Project Description
Increased urbanization in recent decades has contributed to the loss of open space and wildlife habitat in southern New Jersey, especially near the Delaware River. Acquiring and holding undeveloped land in perpetuity ensures the preservation and conservation of New Jersey's natural resources and is more cost-effective today than it will be in the future. The Chemical Leaman Tank Lines (CLTL) Trustees used settlement funds to acquire several parcels adjoining lands currently owned by a local municipality or state or federal natural resource agency and managed as open space. The objective was to acquire properties containing wetlands similar to those injured as a result of the release of hazardous materials from the CLTL site, and protect these areas in perpetuity to ensure high quality groundwater recharge. The acquired lands were transferred to the appropriate natural resource agency, municipality, or non-government organization as a natural resource conservation area, and are managed to prevent future injury or degradation to the resources of concern.
To compensate for injuries to groundwater, the Trustees transferred settlement funds to the non-profit New Jersey Conservation Foundation (NJCF) in 2007 toward the purchase of the 91.7-acre Daniels property (known locally as Daniels Woods) in South Harrison, NJ. Now known as the Daniels Preserve, the land is further protected by a conservation easement. A native hardwood forest encompasses most of the site, and numerous vernal pools provide important breeding habitat for amphibians. The preserve is managed as a natural area and does not have designated hiking trails or parking.
Parties Implementing Restoration
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection; NJ Conservation Foundation
DOI Project Representatives
Fish and Wildlife Service