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Name of Project: |
Central Jersey Invasive Species Strike Team |
Geographic Fund: |
North Jersey Metro |
Location of Project: |
Upper Raritan Watershed |
Watershed Management Area: |
WMA #8 |
Type of Project: |
Stewardship |
Size: |
There are 121,000 Upper Raritan watershed acres currently in the project; URWA owns in fee 431 acres and holds easements on 893 acres. There are about 23,000 additional acres of open space in the watershed that are managed by other organizations, including county parks and non-profits. |
| Organization: |
Upper Raritan Watershed Association |
Status: |
URWA has completed Early Detection Invasive Plant surveys on 4 fee-owned properties, 1 conservation easement and 1 partner property. They have formalized 8 partnership agreements with local agencies such as Morris County Parks and have recruited and trained 16 volunteers. |
Total Project Cost: |
$100,000 |
Funds Raised: |
$38,390 |
Funds Needed: |
$61,610 |
| Leverage: |
Not yet available |
Click on map for larger image |
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| PROJECT SIGNIFICANCE |
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The Upper Raritan Watershed Association (URWA), in partnership with Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space (FoHVOS), has created the Central Jersey Invasive Species Strike Team. This Strike Team represents the state's first comprehensive effort toward invasive plant management through a public-private partnership. The purpose of this project is to locate newly emerging species and new populations of widespread invasive plants on both public and private lands. Our goal is to detect and eradicate populations of emergent species throughout the entire project area and then extend our efforts across Central NJ. This method is an effective use of limited resources, preventing small populations from becoming widespread and difficult to manage.
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| PROJECT DESCRIPTION |
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The strike team, led by staff members from URWA and FoHVOS, began its work during the summer of 2008. Team members are using the Early Detection/ Rapid Response (ED/RR) method to map the locations and densities of emerging populations of invasive species and to remove them before they spread further. The infestations are being ranked so that the team can prioritize eradication efforts. In addition, they are reaching out to private landowners and public land managers to encourage them to utilize use this method of ED/RR, offering training and resources to help facilitate the process. Through Landowner Education Programs, they are educating private landowners on the threats of invasive plants and offering native alternatives to invasive landscape plants. |
| FUNDS NEEDED |
| The Upper Raritan Watershed Association is seeking $61,610 for its Central Jersey Strike Team project. |
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