LACEY – A proposal to manage bayfront vegetation at Forked River Beach was unveiled recently, drawing about two dozen community members and township officials. Developed by the Barnegat Bay Partnership, the recommendations aim to combat erosion, improve ecological health, and enhance recreational spaces. The presentation focused on balancing environmental preservation with public access.
Dr. Stan Hales, director of the Barnegat Bay Partnership, opened the presentation by outlining the broader environmental challenges facing Barnegat Bay and the Jersey Shore. He underscored the importance of relying on scientific data and fostering civil discourse to navigate the issues.
“We know that things are changing, but we can’t predict it perfectly,” Hales cautioned. “So, we can say that things are changing, that water levels are increasing, but knowing the exact rates and the exact time frame, and everything else that may happen is beyond anybody’s capacity right now.”
Hales detailed the partnership’s involvement in Forked River Beach, noting past efforts to mitigate erosion. He also mentioned meetings with select local residents, as well as Committeewoman Peggy Sue Juliano and Township Attorney Chris Connors, to discuss the area’s specific concerns.
“We’re all proud residents of the bayfront,” said Pat Doyle, who lives on Forked River Beach. “We’d like to support the town in its efforts to protect the park and our shoreline.”
Doyle said she was one of the residents who participated in the working group with Hales and the others and appreciated the town listening to their needs.
“What came of this was a great plan that addresses all of the issues and the common good,” Doyle added.
Caring For The Area
Bailey Sanders, Stewardship Specialist with the Barnegat Bay Partnership, then introduced the “Forked River Beach Bayfront Park Vegetation Management Guide.” Attendees were provided with a copy of the 20-page document she put together to summarize pertinent information. It will ultimately be released in electronic format.
Township Administrator Veronica Laureigh cautioned the group that the governing body would need to review any recommendations offered in the presentation to establish a plan. Forked River Beach Bayfront Park is owned by the township, as is the property along the walkway south of the park.
In presenting the proposal, Sanders said Barnegat Bay Partnership’s work is supported by federal funds and aligns with their Jersey Friendly Yards program, which promotes sustainable gardening and landscaping practices.
Gabion baskets were installed along the water and walking trail as shoreline protection a number of years ago. However, vegetation has also acted to help combat the effects of erosion.
“The biggest concern with this site was the erosion impact that was had that we were getting with the removal of these plants,” said Sanders. “So, when we looked at these goals, we wanted to address that as well as some of the ecological effects.”
Maintenance will continue to be required for the gabion baskets to ensure their effectiveness. Large woody vegetation threatening erosion control mechanisms may be removed, while herbaceous plants can remain. Invasive species should be managed as needed. Officials will monitor regrowth, ensuring native plants are preserved to maintain shoreline stability and prevent further soil erosion.
Sanders also discussed the promotion of biodiversity by encouraging a variety of plant life and improving soil health. Reducing mowing, allowing native plants to flourish, and removing invasive species were main strategies. She said the key was to ensure the area was maintained in a way that created a healthy habitat and healthy ecosystem.
The proposal also aims to create a visually appealing environment while maintaining its ecological integrity. This involves selecting vegetation that complements both natural and built environments.
During her visit to the site last November, Sanders took an inventory of existing plants. She came across both invasive and unsafe species, nothing that they should be targeted for removal.
“Jimsonweed is an invasive species and highly toxic,” warned Sanders. “You shouldn’t ingest or touch it. It’s hallucinogenic.”
Another poisonous species in the area is common cocklebur, which Sanders noted is good to combat erosion but should be removed. Chinese bush clovers should also be mowed as the inhibit the growth of neighboring plants.
The proposal included a detailed maintenance schedule, emphasizing seasonal tasks and guidelines for mowing and trimming. Sanders also highlighted beneficial native plants like groundsel bush, known for its deep root system and salt tolerance, and little bluestem, a native grass that provides habitat for wildlife.
Community Concerns
A significant portion of the discussion addressed community concerns, including the presence of phragmites, an invasive reed grass. While acknowledging its invasive nature, Sanders noted its current role in erosion control. “Right now, if your goal is erosion control, it can stay,” she said, adding that trimming in July can help manage its spread.
At least one resident was concerned that removal of plants in the area would change the aesthetics when flowers bloom and butterflies flock.
“It looks like on both sides of the driveway when you first come in, there’s a lot of native purple and white asters,” Laura Schetelich said. “Also, in terms of geese, they come in when it’s mowed.”
Hales acknowledged that the problem with the geese was not just the mess they created, but the health issue they represented – especially for children playing in the area. He also said that signage regarding terrapin nesting and mowing restrictions were likely well-intentioned but misinformed.
“Turtles don’t like tunnels,” Hales stated. “It sounds really fancy to say ‘Terrapin Nesting Habitat.’ It’s just a little sand dune…The point is the park’s not a good nesting site.”
Laureigh reiterated the need for the township to review recommendations as far as cost and a time schedule. She said the job might be too expansive for the Department of Works to accomplish on its own, acknowledging the potential need for outside contractors or community volunteers to assist with the implementation – particularly for invasive species removal.
In the meantime, Juliano assured residents that the walkway maintenance would be prioritized. “We do want to say that we will take care of the walkway,” she said. “That is definitely on the plan to going forward.”
“That will be maintained properly up to the way we’ve discussed now,” continued Juliano. “ Up to the owner’s property, we’ll cut down – and up to the other side, we’ll cut down a foot.”
