estuary news Volume 9 / Issue 2 · A. J. Meerwald, learning how the estuary helps New Jersey farmers grow some of the most delicious peaches in the world, and experiencing the sights

Kathy Klein, Partnership for the Delaware Estuary

Getting up close and personal with a horseshoe crab, watchinga beautiful sunset from the decks of the restored oyster schoonerA. J. Meerwald, learning how the estuary helps New Jerseyfarmers grow some of the most delicious peaches in the world,and experiencing the sights and smells of one of Philadelphia’ssewage treatment plants, are just a few of the highlights from the1998 Delaware Estuary Teacher Education Institute. From July 12through July 17, 1998, 43 teachers, representing almost everycounty in the estuary, had the opportunity to explore and enjoy thediverse natural resources of Delaware Estuary.

The 1998 Institute, sponsored by the Partnership for the DelawareEstuary and the New Jersey Geographic Alliance, was madepossible with funding from EPA, National Geographic Society andthe Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation. The Institute, begun in 1997by Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and NaturalResources, has grown to become an annual program spear-headed by the Partnership. This program has been designed tohelp implement Action E19 of the Delaware Estuary ManagementPlan: to incorporate estuary education in curricula.

The feedback that we have received from the participatingteachers has been overwhelmingly positive, with 95% requestingthat the Partnership develop an advanced institute. One of theoutcomes of this summer’s program was the development of 20estuary-focused lessons that are now available to interestedindividuals.

In addition to coordinating the Summer Institute, we are in theprocess of establishing the Delaware Estuary Education Network.This new initiative will be developed with the Partnership workingin concert with educators from the region’s environmentaleducation centers and teachers who have participated in pastestuary institutes. Elements of the Network may include awebsite, dedicated teacher pages in each issue of Estuary News,a yearly conference, and estuary issue related workshopsscheduled throughout the year.

Message from the Editor

estuary news Volume 9 / Issue 2Fall 1998

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Newsletter of the Delaware Estuary Program

Institute participants display their cardboard watershed models.

Teachers aboardthe DelRiver—an oil skimmingvessel based inLewes, Delaware.

We are looking forward to expanding ourteacher-related programs and helping to build partnerships withand between the many individuals in the estuary who are dedi-cated to teaching young people about the importance of thisinvaluable resource. If you would like a copy of the lessonsdescribed above or to be added to the mailing list for the 1999Summer Institute, please call the Partnership at 1-800-455-4935.

Partnership Announces1999 Minigrants

Since 1991, the Delaware Estuary Program has awarded50 minigrants, totaling approximately $185,000, andaveraging $3,900 each. Since 1997, the Partnership hasbeen administering the minigrant program. Theseminigrants of up to $5,000 each have helped to increasepublic awareness of the estuary and participation inprojects to protect it through local initiatives that addressenvironmental problems in the region.

The goal of the 1999 minigrant program is to promoteactivities that advance the implementation of the actionsrecommended by the Delaware Estuary Management Plan.

To obtain the 1999 Delaware Estuary Minigrant RequestFor Proposals and/or a copy of the Management Plan,call the Partnership at 1-800-445-4935. The deadline forsubmitting proposals is Friday, December 18, 1998.

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UPDATES FROM THE DELEPIMPLEMENTATION TEAMS

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The Delaware Estuary Program Implementation Teams wereestablished to help realize the goals set forth in the Program’sManagement Plan. Copies of the Management Plan areavailable, at no charge, from the Partnership for the DelawareEstuary and can be ordered by calling 1-800-445-4935.

HABITAT AND LIVING RESOURCESIMPLEMENTATION TEAM (HLRIT)

The HLRIT has been busy developing and implementing thefollowing three initiatives:

The Gambles Gut Marsh Habitat Rehabilitation Project , whichreceived a $12,859 grant to restore vegetation diversity to 77acres of phragmites-dominated (>95%) tidal freshwater wetlands,has entered its first year of a two-year program of spraying andburning the phragmites.

The Cooper River Fishway Project , in Camden County, NJ,which received a $25,000 DELEP grant toward a $104,500 projectto restore migratory fish access by installing two fish ladders ontwo spillways (dams), continues to work with the Corps ofEngineers, local governments, and private foundations to securethe remaining funding for the project. With funding prospectslooking good, it is anticipated the fish ladders will be built in 1999.

The Corporate Environmental Stewardship Program (CESP) ,is a corporate outreach program funded by EPA, Region III. Thispartnership includes the New Castle Conservation District, HLRIT,the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, and the Wildlife HabitatCouncil (based in Silver Spring, MD).

The objective of the CESP is to promote corporate, business,and industry participation in the restoration, enhancement, andconservation of wetlands and associated wildlife and native planthabitats and corridors on their lands and in similar communityenvironmental initiatives in the Delaware Estuary. A CESPsteering committee has been established to work with corporaterepresentatives and others to develop corporate quality briefingpackages and educational workshops. This project also willinclude at least three demonstration projects for wetlands andassociated habitat restoration.

The HLRIT’s next quarterly meeting is scheduled for December 8,1998. Meetings are open to anyone who would like to attendor participate. For more information about the HLRIT, contactWendell Scheib, Team Leader (610) 793-3698; Fax: (610) 793-7530 or E-mail: [email protected]

Public ParticipationImplementation Team (PPIT)

In 1997, with $30,000 in funding from the U.S. EPA , the Partner-ship for the Delaware Estuary revived the DELEP minigrantprogram, which had been dormant for three years. Ten projectsunderway since late last year, funded by the 1997 minigrants, arereaching completion.

Thirty organizations responded to the 1997 request for proposals.The minigrant evaluation process, involving members of the PPIT

Representatives from CESP organizations signed a formal agreement to kick-off this project at a

ceremony held on July 17, 1998, at the Hercules Plaza in Wilmington, Delaware.

and the Partnership’s Board of Directors, funded the followingorganizations from across the Delaware Estuary that covered abroad spectrum of interesting activities:

• Delaware Greenways, Inc. created an access trail to theDelaware Estuary at Fox Point State Park.

• The Delmarva Ornithological Society placed osprey boxes onboth state and private property along the Delaware Bay shorebetween the C&D Canal and Roosevelt Inlet.

• The Environmental Commission of Camden County in NewJersey developed a watershed management education programfor the County.

• The Friends of the Manayunk Canal in Pennsylvania developeda comprehensive educational map of the historic canal andtowpath.

• Lower Makefield Township in Pennsylvania stabilized erodingstreambanks along Brock Creek using bioengineering methods.

• Lower Township in New Jersey placed interpretive signageregarding marine and mammal life along walkways over dunesat a bayfront preserve.

• Oldman’s Creek Watershed Association in New Jersey mapped,photographed, and catalogued the significant natural, physical,and cultural characteristics of its watershed.

• The Salem County Planning Board in New Jersey developed aneducation program utilizing a newsletter, a web page, andpublic meetings to help the public understand how they relate tothe watershed.

• Towamencin Township in Pennsylvania performed a baselinecensus of animal habitat along its riparian corridors.

• The Trustees of Ardentown and the Hanby Trust in Delawarerestored riparian habitat along the south branch of Naaman’sCreek through seeding, transplanting, and invasive planteradication.

Page 3Fall 1998

The PPIT congratulates these grantees and is confident that boththe natural environment and the people of the Delaware Estuarywill benefit from these projects. In particular, we look forward tomore people from around the estuary region learning how citizenaction can work to protect and restore the estuary’s environment.The organizations that have participated in this round ofminigrants constitute the beginning of a reservoir of knowledgeavailable that we can all use to multiply good projects around theestuary region.

For news about the 1999 minigrant program, see the announce-ment in the box on page 1 of this newsletter. For more informa-tion on projects funded in the past or PPIT activities, call KathyKlein at 1-800-455-4935. or by E-Mail at [email protected].

Monitoring ImplementationTeam (MIT)

The MIT has published a report stating that the Delaware Estuaryis continuing to show improvement in many aspects of waterquality. Over a 20-year period, from 1977-1997, dissolved oxygenlevels continued to show improvement along the mainstem of theestuary with minimum oxygen levels at 3.5 to 4.0 mg/l at allmonitoring stations operated by the Delaware River BasinCommission. Fecal coliform bacteria levels from 1989-1997,showed a drastic decline in certain segments of the River (rivermiles 71-128). The recent levels for both fecal coliform andenteroccus suggest levels of these bacteria in the upper estuaryto be lower than Federal Fishable/Swimmable Criteria. Ammonianitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, and phosphorous levels continue toremain low, but nitrate levels are continuing to increase.

Fisheries abundance generally indicate improvement with agreater number of species returning to the estuary than in prioryears. Increases have been noted in abundance estimates forAmerican shad, weakfish, striped bass, Atlantic croaker, Atlanticsilversides, bay anchovy, black drum, hogchoaker, northernkingfish, and striped anchovy. American eel landings for bothadult and juvenile fish have been steadily increasing in recentyears. The current landing data for adult fish is spotty. Efforts arebeing made to collect better information on this species.

A number of data sets suggest a decline in the population levelof horseshoe crabs in the estuary. A fishery management planis being prepared by the Atlantic States Fisheries Commissionto provide management recommendations for this species.Also showing a decline are the numbers for the Atlantic sturgeon.The 1996 population estimates place the levels for this speciesat 430 fish.

There is still much to be done to restore the important resourcethat is the Delaware Estuary. For example: polychlorinatedbiphenyls (PCBs) and DDT and selected metabolites of thesecompounds continue to exist above acceptable levels in whiteperch and catfish. Aquatic sediments collected from upperreaches of the estuary continue to contain elevated levels ofPCBs, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), chlorinatedpesticides and selected metals. These contaminants appear tobe bio-available to organisms. In addition, consumption adviso-ries continue to exist for a number of fish species in the estuary.

For more information about the MIT’s report and activities,contact Jonathan Sharp, University of Delaware at (302) 645-4259 or [email protected]

To get information about the other Delaware EstuaryImplementation Team’s activities, please call the followingpeople:

Local Government Resource Teams (LGRT)In PA call Lou Guerra at (610) 832-6100, in DEcall John Kennel at (302) 739-5726, and in NJ callLiz Rosenblatt at (609) 633-1349

Regional Information Management Service (RIMS)Implementation TeamBruce Hargreaves, Lehigh University, (610) 758-3683or Karl S. Heinicke, DRBC, (609) 883-9500 ext. 241or [email protected]

Sustainable Summit WorkgroupAnne Witt, NJ DEP, (609) 633-1166

The Delaware River Basin Commission also hasthree committees that serve in the same capacity asimplementation teams:

Water Conservation Advisory CommitteeDr. Joseph Miri, New Jersey DEP, (609) 292-7219

Water Quality Advisory CommitteeEd Brezina, PA DEP, (717) 787-9637

Toxics Advisory Committee (TAC)Richard Greene, DE DNREC, (302) 739-4590

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Send to:Partnership for the Delaware Estuary1009 Philadelphia PikeWilmington, DE 19809

Page 4 Volume 9 / Issue 2

TIDINGS: News from around the region○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

ANJEC Publishes New Bookletfor Coastal Habitat Protection

The Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions(ANJEC) has published a new booklet entitled “Sample Ordi-nances for Protecting Significant Coastal Habitats.” The goal ofthis resource is to prevent further degradation and loss of migra-tory bird habitat in coastal areas by helping environmentalcommissions and planning boards establish public policy guide-lines for land use decisions. ANJEC also stresses the need toeducate local officials and citizens on the benefits of protectingthese critical areas before it is too late. Copies of this booklet areavailable for $5.50 (includes postage and handling) and can beordered by calling ANJEC at (973) 539-7547.

“Birds and Birding” Exhibit Opens

The New Jersey Audubon Society’sCape May Bird Observatory inpartnership with the National ParkService’s New Jersey CoastalHeritage Trail Route has establisheda new permanent photographicexhibit housed at the Observatory’sCenter for Research and Education.This exhibit celebrates the pastimeof bird watching and the history ofornithology (the study of birds) inSouth Jersey with life size photo-graphs of “ornithological greats”from the 19th to 20th century. Formore information about this exhibit,call the Cape May Bird Observatoryat (609) 861-0700.

Pennsylvania Department of EnvironmentalProtection Interactive Learning Center

The Pennsylvania DEP established the Interactive LearningCenter to make effective learning opportunities available to peopleat their convenience. Through the Center you can see and hearvideo and narrated presentations on a variety of environmentaltopics of interest to students, the general public, local officials,and environmental professionals. Both live and on-demandprograms are provided on themes including: waste management,clean air, environmental education, watershed protection, landrecycling, and Brownfields. Also, workshops, conferences, andtraining sessions on specific environmental or regulatory topicsare offered and include all training materials and handouts. Linksto download the required Real Video plug-in have been provided.The website for the Interactive Learning Center ishttp://www.dep.state.pa.us/see&hear/interactive/.

New Pennsylvania Greenways and Trails How-To ManualNow Available

This new 102-page Manual, published by the PennsylvaniaEnvironmental Council, provides a Pennsylvania perspective onthe planning and development of greenways and trails. TheManual includes the steps that community groups should take inmoving from a “vision” of a greenway or trail to acquistition and

development. Copies of the Guide are available for $15(includes postage and handling), and can be ordered by calling1-800-322-9214.

Economics and the Environment Curriculum/Activity GuideNow Available

In celebration of National Pollution and Prevention Week, theDelaware Department of Natural Resources and EnvironmentalControl developed this Guide to satisfy the pollution preventioninformation needs of both teachers and students. The Guideincludes a broad range of concepts and diverse learning strate-gies, all in a user-friendly format. To find out how you can get acopy of the Guide, call Diane Jackewicz at (302) 739-6400.

“Protecting Our Water: Who’s Got the Power?” VideoA Watershed Educational Tool for Schools, Civic Groups,Homeowner and Watershed Associations

Three and a half million miles of streams and rivers crisscross thenation’s countryside, cutting through our environment. Flowingthrough a landscape that was once shaded by an almost endlesscanopy of leaves, today’s streams are more likely surrounded bypavement, buildings, manicured lawns, or farm fields. With theeducational experience of the Delaware Nature Society and thescientific expertise of the Stroud Water Research Center, you canexplore the world of the stream through a half-hour documentaryproduced by Teleductions, Inc. entitled “Protecting Our Water:Who’s Got the Power?” Through the video, you will learn how ourwater supply is suffering as a result of these changes to the landand what you can do to help.

For information about ordering the video and the Delaware NatureSociety, contact Linda Stapleford at 302-239-2334 ext. 11 [email protected]., or visit the Society’svideo web page at http//www.dca.net/naturesociety/video.

League of Women Voters’ New Water Video

The LWV of Bucks County has produced a 26-minute video,focusing on groundwater, entitled “Water, Water, Everywhere . . .But Is There Enough?” This video is available free of charge fromthe League for a shipping cost of $2.50. Send a request and acheck to LWV of Bucks County, 123 South Main Street,Doylestown, PA 18901.

Page 5Fall 1998

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Explore New Jersey’s Coast From Your Armchair

You can now explore the Jersey coast day or night, thanks to theexpanded web pages of the National Park Service’s New JerseyCoastal Heritage Trail Route. (See page 8 of this newsletter formore information.) The New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail, is apartnership project that works to preserve and interpret significantnatural and cultural resources along the Jersey coast. Throughthe web pages, you can plan a trip around a theme or by region;either way there are many special places to discover. A “SpecialEvents” section will inform you of exciting opportunities that maybe happening at Trail destinations.

Learn the best sites to see migrating birds and discover naturalareas off the beaten path where you can hike and explore formiles on sandy roads. Learn about the maritime history of NewJersey, preview the lighthouses, lifesaving stations, and the fortsthat helped guard our coastline. You may be surprised by all ofNew Jersey’s hidden treasures.

If you have a question that isn’t answered on the web page, sendan E-mail to the Trail office through the web page. Links to otherTrail associated web pages can keep you busy for hours. Youradventure begins at www.nps.gov/neje ENJOY!

1999 National Wetlands Awards Program

Nomination forms are currently available from the EnvironmentalLaw Institute for the 1999 National Wetlands Awards Program.The deadline for submission is December 15, 1998.

The 1999 National Wetlands Program is co-sponsored by theEnvironmental Law Institute, U.S. Environmental ProtectionAgency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Fish andWildlife Service, and National Marine Fisheries Service. Theprogram is designed to honor exceptional individuals who havedemonstrated extraordinary effort, innovation, and excellence inwetland conservation through programs or projects at the re-gional, state, or local level. Awards cannot be given to Federalemployees or to organizations.

The five Award categories are: Education and Outreach, ScienceResearch, Volunteer Leadership, Land Stewardship and Develop-ment, and Outstanding Wetlands Program Development. Winnerswill be honored during the spring of 1999 at a ceremony inWashington, D.C.

To receive a copy of the 1999 National Wetlands Awards nomina-tion forms, contact Heidi Hallman at (202) 939-3250,[email protected]. Forms are also available from http://ww.eli.org),or by writing to the National Wetlands Awards Pro-gram, Environmental Law Institute, 1616 P. Street, NW, Suite 200,Washington, D.C. 20036.

Institute for Wetland & Environmental Education & Research

The Institute for Wetland & Environmental Education & Researchis a private educational organization dedicated to providing high-quality technical training to professionals in the environmentalsciences. IWEER has assembled a multi-disciplinary faculty ofrecognized regional and national experts with teaching experienceto present a series of short courses. Courses are mostly field-oriented, providing participants with valuable hands-on experiencefor identifying diagnostic characteristics and for applying estab-lished techniques.

Course outlines, instructors’ bios and a complete publication listare available on their web page: http://members.aol.com/iweer/index.htm.

Update on American Heritage Rivers Designation Process

As we reported in the spring 1998 issue of Estuary News, theDelaware River was nominated to be one of the rivers designatedby President Clinton as an American Heritage River. In all, 126rivers from across the country responded to President Clinton’scall for nominations. Unfortunately, the Delaware was not one ofthe rivers that the Advisory Committee voted to recommend to thePresident. The fourteen rivers that were designated include thefollowing:

Blackstone andWoonasquatucket Rivers (MA, RI); ConnecticutRiver (CT, VT, NH, MA); Cuyahoga (OH); Detroit River (MI),Hanalei River (HI), Hudson River (NY), Upper Mississippi (IL, IO,MN, MI, WI); Lower Mississippi River (LO, TN); New River (NC,VA, WV); Rio Grande River (TX); Potomac River (MD, PA, VA,WV); St. Johns River (IA, IL, MN, WI); Upper Susquehanna andlackawanna River (PA); and the Willamette River (OR).

For more information about this initiative, call Chris Lewicki, USEPA, Office of Wetlands, Oceans and watershed, (202) 260-2757or by e-mail at [email protected].

Ocean Discovery Center Offers a Floating Classroomand Whale & Dolphin Watching Excursions

With growing public interest in marine ecology, the OceanDiscovery Center, a non-profit organization based in WildwoodCrest, New Jersey, has introduced a Floating Classroom. TheCenter offers a 3-hour trip for classrooms where their MarineBiologists show students different types of marine life. In addition,the Center has summer and fall whale and dolphin watching trips.For more information about these programs and for reservations,call (609) 523-8989.

Association of National Estuary Program’s Reportis Now Available

A new report, entitled Preserving Our Heritage, Securing OurFuture: A Report to the Citizen’s of the Nation, provides anexcellent overview of all the National Estuary Programs in thecountry, including the Delaware Estuary. This 49-page bookletalso gives an update on the threats to our estuaries and actionsthat are being taken to preserve these important resources.To request a free copy of this publication, call the Partnership at1-800-445-4935.

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Estuary events○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

Fall/Winter Nature Classes and Special EventsPAWS Farm Nature CenterMt. Laurel, New Jersey

PAWS Fall/Winter programming will focus on farm life and wildliferehabilitation. For more information, call (609) 778-8759.

Wildflowers and Wildlife of the Pinelands HikeNovember 21 and December 19, 1998 - 10 a.m.Batso Village, Wharton State ForestHammonton, New Jersey

To register for one of these wildflowers and wildlife hikes, call(609) 567-4559.

Unsustainable Sprawl - Sustainable Alternatives ConferenceNovember 22, 1998 - 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.Temple University, Engineering AuditoriumPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania

This conference has been designed to inform attendees, involvethem in interactive discussions, and engage them in designingsolutions and action projects. For more information, call ElaineCohen at (610) 352-2689 or at [email protected].

The Alliance for New Jersey Environmental Education’s14th Annual ConferenceJanuary 15 - 16, 1999The Student Center at Rider UniversityLawrenceville, New Jersey

The theme of this two-day conference is Making Tracks 2000.Participants will have the opportunity to attend presentationsfocused around seven tracks, including Green Technology,Schoolyard Habitat, Arts in the Environment, Wet Worlds, andmore. To receive a copy of the conference registration packet,call Janice Reese-Berado at (732) 441-0284.

National Conference on Marine BioinvasionsJanuary 24 - 27, 1999Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridge, Massachusetts

This three-day conference will focus on the incidence, effects andmanagement of exotic species in coastal, estuarine and marineecosystems. For more information, visit the conference’s websiteat http://massbay.mit.edu/exoticspecies/conference.html.

Upstream / Downstream - Connecting Land and WaterFebruary 19 - 20, 1999Meeting Location to be AnnouncedPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania

This two-day symposium/workshop sponsored by the City ParksAssociation, Fairmount Park Natural Lands Restoration andEnvironmental Education Program, Partnership for the DelawareEstuary, Philadelphia Green, and the Philadelphia Water Depart-ment will explore the connections between land and watermanagement. The program will include panel discussions withexperts in the field, with the second day of the symposium/workshop showcasing innovative solutions to stormwater runoff.For more information, call Kathy Klein at 1-800-445-4935.

Bartram 300 Living History FestivalMay 22 - 23, 1999Historic Bartram’s GardenPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania

This two day festival will celebrate the 300th anniversary of thebirth of John Bartram, America’s first botanist, and will take placeat Bartram’s 44-acre homestead on the banks of the SchuylkillRiver. The festival will feature tours of the Bartram House andgardens, musical and dance performances, children’s events andexhibits, and tours of the Kalmar Nyckel, Delaware’s tall ship. Formore information, call (215) 729-5281 or check out the Bartram300 Celebration page at www.libertynet.org/~bartram.

Whitesbog Village Winter Wonderland Full Moon HikesSaturday, February 27, 1999 (also March 27, 1999) - 7 p.m.Browns Mill, New Jersey

Take a 4-6 mile hike on sand roads. Preregistration is required.For more information about this and other Whitesbog Villageevents, call (609) 893-4646.

National Town Meeting for a Sustainable AmericaMay 2 - 5, 1999Detroit, Michigan and Points Across America

This meeting will culminate a year long journey to catalyze anational movement towards sustainable development, with eventsacross the country. To get involved, contact the President’sCouncil on Sustainable Development at (202) 408-5296.

Page 7Fall 1998

SPECIES SPECIFIC

RaptorsILLUSTRATION BY PAUL BAYER

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The diverse nature of the estuary provides the raptors with anabundant food supply at an important point in their migration. Thehabitat needs of the raptors (especially the young ones) include fields,

marshes, and a large expanse of forested area. The forestedareas provide good roosting grounds and the open marshareas are advantageous for foraging. The estuary is hostto a large variety of small and large mammals and manydifferent kinds of insects, such as migratory dragonflies

and butterflies, upon which the raptors can feed. The Osprey andBald Eagles feed primarily on fish. They are often seen feeding onfish which have migrated out of the estuarine nursery areas locatedfarther up the bay.

Degradation or outright destruction of habitat adversely impacts birdswho may be severely stressed by the migratory flight and dependentupon a properly placed and well-functioning habitat where they canrest, feed and roost. The situation can become critical if the birdencounters both adverse weather conditions and poor habitat when itis in need of food and rest on its long journey. The predominance ofyoung raptors in the fall migration heightens the importance of ahealthy estuary for survival of the species.

Fortunately, the habitat needs of birds in migration are actually a littleless stringent than when they are breeding because they are notrestricted to the nest site requirements.

Preservation of the estuary’s health, complexity, and diversity are ofparamount importance as it is these qualities which help support thevariety of raptors (and other species) which visit this area duringmigration.

This article is adapted from a chapter by Lawrence J. Niles and Clay Sutton inthe book “Living Resources of the Delaware Estuary” which is available fromthe Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, Inc., by calling 1-800-445-4935.

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estuary excursions

East Point Lighthouse —Where the Maurice River Meets the Delaware Bay

The East Point Lighthouse has played an important role in themaritime history of the Maurice River area of Cumberland County,New Jersey. Originally known as the Maurice River Lighthouse, itwas erected in 1849 by the United States Lighthouse Establishment.Throughout the years its guiding light has shown fisherman,oystermen, and recreational boaters the way into the mouth of theMaurice River. During daylight hours it has served as a landmark forhunters, trappers, and surveyors.

Although numerous lighthouses once stood along the edge of theDelaware Bay, East Point is the last one remaining on the NewJersey side. In fact, it is the second oldest lighthouse standing inNew Jersey (only the Sandy Hook Lighthouse of 1764 is older).

The U.S. Coast Guard operated the East Point Lighthouse from 1939until 1941 when the light was extinguished due to the beginning ofWorld War II. In 1956, the property was deeded to the New JerseyDivision of Fish, Game, and Wildlife. The vacant structure sufferedgreatly from vandalism and weather until 1971, when a group ofconcerned local citizens formed the Maurice River Historical Societywith the goal of saving the historic structure from destruction.Through the mid 70’s, funded only by local fundraising and dona-tions, the Society succeeded in rebuilding the roof and lantern roomwhich had previously been destroyed by a fire started by a tres-passer. The lantern room offers a panoramic view of the surroundingland and water and is a favorite subject of photographers andpainters alike.

On July 2, 1980, at the public’s request, the U.S. Coast Guardreinstalled a beacon in the structure and put East Pointback on the list of active navigational aids.

The future of East Point Lighthouse is by no meanscertain. The structure’s deteriorated conditionneeds swift attention if the lighthouse is to besaved for generations to come.

For more information about the East PointLighthouse, including directions, visitinghours, and volunteer and membershipopportunities, contact the Maurice RiverHistorical Society at (609) 691-5934 or (609)327-3714.

In addition, for more information aboutother estuary excursions, call thePartnership for the DelawareEstaury at 1-800-445-4935 torequest a free copy of theDelaware EstuaryProgram’s Access Guide.

The Delaware Estuary is an importantstopover point along the raptor’s (bird ofprey) migration route for resting, feedingand roosting. The mouth of the DelawareEstuary hosts one of the country’s largestand most diverse flights of migratoryraptors. Each fall, as many as 80,000raptors pass through the Cape May, NewJersey area of the estuary making their way to southernwintering grounds. The northerly spring migration hosts fewernumbers through this area with the birds tending to concentrate onthe Delaware side of the Bay. The seasonal difference in the area ofconcentration of the birds along the estuary is not only a factor ofdirection of flight, but is influenced by a response to differing prevail-ing winds. Raptors that migrate through the Delaware Estuary regionin the fall are in transit from breeding areas in the northeasternUnited States and eastern Canada.

There are 17 raptor species which migrate through the Delaware Bayregion. These species include the Osprey, Sharp-skinned Hawk,Cooper’s Hawk, Peregrine Falcon, American Kestrel, Bald Eagle andGolden Eagle, to name a few. Some species, such as the red-tailedand Cooper’s hawk, are short-distance migrants which winter in thesouthern United States. Other species, such as the broad-wingedhawk, are long-distance migrants which winter in Central and SouthAmerica. And the Peregrine Falcons may winter as far south asTierra del Fuego in Argentina. Most birds, however, migratingthrough the Delaware Estuary winter in the southern United States.

Page 8 Volume 9 / Issue 4

MAKING WAVES

Teachers, Students, and Seniors for Water Quality Monitoring

By Dana Walker, Watershed Programs Coordinator

The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education

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Thanks to the support from the Pennsylvania EnvironmentalEducation Fund, administered by the Pennsylvania Department ofEnvironmental Protection, The Schuylkill Center for EnvironmentalEducation is coordinating the partnering of School District ofPhiladelphia teachers with senior citizen volunteers for the 1998-1999 school year. The goal of this program is to provide teacherswith much needed support as they take their students out tolocal streams and ponds to perform water-quality testing. Thesenior citizen volunteers are an essential part of this equation,providing aid to the teachers and acting as mentors to thestudents. The seniors will act as a link between the students andtheir community, to expand the students’ skills and knowledgeabout investigating environmental problems, open them to careeropportunities, and develop a willingness to help solve water-quality problems within their own community.

As a part of this program, teachers have participated in twosummer field trips, a canoe trip on Darby Creek, and a tour ofPhiladelphia. These trips were designed to expand the teachers’

awareness of urban land use practices and the resultant effectson water quality. The senior volunteers will attend a workshop atThe Schuylkill Center about teaching students in an outdoorsetting, and then gain teaching experience on the Center’s mobilewater quality program, the EcoVan. The trips will culminate withthe teachers and seniors sailing the Delaware Bay SchoonerProject’s A.J. Meerwald to explore the resources of the DelawareEstuary and have the opportunity to meet before they arepartnered.

Through participation in this program, teachers and seniors willincrease their knowledge of watershed education and environ-mental education. This pairing will provide students with anopportunity to become more informed about water quality relatedto their school and community, and to understand the connectionbetween an urban environment and its effects on water quality.

For more information about this program, call Dana Walker at(215) 482-7300.

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A Partner in Promoting Stewardship

By: Janet Wolf, Program Manager,

New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail

Driving along Route 47 or Route 49, you may have seen direc-tional signs for sites along the New Jersey Coastal Heritage TrailRoute and wondered what it was. The New Jersey CoastalHeritage Trail Route (NJCHTR) is a partnership project betweenthe National Park Service, the New Jersey Department ofEnvironmental Protection, Division of Parks and Forestry, thePinelands Commission, and the Department of EconomicDevelopment’s Division of Travel and Tourism “to provide forpublic appreciation, education, understanding, and enjoyment” ofsignificant natural and cultural resources of coastal New Jersey.With other organizations, the NJCHTR works to enhance interpre-tive and educational opportunities to promote preservation andprotection of New Jersey’s coastal resources. A vehicular routealong public roads, the NJCHTR extends almost 300 miles fromPerth Amboy along the Atlantic coast to Cape May, up the bay tothe Delaware Memorial Bridge, east of the Garden State Parkwayand south of Route 49, encompassing a good part of the Dela-ware Estuary. Trail destinations are linked by theme to encouragevisitors to look at the larger natural or cultural context. As you cansee, NJCHTR goals mesh neatly with Delaware Estuary Programpriorities.

Outdoor interpretive wayside exhibits are an important NJCHTRinterpretive tool. Installed at the resource, these exhibits describeand explain, placing the resource in the “big picture”. Theseexhibits are developed collaboratively by the site and NJCHTRstaff. For example, a wayside about the Delaware Estuary hasbeen installed at both the Commercial Township and Maurice

River Wetland RestorationSites. Other examples of theNJCHTR’s provocative exhibitscan be seen at places such asJakes’ Landing (Dennis CreekWildlife Management Area),Cape May Point State Park,and Fortescue Glades WildlifeRefuge. Each of these sites ispart of the Coastal Habitatstheme of the NJCHTR, atheme that shows the interde-pendence and fragility of theenvironments found in thespecial places located alongthe New Jersey coast.

The NJCHTR has already made a positive impact on the Dela-ware Estuary and hopes to accomplish much more.

For more information, you can call (609) 447-0103 or write to:National Park Service New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail Route,P.O. Box 568, Newport, NJ 08345, Attn: Trail Manager. You canalso visit the Trail’s web page at www.nps.gov/neje. In addition,brochures, exhibits and an introductory video about the NJCHTRcan be found at the Trail Welcome Center at Fort Mott State Park.

Page 9Fall 1998

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Congressional Action May Repeal Low Flow Plumbing Standards

By: Dr. Joseph Miri, New Jersey Department

for Environmental Protection

In 1992, the Federal Energy Policy Act established nationalefficiency standards for water-using fixtures. These standardsset specific flush volumes and flow rates for plumbing fixturesincluding 1.6 gallons-per-flush toilets (gpf), 2.5 gallons-per-minute(gpm) showerheads, and 2.5 gpm faucets. Up to that time, statesand localities adopted their own standards. The Act was passedby Congress and signed into law by then President Bush in part“to promote the conservation and the efficient use of energyand water.”

Many of us may not be aware of how much water we use insidethe home. Depending on the efficiency of our water-using fixturesand appliances, typical per capita water usage can range fromabout 45 to 65 gallons per day. Flushing the toilet accounts forthe largest percentage, about 26% at the upper end of the percapita usage range. Clothes washing is the other large source ofwater usage at 23%. Bathing (19%), leakage (about 13%),faucets (about 15.5%), dishwashing (1.4%) and other domesticusage (2.1%), account for the remaining 51%. (These figureswere compiled by Water Wiser, the water conservation clearing-house.) By installing available water-conserving fixtures andappliances and taking measures to minimize leaks, per capitausage can be reduced to the lower end of the range, i.e., 45gallons per person as opposed to 65 gallons.

While some states had adopted plumbing efficiency standardsrequiring the 1.6 gpf toilets prior to the enactment of the 1992legislation, the federal initiative brought new water and energyconservation to large portions of the country. Last year, a bill wasintroduced in Congress to repeal these federal efficiency stan-dards. House Bill #859, in the words of its sponsor, Representa-tive Joseph Knollenberg of Wisconsin, would get the U.S.Congress “out of our bathrooms.” Support for the bill is alsoapparently based on some consumer dissatisfaction with certaininitial models of the 1.6 gpf toilets made by certain manufacturers.

Without getting into the question of which rooms of our homes theCongress should be allowed into and which not, it is safe to saythat the low flow toilets on the market today are a significantimprovement over the early models in terms of both actualperformance and consumer satisfaction. Repeal of the federalstandards would eventually eliminate the water conservationpotentially available to many areas of the country from the 1.6 gpftoilet and other low flow plumbing fixtures. The benefits of thesewater savings, such as delaying or eliminating the development ofnew or expanded water supply and waste water treatmentfacilities and the concomitant reduced impact on the environment,would likewise be eliminated. The cost savings to customerswhich would be realized from reduced water, sewer and energycharges would be lost as well.

The Delaware River Basin Commission adopted low flow plumb-ing efficiency standards prior to enactment of the federal stan-dards, so repeal would not change the requirements in the Basin.However, repeal would reduce the effectiveness of the administra-tion and enforcement of Commission, state, and local standardssince, as a practical matter, states and localities are unable to

actually limit the entry of non-complying products into theirjurisdictions. Moreover, although three of the four Delaware BasinStates (New Jersey, New York and Delaware), also adopted thelow flow standards, Pennsylvania has not. In Pennsylvania,therefore, repeal of the federal requirements would cause theburden of administration and enforcement to fall completely onthe limited resources of local governments.

Finally, repealing the national standards would mean that thefixture manufacturers would be faced with differing requirementsand would have to manufacture as well as market different typesof products for the different jurisdictions. This would lead tohigher prices for all fixtures.

In sum, repeal of federal plumbing efficiency standards wouldappear to be a negative for the natural environment of theDelaware Estuary and Basin as well as for the wallets of itshuman inhabitants.

Dr. Miri is responsible for water policy analysis in NJDEP’s WaterSupply Element. He is also Chairman of the Delaware RiverBasin Commission’s Water Conservation Advisory Committee.For more information, call Dr. Miri at (609) 292-7219.

Corporate Contributions

PSE&G Estuary EnhancementProgram MarksAnother Milestone

Page 10 Volume 9 / Issue 4

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Public Service Electric & Gas (PSE&G) recently marked anothermilestone in its 20,000 acre Estuary Enhancement Program (EEP)when it celebrated the completion of its Maurice River Township marshrestoration site October 23, 1998.

More than 125 elected officials, residents, and members of environ-mental conservation organizations joined with PSE&G representativesto celebrate the completion of the company’s restoration project at aformer Salt Hay farm located on Thompson’s Beach Road inHeislerville.

“This is the largest privately funded project of its type in the world,”said Maureen Ogden, chairwoman of the Governor’s Council on NewJersey Outdoors. “PSE&G is providing a prime example for NewJersey industry to emulate.”

The Maurice River Township project is just one part of PSE&G’sEstuary Enhancement Program. Undertaken voluntarily by PSE&G in1994, the program includes the restoration, enhancement and/orpreservation of more than 32 square miles of coastal wetlands andadjacent uplands in New Jersey and Delaware (see map).

At the Maurice River Township site, the company restored 1,398 acresto a saltwater wetland with public access features that include awooden observation platform, two boat launches, parking areas,interpretive signs, and osprey nesting platforms. The National ParkService also unveiled a sign designating the site as part of the NewJersey Coastal Heritage Trail which features the history and signifi-cance of salt-hay farming.

Michael Catania, executive director of the Nature Conservancy’s NewJersey Chapter noted that the Estuary Enhancement Programrepresented a different way of doing business and to date was provingsuccessful. “It was amazing to see the shorebird use,” he said indescribing a recent birding trip to the site.

“This is a win-win situation,” said Gary Sondermeyer, New JerseyDepartment of Environmental Protection assistant commissioner ofenvironmental regulation, who noted that during a recent visit thewaters were “literally teeming with fish.”

“This beautiful site is the result of hundreds of hours of hard work bymany, many people,” said Maurice River Township Mayor RonRiggins. “It is a site that will provide new ecotourism and environmen-tal education opportunities for children, families, educators, and thepublic in general.” Riggins also thanked the township residents whoserved on the Community Involvement Committee for their role inmaking the project a success and in determining the type of improve-ments that would best meet the needs of the local residents.

Other speakers at the event included Congressman Frank LoBiondo(R-2nd) and Freehold Director Doug Fisher.

In addition to the Maurice River site, PSE&G’s other Salt Marshrestoration sites in New Jersey include a 561 acre site in DennisTownship (Cape May County) and a 4,213 acre site in CommercialTownship (Cumberland County). The company has also selected fourPhragmites (commonly known as foxtail) dominated sites for restora-tion in Elsinboro Township and Lower Alloways Creek Township inSalem County. Additionally, the company is preserving more than4,300 acres of unaltered coastal wetlands and uplands at the BaysideTract in Greenwich.

In addition to implementing salt marsh restoration activities in NewJersey, PSE&G has provided funding to the state of Delaware forrestoration and preservation of 6,000 acres of Phragmites dominatedsites at the Lang Tract, Silver Run, The Rocks, Cedar Swamp andWoodland Beach, all in New Castle County.

Another part of the EEP is the construction of fish ladders, which aredevices designed to help fish migrate over obstructions in waterwayssuch as dams and spillways. In New Jersey, the company has builtfish ladders at Sunset Lake in Bridgeton and at the Cooper River inCamden. In Delaware, fish ladders were constructed at McColleyPond and Coursey Pond in Milford, McGinnis Pond in Frederica, andSilver Lake in Dover.

Most of the Estuary Enhancement Program sites are open to publicaccess for nature observation, canoeing, kayaking, trapping, fishing,crabbing, and hunting. Additionally, PSE&G has invested more than$1 million in new public use facilities including boat launches,observation platforms, and nature trails.

PSE&G has also funded classroom education materials that includea hands-on wetland discovery kit and other activities for use byteachers in New Jersey and Delaware.

To learn more about PSE&G’s Estuary Enhancement Program,contact Marcy Walton at 609-339-7915 or call 1-888-MARSHES.

In October, PSE&G’s Estuary Enhancement Programreceived the New Jersey Business and Industry Association’s1998 Environmental Quality Award which recognizes out-standing work to preserve or enhance New Jersey’s naturalenvironment.

Among the other prestigious awards recognizing the EEP arethe Business & Industry Award from the Water ResourcesAssociation of the Delaware River Basin; the RecognitionAward for Conservation of New Jersey Wetlands from theNew Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’sDivision of Fish, Game and Wildlife, and the New JerseyWaterfowl Advisory Committee; the Environmental Enhance-ment Award from the New Jersey Association of LandscapeArchitects; and a Certificate of Recognition for EnvironmentalEducation Commitment by the Delaware Department ofNatural Resources.

Thompson’s Beach restoration site, Heislerville, Maurice River Township, New Jersey.

Page 11Fall 1998

Maureen Ogden, (above left),chairwoman of the Governor’sCouncil on New Jersey Outdoors,addressed more than 125 electedofficials, residents, and membersof environmental conservationorganizations who joined withrepresentatives of Public ServiceElectric & Gas (PSE&G) on Friday,October 23, to celebrate thecompletion of the company’s marshrestoration project at a former SaltHay farm located on Thompson’sBeach Road in Heislerville. “PSE&Gis providing a prime example forNew Jersey industry to emulate,”said Ogden.

Jeff Pantazes, (above right), programmanager for PSE&G’s EstuaryEnhancement Program, joins withJanet Wolf of the National ParkService’s Coastal Heritage Trail, tounveil a new sign that will be placedat the company’s Maurice RiverTownship site. The sign designatesthe site as part of the New JerseyCoastal Heritage Trail and featuresthe history and significance of salt-hay farming.

(Left) Map of the Delaware Estuarywith PSE&G EEP sites highlighted.

Estuary News

Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, Inc.c/o Pennsylvania Environmental Council1211 Chestnut Street, Suite 900Philadelphia, PA 19107

Address Correction Requested

DELAWARE ESTUARY PROGRAM

Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, Inc.1009 Philadelphia Pike, Wilmington, DE 19809Tel: (302) 793-1701 (800) 445-4935Fax: (302) 793-1666E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.delep.org

Environmental Protection AgencyIrene Purdy, EPA Region IITel: (212) 637-3845Fax (212) 637-3889

Catherine Libertz, EPA Region IIITel: (215) 566-2737Fax: (215) 566-2782

PennsylvaniaNancy CrickmanDepartment of Environmental ProtectionTel: (610) 823-6100Fax: (610) 823-6133

DelawareWilliam Brierly, Jr.Department of Natural Resourcesand Environmental ControlTel: (302) 739-5726Fax: (302) 739-3491

New JerseyAnne WittDepartment of Environmental ProtectionTel: (609) 633-1166Fax: (609) 292-4608

EditorKathy Klein, Partnership for the Delaware Estuary

Layout & DesignNancy Rosenberg-Dubin

US PostageNon-Profit Org

PAIDPhila, PA

Permit #3334

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Printed on recycled paper

The Estuary News encourages reprinting of its articles in other publications. Estuary News is published quarterly bythe Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, Inc., under an assistance agreement (CE-993985-01-0) with the U.S.Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The purpose of this newsletter is to provide an open, informative dialogueon issues related to the Delaware Estuary Program. The viewpoints expressed here do not necessarily represent theviews of the Partnership or EPA, nor does mention of names, commercial products or causes constitute endorsementor recommendation for use. For information about the Delaware Estuary Program, call 1-800-445-4935.

WHO IS THE PARTNERSHIP?The Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, Inc., is a private, non-profitorganization established in 1996. The Partnership promotes the estuary asa regional resource through public outreach and education.

Thanks and Welcometo the Partnership’s Newest Members

The Partnership for the Delaware Estuary sends a sincere thank you andwelcome to its newest Founding Partners that are listed below. To find outhow you can become a member, call the Partnership at 1-800-445-4935.

Honorable Thomas R. Carper - Wilmington, DE

S. Gail Cowie - Athens, GA

Delaware River Basin Commission -

West Trenton, NJ

Jesse Goldbert - Conshohocken, PA

Bruce R. Hargreaves - Bethlehem, PA

Ward Hickman - Langhorne, PA

Mindy Lemoine - Wyndmoor, PA

Maritrans, Inc. - Philadelphia, PA

Dorothy P. Miller - Newark, DE

Michael J. Pickel - Philadelphia, PA

Partnership Promotional ProductsNow Available

The Partnership now has for sale a variety of promotional products with ourlogo that are for sale. These products include adult and children’s T-shirts,baseball hats, and coffee mugs. For price and ordering information, call thePartnership at 1-800-445-4935.

David P. Pollison - West Trenton, NJ

Thomas A. & Helen Simons Reeves -

Springfield, PA

Mr. & Mrs. Ralph H. Rickenback -

W. Collingswood Heights, NJ

Steve T. Schubert - King of Prussia, PA

Linda Stapleford - Hockessin, DE

Marion C. Stewart - Wilmington, DE

June S. Tartala - Ocean City, NJ

Wildlife Habitat Council - Silver Spring, MD

Zoological Society of Philadelphia -

Philadelphia, PA