Project Description
Goethals Pond is a 50-acre freshwater-to-brackish pond located between the Staten Island Expressway (Interstate-278) and Arlington Yard in the northwestern corner of Staten Island, NY. Originally a tidal salt marsh, Goethals Pond formed after the construction of adjacent roads and railroads greatly reduced tidal flow from Bridge Creek, a tributary of the Arthur Kill. The shallow water and islands in the pond provide foraging habitat for migratory shorebirds, waterfowl, and wading birds such as great egrets, snowy egrets, black-crowned night herons and glossy ibises.
To protect this critical habitat for the "Harbor Herons" and other birds, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) purchased several properties around the pond using settlement funds from the Exxon Bayway oil spill to add to the Goethal's Pond Complex State Tidal Wetland. These properties, including the 1.0-acre Slade property, 2.5-acre Lembo property, 5.5-acre Flag property, and 21.88-acre Wilpon property, were commercially zoned and contain both wetland and upland areas. The Slade, Lembo, and Flag properties are located upstream, and preserving them was vital for maintaining water levels and water quality in Goethals Pond. The forested wetlands on the properties also provide important habitat for a wide diversity in wildlife, including over 25 species of songbirds. The Wilpon property, located immediately downstream, is connected to Goethals Pond by two 48-inch circular culverts under a railroad embankment. Primarily made up of tidal salt marsh, the "Wilpon Marsh" is connected to Bridge Creek by a culvert under Western Avenue. In addition to ecological benefits, the acquisition of these properties also improved public access to the Goethals Pond Complex.
Parties Implementing Restoration
New York Department of Environmental Conservation
DOI Project Representatives
Fish and Wildlife Service