Federal Grant Will Benefit New Jersey Coast
The New Jersey Marine Sciences Consortium/New Jersey Sea Grant (NJMSC/NJSG) has been awarded $943,000 from the U.S. Department of Commerce/NOAA National Sea Grant College Program to support programs that will promote greater understanding of New Jersey’s coastal environment including marine research on issues of high priority to the State.
Nearly half of the award will fund research that will directly impact New Jersey’s coast. Through a highly competitive process, four projects were selected for funding this year. The research will include a study on American beachgrass varieties for use in dune protection, an analysis of fisheries data to improve management on target species, an investigation on summer flounder landings to better manage that fishery, and a study on the exchange of water between Raritan Bay and the ocean. The results of this project will represent the first comprehensive study of circulation patterns and dispersive processes in Raritan Bay.
The award also will be used to improve science education at all levels. Along with public education events and training for teachers, NJMSC/NJSG offers college courses, an extremely popular class trip program on Sandy Hook and in-school, scout and summer camp programs all within the domain of marine science.
Local Student Soars with Belmar Park Picnic Area and Bird Sign Eagle Scout Project
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| The picnic area Matt designed at MacLearie Park in Belmar |
The New Jersey Marine Sciences Consortium/New Jersey Sea Grant (NJMSC/NJSG) recently collaborated with an enterprising student from the Sandy Hook-based Marine Academy of Science and Technology (MAST) on a community project that also him helped earn prestigious Eagle Scout status.
Sophomore Matthew Orgill was looking for a unique focus for his Eagle Scout project and conceived a plan to create a waterfront picnic area at MacLearie Park in Belmar. Matt had seen the educational Treasure Trail Signs created by NJMSC/NJSG as part of its Coastal Communities Interpretive Sign Initiative and decided to place one at his proposed picnic spot so people could learn something while they relaxed and enjoyed the area. Birds seemed like an ideal sign subject since Matt noticed a so many when he was out sailing in the area and always wondered about the species he saw.
Matt worked closely with NJMSC/NJSG Coastal Communities Agent Jenny McCormick and graphic designer Rory Joyce to research and develop the information and art for the Shark River Birds sign. NJMSC/NJSG paid for half the cost of producing the interpretive sign and donated McCormick and Joyce’s time to the project. Matt raised half the sign-production costs plus the money for all materials, supplies and services needed to build the picnic area through substantial contributions from local businesses.
His hard work, creativity and persistence paid off. His project was reviewed and approved early this year by the Boy Scout council and he will be designated as an Eagle Scout at a special ceremony.
The NJMSC/NJSG Education Department conducts and participates in a number of special Scout and Youth Organization programs. To find out more, go to njmsc.org/Education/Scout_Programs.htm.
New Pocket Guides Promote Natural New Jersey Tourism Alternatives
 The New Jersey Marine Sciences Consortium/NJ Sea Grant (NJMSC/NJSG) has just released a pair of pocket-sized companion publications, Natural New Jersey: Destinations and Natural New Jersey: Annual Events which provide basic, essential information about ecotourism, suggested destinations and popular annual events in the Garden State. NJMSC/NJSG hopes these new initiatives will encourage residents and visitors to think beyond the routine tourism experience and consider nature-based recreational destinations and cultural activities and more importantly, foster an attitude of appreciation and increased responsibility toward New Jersey's natural resources.
For more information or to obtain copies of these guides, contact Kim Kosko, Director of Communications at kkosko@njmsc.org or 732-872-1300 ext. 18. >more
NJMSC/NJSG Moves Forward with HQ Restoration
While plans have been placed on hold for the large-scale private development restoration of thirty-three buildings at Sandy Hook, NJMSC/NJSG has begun a major external renovation and restoration project on Building #22 in the Fort Hancock section of the Gateway National Recreation Area (GNRA). The historic barracks building at Sandy Hook has served as the field station and home office for the organization since 1972. NJMSC/NJSG is one of the oldest occupants and long-term cooperating partners with the National Park Service (NPS) which oversees Sandy Hook.
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| NJMSC/NJSG headquarters at Building #22 |
NJMSC/NJSG has maintained the facility over the past 37 years, but significant work was needed to bring the facility up to modern building codes and still meet strict federal preservation guidelines. NJMSC/NJSG applied for and received two grants in early 2005 totaling nearly $527,000 from the New Jersey Historic Trust to help with the restoration and renovation project and subsequently signed a twenty-year lease with the NPS. NJMSC/NJSG then raised the required matching funds needed to restore the facility and held a restoration groundbreaking ceremony in 2007.
The contractor search and bidding process, historic preservation research and other preparation requirements took nearly two years to complete but the project officially got underway on August 19th. The initial phase of the project will include repair and restoration of the building’s West elevation (which faces the Pershing Field Parade Ground) and window and door replacements. The work is expected to take six months to complete.
NJ Recognizes Its First Freshwater Clean Marina
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| Bridge Marina owner Ray Fernandez |
Bridge Marina, Inc. on Lake Hopatcong has successfully earned recognition as New Jersey’s first freshwater certified Clean Marina. The certification was awarded on Thursday, August 13, 2009 after a careful review made by officials from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) Coastal Management Office and the New Jersey Marine Sciences Consortium/New Jersey Sea Grant (NJMSC/NJSG). The certification demonstrates Bridge Marina’s commitment to protecting the environment by implementing practices that control pollution, enhance the surrounding environment, and encourage responsible boating practices. This represents a number of milestones for the NJ Clean Marina Program. Beside Bridge’s being the first freshwater marina to be certified as a NJ Clean Marina, it was a recipient of one of the first Marina Industry Enhancement (MIE) grants and now represents the first documented instance where the MIE Program played a pivotal role in assisting a marina with obtaining Clean Marina certification.
New Jersey Boater's Ramp Guide
 The New Jersey Marine Sciences Consortium/New Jersey Sea Grant Extension Program recently conducted a count and condition assessment of all boat ramps located in tidal waters of New Jersey supported by funds from I BOAT NJ. Type of ramp surface, ramp condition, accessibility, parking, facilities available at or near the ramp, and other pertinent information was collected. This data was used to produce the New Jersey Boater’s Ramp Guide for ramps located on tidal fresh and marine waters in the state of New Jersey. Request a free hard copy of the Guide. An online version is available at njboatramps.org
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