakes Y Subfamily Aythyinae Redhead Lakes Greater Scaup Lakes, Rivers W Canvasback Lakes, Fresh Marshes Bufflehead Lakes, Ponds Subfamily Oxyurinae Ruddy Duck Lakes, Fresh Marshes W

Subfamily Merainae Common Merganser Lakes

Family Common Name Habitat Season Code Rallidae American Coot Lakes, Wetlands, Fields, Park Ponds Common Moorhen Fresh Marsh, Ponds

Family Common Name Habitat Season Code Laridae Herring Gull Farmlands, Lakes, Landfills Y Laughing Gull Lakes, Landfills S

Family Common Name Habitat Season Code Ardeidae Great Blue Heron Lakes, Ponds, Wetlands Y Great Egret Ponds, Marshes S Green-backed Heron Lakes, Ponds, Marshes, S Streamsides Cattle Egret Fields S Snow Egret Lakes, Ponds S Family Common Name Habitat Season Code Charadriidae Killdeer Fields, Lawns Y Semipalmated Plover Pond Edges T

Family Common Name Habitat Season Code Scolopacidae Greater Yellowlegs Ponds, Streams, Marshes T Lesser Yellowlegs Pond Edges, Marshes T

Family Common Name Habitat Season Code Scolopacidae American Woodcock Wet Thickets, Moist Woods, Swamps, Pastures Common Snipe Wetlands, Wet Meadows Upland Sandpiper Potential habitat is Open Meadows, Fields

Family Common Name Habitat Season Code Melagrididae Wild Turkey Woodlands, Swamps

Family Common Name Habitat Season Code Tetraonidae Ruffed Grouse Woodlands

Family Common Name Habitat Season Code Phasianidae Ring-necked Pheasant Fields, Farms, Marshes Y Common Bobwhite Farms, Roadside, Fields, Y Thickets

Subfamily Accipitrinae Sharp-Shinned Hawk Woodlands, Thickets T Cooper's Hawk Woodlands, Rivers W

Subfamily Circinae Northern Harrier Wetlands, Fields W

Family Common Name Habitat Season Code Buteoninae Red-tailed Hawk Open Fields, Woodlands, Y Red-shoulderd Hawk Uplands potential habitat W Broad-winaed Hawk Woodlands S

Family Common Name Habitat Season Code Pandionidae Osprey Lakes, River S

Family Common Name Habitat Season Code Cathartidae Turkey Vulture Fields, Woodlands, Uplands S, W

Subfamily Falconinae American Kestrel Open Fields, Farms, Woodland Y Edge Family Common Name Habitat Season Code Tytonidae Eastern Screech Owl Woodlands, Uplands Y Great Horned Owl Woodlands, Thickets, Open Y Fields Barred Owl Potential Habitat, Woods, Y Swamps Barn Owl Woods, Farmland Y Northern Saw-whet Woodlands W

Family Common Name Habitat Season Code Columbidae Morning Dove Farms, Open Fields, Towns Y Rock Dove Towns, Farms Y

Family Common Name Habitat Season Code Cuculidae Yellow-billed Cuckoo Woodlands, Thickets, Farms, S Orchards

Family Common Name Habitat Season Code Caprimulgidae Common Nighthawk Uplands, Open Fields T Whip-poor-will Woodlands S Chuck-wills-widow Woodlands S

Family Common Name Habitat Season Code Trochilidae Ruby-throated Hummingbird Gardens, Woodland Edge S

Family Common Name Habitat Season Code Alcedinidae Belted Kingfisher Streams, Lakes Y

Family Common Name Habitat Season Code Picidae Common Flicker Woods, Farms Y Yellow-billed Sapsucker Woods, Orchards T Downy Woodpecker Woods, Orchards Y Hairy Woodpecker Woodlands Y Red-bellied Woodpecker Woodlands Y

Family Common Name Habitat Season Code Tyrannidae Eastern Kingbird Woodlands, Orchard S Great-crested Flycatcher Woodlands S Eastern Phoebe Streams, Farms S Family Common Name Habitat Season Code Alaudidae Horned Lark Open Fields

Family Common Name Habitat Season Code Hirundinidae Purple Martin Ponds, Farms S Barn Swallow Farms, Lakes S Tree Swallow Lakes, Open Fields, Meadows S

Family Common Name Habitat Season Code Apodidae Chimney Swift Open Areas S

Family Common Name Habitat Season Code Corvidae American Crow- Woods, Farmland Y Blue Jay Lawns, Gardens, Oak/Pine Y Woodlands

Family Common Name Habitat Season Code Paridae Black-capped Chickadee Woodlands, Thickets Y Carolina Chickadee Woodlands Y Tufted Titmouse Woodlands Y

Family Common Name Habitat Season Code Sittidae White-breasted Nuthatch Woodlands Y Red-breasted Nuthatch Woodlands W

Family Common Name Habitat Season Code Certhiidae Brown Creeper Woodlands W

Family Common Name Habitat Season Code Troglodytidae House Wren Uplands, Gardens S Carolina Wren Gardens, Thickets Y Winter Wren Woodland Thickets W

Family Common Name Habitat Season Code Sylviidae Ruby-crowned Kinglet Thickets, Forest T Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Woodlands, Thickets T Golden-crowned Kinglet Woodlands, Thickets T

Family Common Name Habitat Season Code Mimidae Brown Trasher Thickets S Gray Catbird Thickets, Woodlands S Northern Mockingbird Thickets, Farms Y Family Common Name Habitat Season Code Turdidae Eastern Bluebird Open Fields, Farms S American Robin Farms, Lawns s, w Hermit Thrush Woods, Parks, Thickets T Veery Woodlands T, S Wood Thrush Woodlands S

Family Common Name Habitat Season Code Bombycillidae Cedar Waxwing Orchards, Woodlands Y

Family Common Name Habitat Season Code Vireonidae Red-eyed Vireo Woods S White-eyed Vireo Thickets, Woodland Edge S

Family Common Name Habitat Season Code Parulidae Wood Warblers (Types) Various Species All

Family Common Name Habitat Season Code Icteridae Red-winged Blackbird Marshes, Farms, Water Edges Y Brown-headed Cowbird Farms, Open Fields, Woodland Y Edge, Wetlands Common Crackle Farms, Fields S, W Bobolink Farms, Meadows T Eastern Meadowlark Fields, Meadows

Family Common Name Habitat Season Code Sturnidae European Starling Farms, Open Fields, Lawns Y Northern Oriole Woodland Edge, Orchards S

Family Common Name Habitat Season Code Throupidae Scarlet Tanger Woodlands S

Family Common Name Habitat Season Code Ploceidae House Sparrow Farms Y Family Common Name Habitat Season Code Fringillidae Dark-eyed Junco Woodlands, Fields, Old Thickets W Northern Cardinal Woodland Edges, Thickets Y Rose-breasted Grosbreak Orchards, Thickets House Finch Woodland Edge, Uplands Y Purple Finch Woodland Edge W Evening Grosbeak Woodlands W American Goldfinch Lawns, Open Woodlands Y Indigo Bunting Pastures S Rufous-sided Towhee Open Woodlands, Thickets S White-throated Sparrow Thickets, Woodland Edge W Field Sparrow Pastures Y American Tree Sparrow Fields, Thickets W Grasshopper Sparrow Farms, Fields S Song Sparrow Thickets, Fields Y Red Crossbill Coniferous Forests W White-winged Crossbill Coniferous Forests W Vesper Sparrow Fields, (Potential Habitat) T Savannah Sparrow Fields W

CODE REFERENCE

W = Winter T = Transient Y = Year Round S = Summer LOClK 3.02 \

SI A

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\

LEGEND:

FW2 NON TROUT WATERS

*»•»•«* FW2 NON TROUT (CATEGORY 1) WATERS

*2 .'•''"- . • • " "l - • » **•* ' l"'.*

• . • • 4 , " *." 1 I **.' • * '. 100 - YEAR FLOOD PRONE AREA - ".-,

LAKES AND PONDS NOTE: DELINEATION OF FLOOD PLAINS TAKEN FROM PRELIMINARY DHUD FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM MAPS. CONSERVATION EASEMENTS ARE NOT SHOWN ON THIS MAP.

GENERAL NOTES= T THIS MAP IS GENERAL IN SCOPE 2: SOME STREETS SHOWN HEREON ARE "PRIVATE", UNIMPROVED (PAPER) PUBLIC STREETS OR PUBLIC DEDICATED STREETS UNDER CONSTRUCTION & NOT COMPLETED OR ACCEPTED AS OF THE ..LATEST REVISION DATE OF THIS MAP **>• FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SEE THE CURRENT TAX- ASSESSMENT MAPS, LOOD PRON 4: SURFACE WATER QUALITY INFORMATION PROVIDED BY J E.I 4-92.

GENERAL PARCEL MAP

\ MANALAPAN TOWNSHIP MONMOUTH COUNTY, N. J.

800 BOO 1600 2400 S C A LE 1"* BOO

PREPARED BY •Z3 SEPTEM&eB JftTS LAST REVISION FEBRUARY, I96f ENGINEERING SURVEYING PLANNING ASSOCIA t IN« eox 258 RT 9 HQWELL NEW JERSEY >i JOHN ALLGA1R GINE