Acquisition of the Quashne Property

New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection

Case Name:

M/V Presidente Rivera Fuel Oil Spill

Country:

United States of America

Restoration Types:

Protection/Acquisition

State:

New Jersey

Affected DOI Resources:

Migratory Birds

City:

Lower Alloways Creek Township

Phase:

Pre-implementation

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.