Boonton Reservoir Protection & Trail Project JERSEY CITY ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION JUNE 18 th , 2019
A leader in land conservation, the Open Space Institute (OSI) has a proven track record in protecting lands for clean water, recreation, wildlife habitat and healthy communities.
DIRECT ACQUISITIONS JOINING SCIENCE AND AND EASEMENTS FUNDING PROTECTING, FOSTERING EXPANDING, AND GRASSROOTS ENHANCING PARKS START-UPS
Agenda • Environmental Improvements • Project Overview • Water Quality • The Trail • Educational Opportunities • Jersey City Public Benefits • Security Measures • Project Status • Project Timeline • Property Management Plan • Q&A • History & Environment
The Project • Establish Pedestrian Only Walking Path Around the Reservoir Determine Appropriate Route • Design Low-impact Trail • Set Rules & Regulations for Use • • Water Quality & Habitat Improvement Measures Targeted Stormwater Treatment • Targeted Forest Restoration & Management • • Establish & Implement Security Measures to Insure Safety of Reservoir
Project Overview Partnership • Jersey City MUA • Open Space Institute • Morris County Park Commission • Suez • Professional Assistance • Greener by Design • Amy Greene Environmental • Extensive Stakeholder Outreach • Detailed Site Assessment • Design Environmental Enhancements • Prepare Long-Term Property Management Plan • Open Boonton Reservoir for Limited Passive • Recreational Opportunities
The Trail Two Phases • Phase 1-Dam to Lower West Shore • Phase 2-West Shore to Dam (complete loop) • Take Advantage of Existing Improvements • Maintenance Road • Sewer Right-of-way • Old Route 202 Bridge • Requires DEP Approval • Design Stream & Wetland Crossings • Select Material • Crushed Gravel (Stabilize existing surface) • Stone Dust (ADA compliant sections) • Natural (West Shore) • Identify Trailheads & Connections • Establish Parking/Access Point(s) • Design Wayfinding System • Design/Construct Outflow Crossing • Approximately 8 miles in length •
Public Benefits to Jersey City • Water Quality Improvements • Enhanced Monitoring • Educational Opportunities • Environmental Improvements • Targeted Stormwater Mitigation • Habitat Restoration • Improved Site Management • Build Relationship With Parsippany & Boonton
Project Status • Conducting Stakeholder Outreach • Jersey City MUA/OEM/ Environmental Commission • Host Communities • Law Enforcement/Homeland Security Agencies • Suez • Property Assessment • Evaluate Conditions • Establish Trail Route • Identify Specific Environmental Measures • Crafting Property Management Plan
General Property Management Plan • History of the Reservoir • Existing Conditions • Environmental Resource Assessment • Water quality • Conditions • Site conditions • Critical resources • The Trail • Environmental enhancements • Trail route • Environmental permitting • Trail design • Stormwater mitigation structures • Wetland and stream crossings • Public Benefits • Trailhead locations and design • Passive Recreational Access • Trail connections • Hiking/walking • Wayfinding • Birding • Regulatory Review • Photography • DEP Permitting • Long-Term Maintenance • NJ Watershed Review Board • Maintenance of Trail & Grounds • Security • Habitat Management • Site management • Securing infrastructure • Public safety & emergency response
Highlight Culture, History & Environment • History of the Reservoir • Old Town of Boonton • Iconic Construction Project • Dam & Related Structures • Entire System Designated Historic Site • Interpretive Signage • Points of Interest • Geology • History • Environment • Environmental Features
Habitat Improvement Measures • Targeted Invasive species removal • Targeted Planting native species • Appropriate Deer Management Measures • Selective Exclusion Areas • Targeted Hunting • Improve Water Quality Entering Reservoir
Water Quality Improvements • Natural Stormwater Treatment Measures • Bioretention basins • Catchment areas • Improved treatment of non-point source pollutants • Future Opportunity for Additional Monitoring and Sampling
Environmental Monitoring & Education • Potential Future Partnership with the Great Swamp Watershed Association • Established & Respected Non-Profit • Advocates for Protection of the Passaic/ Rockaway River Watershed • Education Programs • Environmental Stewardship Programs • Create & implement a Quality Assurance Plan for Reservoir and the Rockaway River • Aquatic vegetation survey • Bacteria monitoring • Algae monitoring • Macro and micro plastics monitoring • Annual water quality report card detailing monitoring results • Organize & implement volunteer workdays • Habitat improvement • Invasive species removal • Native species plantings and bird box building • Outdoor experiential learning opportunities for Jersey City school children providing environmental education programing
Educational Opportunities • High School AP Classes – Field Work • Internships • Citizen Scientist Volunteers • Corporate Work Days • Outdoor Classroom • Public Awareness • Convert Existing Lab for Use by Jersey City Students
Security • First Priority • Securing Infrastructure • Dam & Related Installations • Water Treatment Facilities • Protecting Water Quality • Site Management • Rules & Regulations • Patrol & Enforcement • Managing Access • Emergency Response • First Responders/Accident or Injury • Incident Protocols
Specific Measures • Limit Points of Access & Parking • Regular patrol by police officers • Protection of critical infrastructure • Site monitored by remote cameras • Fencing • Designation of “off limits” areas • Accommodate emergency response vehicles • Coordinated Approach • Jersey City OEM/MUA • Morris County Park Police • Parsippany Township/Town of Boonton Police • Suez
Project Timeline • Lease Agreement • Stakeholder Outreach • Site Assessment (ongoing) • Property Management Plan (9/19) • Plan Approval (11/19) • Final Trail Design (Winter 2020) • DEP Permitting • Phase 1 Trail Construction(2021) • Trail Opens (2021/2022)
Questions & Answers
Thank You!
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