Project Description
Old Place Creek is a tributary of the Arthur Kill in the northwestern corner of Staten Island, NY. In 1990, the creek was heavily impacted by the Exxon Bayway and B.T. Nautilus oil spills. The tidal wetlands were particularly hit hard with the destruction of over 8-hectares of salt marshes. This impacted the critical foraging habitats for the "Harbor Herons", wading birds such as great egrets, snowy egrets, black-crowned night herons, and glossy ibises that began nesting on islands in the Arthur Kill and Newark Bay in the late 1970s.
To compensate for injuries to natural resources caused by the oil spills, the NY/NJ Harbor Oil Spill Restoration Committee, through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC), acquired several parcels containing wetlands along Old Place Creek. The properties, totaling about 12 acres, were incorporated into the Old Place Creek Tidal Wetland Area. Managed by NYS DEC, the now 70-acre Tidal Wetland Area features critical tidal and subtidal wetland habitats for wading birds, waterfowl, and commercially and recreationally important fish species. A canoe and kayak launch was constructed in 2003 that provides recreational access to approximately two miles of sinuous tidal creek downstream to the Arthur Kill.
Parties Implementing Restoration
New York Department of Environmental Conservation
DOI Project Representatives
Fish and Wildlife Service