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.
In 2021, the Chemical Leaman Tank Lines Trustees contributed $53,750 toward the acquisition of the Roselin Bridge, LLC. property in Gloucester Township, NJ. The 42.71-acre property consists of mainly spring-fed, forested wetlands, one of the preferred habitats for federally threatened swamp pink. The natural springs on the property form the headwaters of Masons Run, a Category One (C1) trout production stream that supports the only self-sustaining population of eastern brook trout in southern New Jersey. The NJ Department of Environmental Protection's (NJDEP) Green Acres Program handled the sale of the parcel and provided $161,250, 75% of the property's cost. Ownership of the property was transferred to the Township of Gloucester, and it is now known as the Brian Burns Preserve.
Parties Implementing Restoration
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection; Township of Gloucester, NJ
DOI Project Representatives
Fish and Wildlife Service