Reedy Creek Management – Part Two

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Health of the Reedy Creek tidal marsh

Facts learned:

There is a commercial fisherman who is very heavily working the tidal marsh for killies. There is a noticeable corresponding decline in egrets and herons.

Fishing is state issue because the federal USFWS does not control the tidal waters.

Ideas:

Perhaps by statute or by action of the NJ Tidelands Resource Council the federal managers could be given control of specified activities within the waters of the refuge. This might be along the model of the “Marine Conservation Zone” at Island Beach State Park.

Jetskis

Facts learned:

The USFWS does not control the waters within the refuge. They only control the land down to the mean high water mark.

State law requires “slow speed, no wake” within 100 feet of shoreline and swimmers so in any creek less than 200 feet wide, “slow speed, no wake should be in effect”.

Ideas:

Volunteers could make up a sign, get the wording cleared with the Refuge Managers, and then put the sign up at the mouth of Reedy Creek or at other points. The signs could cite the relevant state law, and could inform boaters of the no wake requirement.

Brick Township on-the-water police could do some enforcement up creeks and natural lagoons.

Osprey towers

Facts learned:

Some have fallen down. There is interest in erecting more.

Ideas:

The Refuge Managers may be able to help any volunteers who wish to put up Osprey towers. The help might be in the form of both materials and guidance. [Note: Action had already been taken on this matter as of 9/16/05.]

Save Barnegat Bay may have some leads on help in obtaining materials or help installing Osprey towers. 732-830-3600.

Cleanups

Facts learned:

Save Barnegat Bay conducts annual cleanups on the first Saturday morning in November at the trail head at Adamston and Mantoloking Roads. 9AM to noon. Come and go as you please. Bring friends. Open to public.

By far the most effective cleanup is when people out in the woods or marsh spontaneously take trash out.

Ideas:

It would be helpful if anyone could get scout or school groups more involved in Save Barnegat Bay’s Fall Cleanup.

Cleanups could be organized for other portions of the Reedy Creek woods and marsh.

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