Project Description
The 182-acre Quashne property in Lower Alloways Creek Township, NJ was acquired in 1997 using a portion of the M/V Presidente Rivera oil spill settlement funds, and is now a part of the Mad Horse Creek Wildlife Management Area. Past agricultural practices on the property included altering and filling the brackish tidal marsh, resulting in common reeds (Phragmites) invading the wetland. Prior to the purchase, the 80-acre non-riparian portion of the property was divided into two designated land use zones: Residential Agriculture and Flood Plain. The Quashne property would likely have been sold for residential development if it had not been protected.
Over the subsequent years, the State of New Jersey acquired several adjacent parcels along Alloways Creek Neck Road. Ultimately, the tidal and freshwater wetlands on the now 260-acre site are in the process of being restored using settlement funds from the M/V Athos I oil spill. This includes eradicating Phragmites, removing fill material, and lowering the marsh elevation to allow for tidal inundation.
Parties Implementing Restoration
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
DOI Project Representatives
Fish and Wildlife Service