Watershed Management

UNKNOWN

There is limited data available to quantify Wetland and Riparian Buffer Preservation, or updated data to quantify Wetland Acreage. The BBP has obtained funding and will begin assessment efforts for both targets, in the next few years.

 

 Hard Clam abundance has not been updated since 2012. Recovery of the stock will be guided by the Fishery Management Plan for Hard Clams, which is under development with the NJDEP, BBP, and other organizations. Reclam the Bay and other partners have continued to plant clams for restoration purposes. Continued plantings in strategic locations which maximize survival and reproduction is one strategy to pursue in the coming years. This work can use a model developed by Rutgers with BBP funding which identified areas where planted clams could have the greatest dispersal of their larvae and thus potentially maximally contribute to the recovery of the stock.

 Water Withdrawals were over the target in the 2021 report; USGS has not yet completed its latest update, so a definitive determination of status is not available. However, additional NJDEP data show that it is likely that we continue to not meet the target. Per capita water use has gone down, demonstrating the effectiveness of water-saving appliances and practices, but that decrease has been offset by population gains. 


IN PROGRESS

New maps quantifying Submerged Aquatic Vegetation extent were developed, but poor image clarity resulted in a high degree of uncertainty in the total acreage. NJDEP and Rutgers are working to resolve the uncertainty of these maps, and improve the total acreage estimate. Funding has also been obtained for further research and restoration activities. Several groups are developing potential restoration actions.

The USGS has completed the first phase of its study to identify minimum ecological flows in select Barnegat Bay tributaries. USGS scientists compared streamflow statistics between historical and current time periods to better understand trends in watershed flow conditions. This work provides a foundation for developing ecological flow targets in the Barnegat Bay watershed.  Similar to SAV extent, funding (approximately $450K) has been obtained by the BBP to complete the remaining phases necessary for threshold determination.

 

TARGETS ACHIEVED

No targets can be considered “Achieved” at this time.

 

NOT ACHIEVING

Several Public Swimming Beaches exceeded their safe swimming standards more frequently than during their baseline time period (2016-2018).

While most beaches are routinely safe for swimming, several problematic areas such as Beachwood, Hancock, Windward, and several lake beaches need track-down studies and restoration to pinpoint and address sources of bacteria.

Acres of Approved Shellfish Waters decreased from the last report. While this decrease was small, it represents a loss of previously approved waters. Similar to public beaches, track-down studies and restoration work are needed to pinpoint and address sources of bacteria.

 

Watershed Management

As fall winds down and we prepare our yards and gardens for their winter rest, many of us turn to familiar tasks: raking leaves, gathering fallen branches, mulching garden beds, and giving the lawn one last boost before spring. But this year, it’s more important than ever to approach winter yard care with New Jersey’s changing environmental conditions in mind.

According to the NJDEP, across the state, drought indicators, from declining reservoir levels to below-normal streamflows highlight the need to be especially mindful of how we use water and manage our landscapes. In fact, the Barnegat Bay region is currently under a drought watch due to light rainfall, and all New Jerseyans are requested to follow water conservation practices. Even simple choices in yard care can help protect our water resources and reduce pollution that harms streams, lakes, and the Barnegat Bay. Check our NJDEP’s Fall Water Conservation Guidance to learn more.

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New Jersey’s 2011 fertilizer law prohibits applying fertilizers containing nitrogen or phosphorus between November 1 and March 1. These nutrients cannot be absorbed by dormant plants in cold weather and are much more likely to wash away into storm drains and waterways. During winter months, only products containing potassium, lime, or other non-nitrogen, non-phosphorus nutrients may be used.

No matter the time of year, fertilizers with nitrogen and phosphorus should never be applied to frozen ground or ahead of heavy rain. Under these conditions, nutrients wash off lawns and contribute to stormwater pollution; a problem intensified during drought stages, when lower streamflows mean less dilution.

When excess nitrogen and phosphorus enter waterways, they can trigger harmful algal blooms (HABs). These blooms often result from cyanobacteria, which can produce toxins that pose risks to people, pets, and wildlife.

HABs cloud waters, restrict recreation like swimming and fishing, and can even affect drinking water supplies by forcing water systems to close intakes or use additional treatment. Even after a bloom subsides, nutrients can settle in sediments and re-release in warm summer months continuing the cycle. These impacts can be magnified during drought, when already-low water levels make ecosystems more vulnerable.

Responsible lawn and garden practices help conserve water, reduce pollution, and support healthier ecosystems. Check out Brick Municipal Authority’s WaterSense Campaign for our area!

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There are several ways to care for your yard that support cleaner water and healthier habitats. Before applying fertilizer, it is always beneficial to have your soil tested through the New Jersey Soil Testing Lab so you can understand exactly what nutrients your lawn truly needs. Fertilizer should never be applied to hard surfaces such as sidewalks, driveways, or patios. If any fertilizer lands there accidentally, it should be swept back onto the lawn rather than rinsed into the street where it can enter storm drains. Applications should be avoided on windy days or when rain is in the forecast. Homeowners can also consider landscape choices that reduce nutrient runoff and conserve water, including the use of native plants, adding mulch to planting beds, creating rain gardens, and reducing the overall size of lawn areas.

As drought conditions highlight the delicate balance of New Jersey’s water resources, winter yard care is an opportunity to make choices that protect our environment year-round. By following the state’s fertilizer laws, reducing unnecessary nutrient use, and managing our landscapes with care, we can help prevent harmful algal blooms, support healthier waterways, and strengthen our communities against drought and climate impacts.

To learn more, visit EPA WaterSense, NJDEP’s drought information, Jersey-Friendly Yards, USEPA’s nutrient pollution pages, and Climate Central.

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