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| Name of Project: |
Hopewell Valley Invasive Species Strike Team |
Geographic Fund: |
Western Piedmont |
| Location of Project: |
Hopewell Township, Mercer County
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Watershed Management Area (WMA): |
WMA 10 (Millstone) and WMA 11 (Central Delaware)
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Type of Project: |
Land Restoration / Stewardship |
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Size: |
40,000 acres |
| Nonprofit Organization: |
Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space (FoHVOS) |
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Status: |
FoHVOS is seeking contributions through local corporations, foundations, private donations and government grants. Their existing budget pays for the project coordinator and limited field supplies. A recent Small Grant Award from CRI is helping to support a land steward intern. |
| Total Project Cost: |
$100,000 |
| Funds Raised: |
$4,000 |
| Funds Needed: |
$96,000 |
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Leverage: |
Not yet available |
| PROJECT SIGNIFICANCE |
| The Hopewell Valley Invasive Species Strike Team (HV-ISST) will detect and eradicate emerging populations of invasive plants to prevent degradation of protected open space. In most cases, infestations of invasive species go unrecognized in their early stages only to be subjects of control work after they become impossible to eradicate. Hopewell Township has significant natural resources and biodiversity that require protection from invasive species. The Landscape Project has identified over 70 priority animal species that occur in Hopewell Township and there are over 60 rare plants in Mercer County. Concentrated areas of significance include the Sourland Mountains and Baldpate Mountain, but woodlands of significant value to native flora and fauna occur throughout the township. Nearly 10,000 acres of land is protected from development in Hopewell Township, but invasive species continue to degrade our natural resources. Currently, resources to address the invasive species problem remain startlingly sparse relative to the enormity of impacts on native plants and animals.
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| PROJECT DESCRIPTION |
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The HV-ISST project will consist of a team of volunteers and paid staff guided by the Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space (FoHVOS). Funding would allow FoHVOS to develop the HV-ISST and support its work over the course of three years. The funds would be used to hire a land steward and summer interns, purchase a used 4-wheel drive vehicle, field supplies and equipment, a desktop computer, and ten GPS units to assist with mapping and data collection.
This innovative project would provide a working example for strategic management of invasive plants. The project would be directed by Dr. Michael Van Clef, Stewardship Director for the Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space.
During 2008, FoHVOS anticipates hiring a seasonal intern, recruiting volunteers, and working with partner organizations to identify and eradicate emerging populations of invasive species. |
| FUNDS NEEDED |
Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space is seeking $96,000 for this project.
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