American Littoral Society

Transcription

1 A Guideline to Restore Anadromous Fish Runs in Selected Tributaries of the NY/NJ Harbor Watershed A Report by Susan J. Durkas American Littoral Society Sandy Hook Highlands, NJ (908) FAX (908) A publication of the American Littoral Society Copyrighted March 1993

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3 iii TABLE OF CONTENTS Index of Illustrations vi-vii Executive summary viii-ix Introduction 1-3 I. Navesink River Swimming River/Monmouth Reservoir 4-11 Stream inlets to the reservoir The primary impediment to anadromous fish migration History and description of the dam area Other known impediments and obstacles existing upstream of the reservoir dam General observations of the river, reservoir, and its inlets Accessibility to the river and reservoir Fishing Stocking Current anadromous fish spawning run conditions up to the reservoir dam Guideline to restore an anadromous fish run to the area above Swimming River/Monmouth Reservoir Dam: significance of dam bypass steps needed to achieve dam bypass through fish ladder installation equipment needed to implement restoration suggested secondary impediment removals Shadow Lake Stream inlets to the lake The primary impediment to anadromous fish migration Description of the dam area Other known impediments and obstacles existing upstream of the dam General observations of the inlets to the lake Accessibility to the dam area Fishing Stocking Current anadromous fish spawning run conditions up to the dam Use of the tributary by catadromous species Chronology of events regarding dam ownership, repairs, and fish ladder construction Fish ladder design Anadromous fish run restoration already implemented Guideline to restore an anadromous fish run to the area above Shadow Lake Dam: significance of dam bypass steps needed to achieve dam bypass through fish ladder installation volunteer assistance equipment needed to implement restoration II. Passaic River A. Second River The river tributary system Known existing obstacles and impediments to anadromous fish migration Channelization The main concern to anadromous fish spawning General observations of the river Accessibility to the river

4 iv Fishing Stocking History of the tributary as an anadromous fish spawning run Guideline to restore an anadromous fish run to Second River: community pollution awareness education and debris collection program suggested obstacle and impediment removal potential volunteer community groups equipment needed to implement restoration Saddle River Tributaries of the river The main, future concern to anadromous fish migration: proposed United States Army Corps of Engineers channelization project Currently existing impediments to anadromous fish migration General observations of the river Accessibility to the river Fishing Stocking History of the tributary as an anadromous fish spawning run Instream fish habitat structures Guideline to restore an anadromous fish run to Saddle River: significance of considering fish habitat during channelization steps needed to achieve anadromous run restoration following channelization equipment needed to implement restoration Dundee Lake Inlets to the section of the river between Dundee Dam and Great Falls The primary impediment to anadromous fish migration Accessibility to the section of the river near the dam The Dundee Canal Description of the dam/canal area Other known impediments and obstacles existing upstream of the dam Fishing Stocking History of the tributary as an anadromous fish spawning run Current anadromous fish spawning run conditions up to the dam Dioxin concerns Chronology of events regarding required fish ladder installation, and other legalities Guideline to restore an anadromous fish run to the area above Dundee Dam: significance of dam bypass steps needed to achieve dam bypass through fish ladder installation equipment needed to implement restoration III. Hackensack River A. Hackensack Meadowlands The Hackensack Meadowlands Impediments to anadromous fish migration General observations of the area Accessibility to the area Fishing Stocking History of the tributary as an anadromous fish spawning run Current anadromous fish spawning run conditions of the area Use of the area by catadromous species

5 V Guideline to restore anadromous fish runs to the Hackensack Meadowlands area: significance of tide gate bypass steps needed to achieve tide gate bypass through frequent opening of tide gates during the spawning season and removal of inoperative tide gates equipment needed to implement restoration B. Oradell Reservoir Tributaries of the river above the reservoir dam Description of the tide gate/reservoir dam area The tide gate series The reservoir dam General observations of the area below the reservoir dam Accessibility to the tide gate series and reservoir dam Fishing Stocking History of the tributary as an anadromous fish spawning run Current anadromous fish spawning run conditions up to the tide gate series Guideline to restore an anadromous fish run to the area above Oradell Reservoir Dam: significance of tide gate and dam bypass steps needed to achieve bypass through installation of 2 fish bypass structures equipment needed to implement restoration suggested removal of inoperative tide gate IV. Staten Island Richmond Creek The creek tributary system Description of the area, and the impediments to anadromous fish migration Accessibility to the area Stocking Use of the tributary by catadromous species Guideline to restore an anadromous fish run to the area above Richmond Creek Dam: significance of dam bypass steps needed to achieve dam bypass through installation of a small fish bypass structure equipment needed to implement restoration Wolfe's Pond The pond drainage system The impediment to anadromous fish migration History of the pond Accessibility to the dam and pond areas Fishing Stocking Water quality concerns Guideline to restore an anadromous fish run to the area above Wolfe's Pond Dam: significance of dam bypass steps needed to achieve dam bypass through installation of a small fish bypass structure potential volunteer community groups equipment needed to implement restoration Conclusion References 61 Acknowledgements Editing 63

6 vi INDEX OF ILLUSTRATIONS Photograph 1: Otto C. Pehle Area of Saddle River cover Map I: Tributary systems for which anadromous fish run restoration is planned ix I. Navesink River Swimming River/Monmouth Reservoir Map 2: Area of detail 4 Map 3: Stream inlets to Swimming River/Monmouth Reservoir 4 Photograph 2: Swimming River/Monmouth Reservoir Dam 5 Map 4: Swimming River/Monmouth Reservoir Dam area 5 Photograph 3: Trout Brook impediment 6 Photograph 4: Impediment found on Yellow Brook, main branch 7 Table 1: Characteristics of the Swimming River/Monmouth Reservoir System 7 Photograph 5: Watershed ownership sign 8 Table 2: Fish Stocked Above Swimming River/Monmouth Reservoir Dam ( ) 9 Shadow Lake Map 5: Area of detail 12 Map 6: Stream inlets to Shadow Lake 12 Photograph 6: Shadow Lake Dam 13 Map 7: Shadow Lake Dam area 13 Table 3: Characteristics of Shadow Lake Inlets 14 Photograph 7 Stevenson tract, at the base of Shadow Lake 14 Table 4: Fish Stocked Above Shadow Lake Dam ( ) 15 Photograph 8.. Herring heave, Shadow Lake Dam, spring II. Passaic River Second River Map 8: Area of detail 20 Map 9: Second River tributary system 20 Photograph 9: Hendrick's Pond Dam 21 Map 10: Extent of concrete bed, and locations of obstacles and impediments 22 Photograph 10: Second River concrete bed 22 Table 5: Variable Characteristics of Second River 23 Saddle River Map 11: Tributaries of Saddle River 26 Map 12: Area of detail 26 Map 13: Extent of proposed channelization, and locations of the current primary and secondary impediments to be removed 27 Table 6: Fish Stocked in Saddle River ( ) 29

7 C. Dundee Lake Map 14: Area of detail 31 Map 15: Inlets to the section of the Passaic River between Dundee Dam and Great Falls 31 Photograph 11: Dundee Darn 32 Map 16: The Dundee Dam area 33 Photograph 12: Great Falls 33 Table 7: Fish Stocked Between Dundee Dam and Great Falls ( ) 34 HI. Hackensack River A. Hackensack Meadowlands Map 17: Area of detail 38 Map 18: The Hackensack Meadowlands 38 Photograph 13: Earthen berm 39 Photograph 14: Area behind Losen Slote tide gate 39 Table 8: Hackensack Meadowlands Anadromous Fish Inventory (Feb 87-Dec 88) 40 Photograph 15: Inoperative tide gate 41 A. Oradell Reservoir Map 19: Area of detail 43 Map 20: Tributaries of Hackensack River above Oradell Reservoir Dam 43 Map 21: Oradell Reservoir Dam and the tide gate series 44 Photograph 16: Tide gate nearest to Oradell Reservoir Dam 44 Table 9: Fish Stocked Above Oradell Reservoir Dam ( ) IV. Staten Island Richmond Creek Map 22: Area of detail 50 Map 23: Richmond Creek tributary system 50 Photograph 17: Richmond Creek Dam 51 Map 24: The impediment area 51 Wolfe's Pond Map 25: Area of detail 53 Map 26: Wolfe's Pond drainage system 53 Photograph 18: Wolfe's Pond Dam 54 Table 10:... A Summary of Methods Planned to Restore Anadromous Fish Runs 58 Table 11:... Owners of Dams For Which Fish Ladder Installation Is Planned 59 Table 12:... Impediment Removals Included in Anadromous Fish Run Restoration Plans 59 vii All tables and maps were created by the author. All photographs were taken by the author, with the exception of photograph 8.

8 viii EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The obstacles to the spawning success of anadromous fish which were documented in a preceding report, Impediments to the Spawning Success of Anadromous Fish in Tributaries of the NY/NJ Harbor Watershed [American Littoral Society, September 1992], have been reviewed. The tributaries most conducive to supporting anadromous fish spawning have been selected on the basis of examining the parameters which affect spawning success, including seasonal temperature, salinity, ph, dissolved oxygen, presence of pollution and debris, bottom consistency, and the current support or history of supporting a run. This supplementary management guideline gives outlined plans to restore anadromous spawning runs to nine Harbor tributaries. On each of the nine tributaries selected for anadromous run restoration, the main factor which adversely affects anadromous spawning has been identified as the problem to be resolved, and the most effective solution and method needed to restore a run has been matched. The agenda needed to ensure run restoration differs for each tributary system, due to the variation in conditions. For each system, a series of necessary steps lead up to an ultimate goal, resulting in the restoration of an anadromous fish spawning run. The map on the opposite page delineates the New York/New Jersey Harbor systems for which restoration is planned. Beginning at the southern edge of the study area and moving clockwise: Swimming River/Monmouth Reservoir and Shadow Lake drain to the Navesink River; Second River, Dundee Lake, and Saddle River are in the Passaic River network; the Hackensack Meadowlands and Oradell Reservoir are part of the Hackensack River; and Richmond Creek and Wolfe's Pond are located on Staten Island. Tributaries physically blocked by dam impediments require bypass; this can best be achieved through the installation, maintenance, and operation of a fish bypass structure. Bypass through the use of a fish ladder is recommended for the large structural impediments known as Swimming River/Monmouth Reservoir Dam, Shadow Lake Dam, Dundee Dam, and Oradell Reservoir Dam. Bypass using a small fish bypass structure is suggested for the smaller impediments known as Richmond Creek Dam and Wolfe's Pond Dam. On other waterways, such as the Second River and Saddle River tributaries and the section of the Hackensack River which is located in the Hackensack Meadowlands, unique programs have been created to optimize the present or future habitat to support anadromous fish spawning. The purpose of this report is to unite the agencies, dam owners, and other important parties, to become cooperatively involved in anadromous fish run restoration. The exact steps needed have been created and are included in this report to hasten the process.

9 ix Map 1: Tributary systems for which anadromous fish run restoration is planned NY Oradell Reservoir system Saddle River system Dundee Lake system Hackensack Meadowlands Second River system Richmond Creek system Wolfe's Pond system Shadow Lake system Swimming River/Monmouth Reservoir system

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11 1 INTRODUCTION Locations on New York/New Jersey Harbor tributaries where anadromous fish spawning runs are adversely affected were presented in Impediments to the Spawning Success of Anadromous Fish in Tributaries of the NY/NJ Harbor Watershed, published by the American Littoral Society in September Tributaries which could best support an anadromous fish run have been chosen from those documented in the report, and plans to restore anadromous fish have been drafted for the systems. This report, A Guideline to Restore Anadromous Fish Runs to Selected Tributaries of the NY/NJ Harbor, offers management solutions which will result in the restoration of anadromous fish runs through the implementation of its plans. The nine sites of restoration in this report are presented using descriptive sections. These sections and the purpose for including them in the report are described below. Additional sections may also appear in the report, which pertain only to particular systems. Maps At the beginning of each section, state maps are used to delineate the area of interest on a small scale; larger scale maps show the labeled tributary system, including the bodies of water connected to the tributary system being focused on, or those found between the primary and a secondary impediment, as specified. These system maps are presented with a compass and approximate scale. The drainage patterns and the stream and river names are compiled from United States Geological Survey (USGS) 7.5-minute topographic quadrangles and Hagstrom road maps. Drainage paths have been adjusted to depict the discrepancies found during field research. Other miscellaneous maps found within the text are not accompanied by a scale because they are field sketches, included to show important areas in greater detail. The primary impediment I main concern to anadromous fish migration A primary impediment is the first blockage encountered by anadromous fish when migrating upstream during the spring spawning season, while a main concern is a factor which adversely affects anadromous fish spawning over a distance. Both represent the main problem to be addressed at the area of interest, and are solved within the restoration management guideline. Other known obstacles / impediments These have been found through field research; they are evaluated, and some are suggested for removal as part of the restoration plan for the tributary. General observations The information presented in these sections has also been compiled through field research. The tables and descriptive comments give information such as the type of land through which the tributaries flow, the volume of water in a stream, the speed of flow, the type of stream bed, an estimate of stream health, measure of debris, presence and extent of concrete bed, and other notable comments and observations. Description of / accessibility to the area of interest In these sections, the degree of accessibility to the location which is the focus of the management plan is outlined, including parking, footpaths, and whether the area is private or public property.

12 2 Fishing The extent of use by fishermen is expressed for each area of interest. If a license is needed to fish on any section of the tributary system being focused on, the requirement is stated. However, to avoid any possible misinformation, the areas for which a license is required and seasonal restrictions should be verified by the New Jersey State Department of Environmental Protection and Energy Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife (NJ DEPE DFGW) or the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NY DEC), respective to the state in which the water body is located. The NJ DEPE DFGW Bureau of Freshwater Fisheries has compiled a list of areas which are open to public angling, and has rated them for fishing quality; this information has been included for the areas of interest to portray the productivity of the waters, and to list the specific species of fish which are present, along with an estimate of the size of the population. The fishing section is further complemented by the stocking section, which immediately follows. Stocking Stocking an area above a primary impediment by state agencies proves the suitability of the water as fish habitat; this is the same area which will become accessible following the bypass of the primary impediment. It also shows that the waters are used by fishermen, and have a value as productive fishing grounds. The restoration of anadromous fish spawning to the areas above the primary impediments will increase its fishing value and biological productivity. The information on the ranges, locations, and amounts of fish stocked have been provided by the NJ DEPE DFGW for New Jersey waters, and the NY DEC for New York waters. At some locations, the stocking of gravid anadromous adults may be necessary. The stocking figures for 1991 in New Jersey are the raw data, and the 1992 and 1993 data are taken from planned, preliminary schedules. 1990, 1991, and 1993 New York data have been estimated from the 1992 figures, with the permission of the NY DEC Region 3 Fisheries Management Unit. History of the tributary as an anadromous fish spawning run and Current anadromous fish spawning run conditions up to the primary impediment Primary impediments which impound a great volume of healthy water were chosen for bypass. The presence of a run up to the base of a dam, and a history of a run on the tributary give additional support for the final choices. Spawning below the primary impediment indicates that anadromous fish are interested in the bypass of the impediment, and indicates that a fish ladder will he successful at the site. Anadromous fish species of the New York/New Jersey Harbor area include Alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus), Blueback Herring (Alosa aestivalis), American Shad (Alosa sapidissima), and Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis). The spawning reports have been taken from Zich [1977] and Byrne [1986]. Use of the tributary by catadromous species Catadromous species are born in saltwater, returning to freshwater to live as adults until spawning. Juvenile American Eels (Anguilla rostrata) have been reported to crawl over some of the dams included in this report. However, these same dams are impassable to migrating adult anadromous fish, who are significantly larger in size, and much less agile. The use of the area above an impediment by catadromous species proves that the freshwater of the area is suitable for species with the type of life cycle which requires freshwater for a portion of life and saltwater for the other portion. The use of an area by catadromous species is difficult to determine, and usage may not be reported for some freshwater areas which may be used.

13 3 Significance of impediment bypass Many primary impediments are located on migratory fish runways, and the installation of a fish ladder is required by New Jersey state law. New Jersey Statutory Annotated (N. J. S. A.) 23: states that "It is unlawful to construct a dam in any water of this state which is a runway for migratory fish without installing a fish ladder or other contrivance to permit the fish to pass over the dam in either direction..." If a dam owner does not wish to comply with these conditions, enforcement of the requirement through legal action will be considered. The gain of the bypass of an impediment, and also the resultant increase in the spawning output of the tributary, are both directly proportional to the volume of productive water above a primary impediment. Thus, the bypass of the dams chosen for fish ladder installation is of special importance. Guideline to restore an anadromous run At each site, a chronological series of steps has been developed to achieve the goal of restoring an anadromous fish run, including tasks for both the periods prior to and following the restoration of a run. Informative contacts will be needed for the technicalities involved with fish ladders, including funding, design, construction, and installation aspects. The American Littoral Society Baykeeper will be seeking guidance from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (US FWS), and the NJ DEPE DFGW Bureau of Marine Fisheries and Bureau of Coastal Engineering. Potential volunteers Restoration plans will be implemented most quickly through volunteer help. The volunteer groups listed have either expressed an interest in helping to implement restoration, or have been suggested as potential volunteers by various sources, due to the goals and interests of the group. All individuals and groups interested in volunteering for the program are urged to contact the office of the American Littoral Society Baykeeper. Equipment needed to implement restoration This section lists the items which are necessary to implement the restoration plans, including such activities as stream clean-ups and herring heaves. Suggested impediment removals Impediments suggested for removal have been selected on the basis of the following rationale: small size; no longer being functional; no longer serving the original purpose; expiration or absence of a permit filed to obstruct a waterway; and the amount or quality of habitat above the impediment, which would become available following its removal. Some impediments which impound only a minimal amount of water are suggested for removal due to lack of a legitimate purpose.

14 4 NAVESINK RIVER SWIMMING RIVER/MONMOUTH RESERVOIR Map 2: Area of detail Bordens Brook MONMOUTH RESERVOIR Dam Swimming River SWIMMING IVER RESERVOIR SCALE (APPROX ) 0 1 a MILES Map 3: Stream inlets to Swimming River/Monmouth Reservoir

15 5 The primary impediment to anadromous fish migration Swimming River/Monmouth Reservoir is impounded by a concrete dam, which is the first blockage met when travelling upstream the Swimming River tributary of the Navesink River; there are no known blockages to fish passage downstream of this point. Photograph 2: Swimming River/Monmouth Reservoir Dam Owner: New Jersey-American Water Company Location: Upstream of Swimming River Road, Lincroft Monmouth County, New Jersey Hydraulic height: 43 feet Width: 400 feet Constructed: 1901 History and description of the dam area Originally, Swimming River flowed through this area, and no lake was present. To create a drinking water reservoir, a high earthen bank was placed to stop the natural flow of the river. Eventually, a concrete dam was needed to further impound the extensive freshwater lake which formed. Map 4: Swimming River/Monmouth Reservoir Dam area Impoundment area: 557 acres Impoundment volume: 8000 acre-feet Spillway: uncontrolled N PRIVATE i Swimming River/Monmouth Reservoir Or.'") 0 0 Water 0 CO bldg PRIVATE \ \ PRIVATE wall' Swimming River Road. PRIVATE X X [-) L Swimming River

16 6 Other known impediments and obstacles existing upstream of Swimming River/Monmouth Reservoir Dam Secondary on Bordens Brook: the lake located in Thompson Park, Lincroft, drains into a concrete structure, and into a culvert which runs underground for a short distance and drains into a natural stream bed. Secondary on Ramanessin Brook, NW branch: the large lake in Holmdel Park, Holmdel, drains into a concrete structure, and into a culvert which runs underground and drains into a natural stream bed; tertiary on Ramanessin Brook, NW branch: a smaller lake, found just upstream of the lake just described, also drains into a concrete structure and into a culvert which drains into the lower, larger lake. Secondary on Willow Brook, SW branch: a 6-inch rocky drop-off occurs downstream of Clover Hill Lane in Holmdel. Secondary on Big Brook, north branch: the pond located upstream of Mulberry Lane in Marlboro drains down a short spillway and into a culvert, which runs underground for a short distance and drains into a natural stream bed. Secondary on brook between Big and Trout Brooks: a dam is suspected of impounding Swan Pond, located east of Long Bridge Road, Lincroft. Secondary on Trout Brook: a 7-foot dam of wood and rock, shown in the photograph below, impounds a large pond, upstream of Richdale Road, Lincroft. Photograph 3: Trout Brook impediment Secondary on Yellow Brook, stream parallel to Laird Road: an impoundment is near the headwaters of the tributary in Colts Neck. Secondary on Yellow Brook, Mine Brook branch: upstream of Hominy Hill Road in Colts Neck is a rocky drop-off, cluttered with branches.

17 7 Secondary and tertiary on Yellow Brook, main branch: upstream of Heyers Mill Road in Colts Neck, water drops from two groups of horizontallyplaced wooden boards, as shown in the photograph to the left; quaternary on Yellow Brook, main branch: upstream of Bucks Mill Road, Bucks Pond drains over a large concrete spillway. Photograph 4: Wooden boards found on Yellow Brook, main branch General observations of the river, reservoir, and its inlets Table 1: Characteristics of the Swimming River/Monmouth Reservoir System SECTION RUNS THROUGH CHARACTERISTICS/SPECIAL NOTES below reservoir dam reservoir Bordens Brook Ramanessin and Willow Brooks Big Brook brook between Big and Trout Trout Brook Yellow Brook wooded residential wooded residential open fields/ wooded park agricultural and wooded fields wooded residential agricultural wooded residential agricultural/ wooded residential mud bed; some rocks wide; healthy-looking mud bed; fairly swift current mud bed; slow current largest inlet; mud bed; free of rocks; swift current; prone to flooding fairly swift current; high iron content smallest inlet fairly swift current; high iron content

18 8 Accessibility to the river and reservoir The section of the river downstream of Swimming River Road in Lincroft is accessible by a dirt footpath. However, the reservoir is used for drinking water, and the reservoir and its tributaries are restricted-use areas. The area near the dam and the entire Swimming River watershed are owned by New Jersey-American Water Company, and trespassing is unlawful. Signs such as the one shown below are posted along the reservoir and its stream inlets. Photograph 5: Watershed ownership sign Fishing The productive area below the dam is frequently used by fishermen. A license is required to fish with handline, rod and line, or bow and arrow on Swimming River, upstream of the Swimming River Road bridge which is located just downstream of the reservoir dam in Lincroft (see map 4 on page 5). Additionally, there is an annual spring restriction in portions of the streams which are stocked. [NJ Fish and Wildlife Digest, December 1992] Holmdel Park Pond is listed as open to public angling by the NJ DEPE DFGW Bureau of Freshwater Fisheries, rated to have very good fishing quality for sunfishes, and good fishing quality for Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides), Channel (fetalurus punctatus) and other catfishes, and trout available only during the stocking season. [NJ DEPE Places to Fish, 1992] Stocking The table on the facing page lists stocking of the waters above Swimming River/Monmouth Reservoir Dam; the information was extracted from reports issued by the NJ DEPE DFGW Ṫhe Big Brook inlet to Monmouth Reservoir was deleted from the list of waters stocked with trout by the NJ DEPE DFGW in 1992, because of habitat deterioration and a lack of public access.

19 9 Table 2: Fish Stocked Above Swimming River/Monmouth Reservoir Dam ( ) YEAR WATER BODY: RANGE/LOCATION FISH SPECIES AMOUNT 1990 Big Brook: Route 34 to Swimming River/Monmouth Reservoir, Colts Neck Brook Trout 300 Yellow Brook: Heyers Mill Road to Muhlebrink Road, Colts Neck Brook Trout Big Brook: Route 34 to Swimming River/Monmouth Reservoir, Colts Neck Brook Trout 300 Yellow Brook: Heyers Mill Road to Muhlebrink Road, Colts Neck Brook Trout Holmdel Park Pond: Holmdel County Park, Holmdel Yellow Brook: Heyers Mill Road to Muhlebrink Road, Colts Neck trout Brook Trout Holmdel Park Pond: Holmdel County Park, Holmdel Yellow Brook: Heyers Mill Road to Muhlebrink Road, Colts Neck trout trout 9 Current anadromous fish spawning run conditions up to Swimming River/Monmouth Reservoir Dam The spawning of Alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus) has been confirmed at the base of the dam through data review and field investigation [Zich, 1977; Byrne, 1986]. Alewife was obtained in a dip net sample on 22 April 1976, from water of temperature 68 F, as identified by a New Jersey Anadromous Fish Inventory personnel [Zich, 1977]. Both adult Alewife and alosid eggs and larvae were also obtained by sampling in spring 1982, and spring 1985 [Byrne, 1986]. Furthermore, the Navesink River is known to support one of the largest spawning runs on New Jersey's Atlantic coast, up to the base of the dams which are primary impediments, including Swimming River/Monmouth Reservoir Dam.

20 10 GUIDELINE TO RESTORE AN ANADROMOUS FISH RUN to the area above Swimming River/Monmouth Reservoir Dam Significance of dam bypass A spawning run presently occurs up to the base of Swimming River/Monmouth Reservoir Dam. Access to the reservoir and its tributaries would greatly increase spawning habitat. Due to the large size of the dam, the best option for bypass is the installation of a fish ladder. In this case, the selection of a permanent model would be justified, since the dam and surrounding area are the private property of the water company, and vandalism of the fish ladder would not be possible. New Jersey state law requires fish ladders for dams on migratory fish runways; New Jersey Statutory Annotated (N. J. S. A.) 23: states It is unlawful to construct a dam in any water of this state which is a runway for migratory fish without installing a fish ladder or other contrivance to permit the fish to pass over the dam in either direction..." The idea of fish ladder construction at Swimming River/Monmouth Reservoir Dam was discussed with New Jersey-American Water Company in August 1991; the staff seemed receptive to this idea. Steps needed to achieve dam bypass through fish ladder installation A. Re-establish contact with New Jersey-American Water Company Obtain permission to install a fish ladder on the reservoir dam Finalize plans for fish ladder installation 3. With the permission of the water company, post a sign near the dam, announcing the plans of the American Littoral Society Baykeeper to help New Jersey-American Water Company restore a herring run to the area above the dam B. Fish ladder technicalities Determine the source of funding for fish ladder construction and installation, and secure the funds Have a fish ladder designed and installation specifications prepared, suitable to the parameters of the dam and the specifications of the water company 3. Obtain a permit from the United States Department of the Army to install a fish ladder on the river at the reservoir dam C. Actual run restoration 1. Prior to fish ladder installation, in the spring spawning season: request permission from the water company to conduct herring heaves at the dam, which would conform to their specifications obtain a permit from NJ DEPE DFGW to place fish above the dam (Fish... shall not be placed into... the fresh waters of the state without first obtaining a permit from the New Jersey State Department of Environmental Protection and Energy Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife) c. conduct herring heaves at Swimming River/Monmouth Reservoir Dam, following the requisites of the water company 2. Install a fish ladder on Swimming River/Monmouth Reservoir Dam

21 11 D. Following fish ladder installation Ensure proper maintenance of the fish ladder by New Jersey-American Water Company Replace the previous sign with one which states that a herring spawning run has been restored to the area above the dam, acknowledging the New Jersey-American Water Company, the American Littoral Society Baykeeper, and other parties and agencies who contribute Equipment needed to implement restoration For the dam: permanent fish ladder For the dam area: 2 signs (for before and after fish ladder installation) Suggested secondary impediment removals Some impediments above the Swimming River/Monmouth Reservoir Dam do not serve their original purpose, and will limit potential spawning habitat following fish ladder installation at the reservoir dam. For these reasons, the following impediments have been selected for removal. Yellow Brook, main branch: the horizontally-placed wooden boards upstream of Heyers Mill Road in Colts Neck. A considerable amount of potential spawning habitat would be made available to anadromous fish as a result of the removal of these boards. Brook between Big and Trout Brooks: the impoundment to the east of Long Bridge Road in Lincroft. Yellow Brook, parallel to Laird Road: the impoundment at the southern end of Laird Road in Colts Neck.

22 12 NAVESINK RIVER SHADOW LAKE Map 5: Area of detail N s4,a177 Crooked Run Brook Brook Dam r SHADOW LAKE Jumping Brook SC At-2(APPfko4 0 lmtle Map 6: Stream inlets to Shadow Lake

23 13 The primary impediment to anadromous fish migration Shadow Lake is impounded by a concrete dam, which is the first blockage met when travelling upstream the Shadow Lake branch of the Navesink River; there are no known blockages to fish passage downstream of this point. Photograph 6: Shadow Lake Dam Owner: Monmouth County Location: Upstream of Nut Swamp Road, River Plaza Middletown township; Monmouth County, New Jersey Hydraulic height: 16 feet Width: 65 feet Constructed: 1931 Impoundment area: 88 acres Impoundment volume: 310 acre-feet Spillway: uncontrolled Description of the dam area The semi-circular dam is located in the southeast corner of the lake. In the northwest corner, there is an emergency spillway, over which water drains only after exceptional amounts of rainfall. Below the dam, a large tidal area is covered by Common Reed Grass (Phragmites communis). dam Shadow Lake Stevenson tract Nut Swamp Road emergency spillway Map 7: Shadow Lake Dam area salt marsh Navesink River

24 14 Other known impediments and obstacles existing upstream of Shadow Lake Dam Secondary on Nut Swamp Brook/Crooked Run Brook: there is a small drop-off both above and below the culvert which directs the brook underneath Ballentine Road in Everett. Secondary on Jumping Brook: a 3-inch drop-off on the downstream side of the Whitefield Road bridge in Lincroft. General observations of the inlets to the lake Table 3: Characteristics of Shadow Lake Inlets SECTION RUNS THROUGH CHARACTERISTICS/SPECIAL NOTES northern inlet Nut Swamp Brook Crooked Run Brook Jumping Brook wooded residential wooded residential wooded residential wooded residential rocky bed; fairly swift current; high iron content sand/mud bed; few to no rocks; fairly swift current; sections prone to flooding smallest inlet mud bed; fairly swift current; high iron content Accessibility to the dam area Dirt footpaths allow access to the south bank both above and below Nut Swamp Road in River Plaza. Another dirt footpath leads to the Stevenson tract, which is the area located at the base of the lake, shown in the photograph below; this allows access to the entire length of the lake base. Fishermen using the Shadow Lake Dam area have commented on the lack of public access. There is no immediate parking available, the nearest available parking being local side streets. Additionally, there is no public boat access in the dam area. The Township of Middletown has announced a project which will include the development of the municipal Stevenson Tract park site into a recreational area to include fishing and boating. Photograph 7: Stevenson tract, at the base of Shadow Lake

25 15 Fishin The Shadow Lake Dam area is a very popular and important recreational area for freshwater sport fishermen. When the lake was stocked with trout in the past, fishermen were heavily attracted to the area. Even though trout is no longer stocked in the lake, the areas both above and below the dam are still frequently used by fishermen. A fishing license is not required for Shadow Lake or any of its freshwater inlets. [NJ Fish and Wildlife Digest, December 1992] Shadow Lake is listed as open to public angling by the NJ DEPE DFGW Bureau of Freshwater Fisheries, and is rated to have good fishing quality for Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides), Channel (Ictalurus punctatus) and other catfishes, Yellow Perch (Perca flavescens), crappies, and sunfishes, and fair fishing quality for pickerels and carps. [NJ DEPE Places to Fish, 1992] Stocking In the past when the lake was stocked with trout, a local traffic hazard was created when cars parked on Hubbard Avenue. The area was then zoned for no parking, and trout stocking ceased. The following table lists stocking of the waters above Shadow Lake Dam; the information was extracted from reports issued by the NJ DEPE DFGW. Shadow Lake was not included in the stocking reports. Table 4: Fish Stocked Above Shadow Lake Dam ( ) YEAR WATER BODY: LOCATION FISH SPECIES AMOUNT 1990 Shadow Lake: River Plaza Channel Catfish 1340 Current anadromous fish spawning run conditions up to Shadow Lake Dam Clupeid spawning has been confirmed at the base of the dam through data review and field investigation. Both Alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus) and Blueback Herring (Alosa aestivalis) were obtained in a fishermen creel check sample on 31 May 1973, from water of temperature 64 F, as identified by a New Jersey Anadromous Fish Inventory personnel [Zich, 1977]. Both adult Alewife and Blueback Herring and alosid eggs and larvae were obtained by sampling in the springs of 1982 and 1985 [Byrne, 1986]. Adult Blueback Herring were obtained at the base of the dam in a dip net, on 9 May 1992 [Durkas, 1992]. A herring run has been confirmed on the Navesink River up to the base of Shadow Lake Dam, being one of the largest spawning runs on New Jersey's Atlantic coast. Use of the tributary by catadromous species Several hundred 2-inch, juvenile American Eels (Anguilla rostrata) were seen travelling over Shadow Lake Dam in April 1992, migrating from saltwater to freshwater to spend their adult lives.

26 16 Chronology of events regarding Shadow Lake Dam ownership, repairs, and fish ladder construction??/??/79 A United States Army Corps of Engineers dam safety inspection of Shadow Lake Dam results in the recommendation of needed dam repairs. 05/05/87 NJ DEPE DFGW Bureau of Marine Fisheries to Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders. Fish ladder construction was proposed; permission was requested for installation, Monmouth County believed to be the dam owner. Planned repair work was hoped to be done at the time of fish ladder installation to lower costs. 08/26/87 NJ DEPE DFGW director Russell Cookingham to Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders. A river herring restoration program was presented, recommending fish ladder installation at Shadow Lake Dam, citing N. J. S. A. 23: which requires fish ladders for dams on migratory fish runways. The NJ DEPE and United States Fish & Wildlife Service (US FWS) had designed a fish ladder suitable for Shadow Lake Dam, and permission was requested for installation. 09/18/87 Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders to NJ DEPE DFGW director Russell Cookingham. Interest in improving the dam was expressed, but ownership had not yet been acknowledged by the county. 10/02/87 NJ DEPE DFGW director Russell Cookingham to Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders. Requested that the NJ DEPE DFGW be contacted when the ownership and construction plans have been resolved, so a fish ladder may be installed at time of dam repair. 05/04/88 Fish ladder installation design provided to Monmouth County by NJ DEPE DFGW Bureau of Coastal Engineering; NJ DEPE DFGW had allocated funds for the fish ladder. 01/25/89 Telephone conversation: NJ DEPE DFGW Bureau of Marine Fisheries principal biologist Don Byrne; Monmouth County Engineer Charles Van Benschoten. Monmouth County had acknowledged dam ownership. A safety inspection and hydraulic study report of the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers showed needed repairs. 02/06/89 NJ DEPE DFGW principal biologist Don Byrne to Monmouth County Administrator Robert Collins. Requesting permission for the immediate installation of modular fish passage units which the NJ DEPE DFGW Bureau of Marine Fisheries had already fabricated. Installation design and specifications were prepared by the NJ DEPE DFGW Bureau of Coastal Engineering, and state-federal matching funds were obtained to cover most or all of installation costs. The reason for requesting immediate installation was that no repairs were anticipated in the near future, and funding for the NJ DEPE DFGW fish passage program was near expiration. 02/21/89 Monmouth County Administrator Robert Collins to NJ DEPE DFGW principal biologist Don Byrne. In reply, Monmouth County was still working out the details of the dam.

27 17 Fish ladder design The NJ DEPE DFGW Bureau of Coastal Engineering provided a blueprint of a fish ladder, designed specifically for Shadow Lake Dam The proposed plan consists of four modular aluminum units, bolted together in 10-foot lengths, to form a fish passage facility 22-inches wide and 28-inches high. The design called for attachment to the right side of the dam, front view. The US FWS has provided a corresponding installation design. Anadromous fish run restoration already implemented 04/??/92 A group of volunteer local fishermen attempted a herring heave, but no herring were seen over a duration of about 3 hours, beginning at noon of a high tide. 05/09/92 Three volunteers heaved 6 herring over Shadow Lake Dam, using dip nets and buckets in the late afternoon of an outgoing tide. The photograph below was taken at this heave. Photograph 8: Herring heave, Shadow Lake Dam, 9 May /??/92 Middletown Township announced the undertaking of a study of Shadow Lake to determine its water quality, and to identify pollution sources and potential ways of correcting them. The study is to result in public use of the lake, as the municipal Stevenson tract will be developed as a recreation site including fishing and boating. 11/04/92 The American Littoral Society Baykeeper contacted Middletown Township, indicating an interest in Shadow Lake and its restoration as fishing habitat. A letter sent in response welcomed interest.

28 18 GUIDELINE TO RESTORE AN ANADROMOUS FISH RUN to the area above Shadow Lake Dam Significance of dam bypass A spawning run presently occurs up to the base of Shadow Lake Dam; it is one of the largest runs on New Jersey's Atlantic coast. Access to the lake and its inlets by anadromous fish would significantly increase spawning habitat. The populations of the predatory fish which eat herring could also increase, including pickerels and Largemouth Bass (Microptents salmoides), both present in the lake, and Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis), another anadromous fish species present in the Navesink River. Overall, the ecosystem would become more biologically productive. Due to the large size of the dam, the best option for bypass is the installation of a fish ladder. New Jersey state law requires fish ladders for dams on migratory fish runways; New Jersey Statutory Annotated (N. J. S. A.) 23: states "It is unlawful to construct a dam in any water of this state which is a runway for migratory fish without installing a fish ladder or other contrivance to permit the fish to pass over the dam in either direction..." Steps needed to achieve dam bypass through fish ladder installation A. Contact Middletown Township 1. Work cooperatively with Middletown Township in the rehabilitation of Shadow Lake: to create an access area for fishing and boating in the Stevenson tract to install a fish ladder at the dam B. Action to enhance the dam area 1. To generate local interest and concern, and to create a group of volunteers, post signs in the dam area, with permission: announcing the plans of the American Littoral Society Baykeeper to help Monmouth County and Middletown Township to restore a herring spawning run to the area above the dam for interested individuals to contact the Baykeeper's office 2. Clean-up the dam area: collect debris install permanent garbage cans at the Stevenson tract, to alleviate the current slight debris problem Contact NJ DEPE Bureau of Marine Fisheries 1. Discuss mutual goal of fish ladder installation at Shadow Lake Dam and coordinate efforts Contact Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders Confirm dam ownership Obtain permission to install a fish ladder on the dam E. Fish ladder technicalities Determine the source of funding for fish ladder construction and installation, and secure the funds Determine whether the modular fish passage units designed for Shadow Lake by the NJ DEPE DFGW Bureau of Coastal Engineering, by the request of the Bureau of Marine Fisheries, are still available for use at the dam

29 19 3. Obtain a permit from the United States Department of the Army to install a fish ladder on the tributary at the dam F. Actual run restoration 1. Prior to fish ladder construction, in the spring spawning season: obtain a permit from NJ DEPE DFGW to place fish above the dam (Fish... shall not be placed into... the fresh waters of the state without first obtaining a permit from the New Jersey State Department of Environmental Protection and Energy Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife) conduct herring heaves at Shadow Lake Dam 2. Install fish ladder on Shadow Lake Dam, using the installation design and specifications prepared by the US FWS G. Following fish ladder installation Replace previous sign with one that states that a herring spawning run has been restored to the area above the dam, acknowledging Middletown Township, Monmouth County, the American Littoral Society Baykeeper, volunteer groups, and other parties, agencies, and groups who help in the process Have fish ladder properly maintained Volunteer assistance The following is a list of local groups which have either expressed an interest in helping to implement restoration plans, or have been suggested based on their goals and main interest. Local fishing clubs: Hi-Mar Striper Club of Highlands, NJ Sandy Hook Anglers Asbury Park Fishing Club Local citizen groups: Shadow Lake Village Kiwanis Club Respondents to Baykeeper signs Past Shadow Lake herring heave volunteers Fishermen utilizing the Shadow Lake Dam area A member of the Hi-Mar Striper Club who lives near Shadow Lake Dam has a fishing cage which is highly successful in catching fish below the dam; he is allowing the American Littoral Society Baykeeper to copy the cage for use in future herring heaves. Equipment needed to implement restoration For the dam area: permanent garbage cans 2 signs (for before and after fish ladder installation) For clean-up of the dam area: rubber gloves dip nets garbage bags For herring heaves: hip boots fishing cage/dip nets plastic buckets (for fish transport) For the dam: fish ladder

30 2 0 PASSAIC RIVER SECOND RIVER TRIBUTARY Map 8: Area of detail Toneys Brook Sc (APPoso)t) MILES N 3 Hendrick's Pond Wigwam Brook SECOND RIVER PASSAIC RIVER Map 9: Second River tributary system 7/ flow

31 21 Known existing obstacles and impediments to anadromous fish migration A steam survey was taken up to the base of Hendrick's Pond, in the section of the river which runs between the towns of Newark and Belleville in Essex County, New Jersey. The map on the next page shows the locations of the obstacles and impediments which are found on this section of the river and described below. Primary obstacle: Downstream of the Main Street bridge, there is a small drop-off from flat, concrete slabs; this obstacle can most likely be passed by fish, and therefore is not an impediment. Secondary obstacle: Water drops from flat concrete slabs, downstream of the Broadway/ Washington Avenue bridge; this obstacle can be also most likely passed by fish, and therefore is not an impediment. Tertiary obstacle: At Summer Avenue, there is a small concrete drop-off of about 6-8 inches; this obstacle can most likely be passed by fish, and therefore is not an impediment. Fourth obstacle/primary impediment: Downstream of where Mill Street crosses over the river, there is a concrete drop-off of about 14- to 17-inches. This is probably the first impassable barrier to fish migration, and is therefore considered to be the primary impediment. Fifth obstacle: Rocks have been placed downstream of the Hendrick's Pond to form a barrier which is about 3-feet high; this obstacle can most likely be passed by fish, and therefore is not an impediment. Sixth obstacle/secondary impediment: A few feet upstream of the fifth obstacle described above is Hendrick's Pond Dam, which is about 4-feet in height, and is shown in the photograph below. Photograph 9: Hendrick's Pond Dam, sixth obstacle/secondary impediment

32 22 Channelization In addition to the obstacles and impediments described, a concrete bed, shown in the photograph below, extends for a great length of this tributary. The river is channelized from above Hendrick's Pond Dam, to very near where Second River joins the Passaic River, as shown in the map below. However, throughout most of the river, sand and mud cover the concrete bed, and rocks provide resting places for fish by creating pools and riffles. The concrete bed does not prevent anadromous fish from being able to utilize the river, and is therefore not an impediment. Hendrick's Pond SC-ALE (APPKOX) P---4 O MILES 1 Second River fourth obs/prim imp fifth & sixth obs/sec imp Map 10: Extent of concrete bed, and locations of obstacles and impediments ik8concretc_ bed sec obs first ohs Passaic River Photograph 10: Second River concrete bed, shown upstream of Washington Avenue

33 23 The main concern to anadromous fish spawning As a result of urbanization, a great deal of trash is dumped along the river banks, and debris is found along the length of the river. The extensive debris of the Second River is the main concern to anadromous fish spawning, and a community clean-up and pollution awareness education program is the best method for habitat restoration. General observations of the river The incidence of debris is a problem in most sections of Second River. Other aspects of the tributary vary greatly over short distances, as summarized by the following table. Table 5: Variable Characteristics of Second River QUALITY RANGE FOUND bottom cover rock size degree of rockiness speed of current sand/mud/bare concrete bed large rocks/small rocks/large pebbles/small pebbles/flat rock slabs very rocky/some rocks/no rocks quick/slow/still Accessibility to the river Second River runs through a highly developed area and is frequently crossed by roads, making this river accessible at many locations. The river also travels through the parks of Glenfield, Watsessing, Belleville, and Branch Brook, further adding to its accessibility. At most places, it is possible to walk directly up to the bank of the river, and to descend the concrete ledge to walk along the river bed. Fishing A license is required to fish with handline, rod and line, or bow and arrow on the Passaic River, upstream of the Conrail railroad bridge which joins Newark and Kearny near Verona Avenue in Essex County. [NJ Fish and Wildlife Digest, December 1992] This includes the entire length of Second River. Stocking NJ DEPE DFGW reports of stocked waters do not include the Second River tributary of the Passaic River. History of the tributary as an anadromous fish spawning run From the research of historical literature, personal interviews, and field investigations, it has been concluded that there was once an American Shad (Alosa sapidissima) spawning run on the Passaic River [Zich, 1977], to which Second River drains. Therefore, it can be safely assumed that the Second River tributary supported a spawning run.

34 2 4 GUIDELINE TO RESTORE AN ANADROMOUS FISH RUN to Second River Community pollution awareness education and debris collection program On the Second River tributary, the obstacles and concrete bed are not the main concern; the main problem is debris. As a result, the following program has been formed to address this problem, by focusing on the young people in the local community. The negative impact of littering and dumping will be conveyed through the collection of debris, and the importance of clean water and biological productivity in streams will be learned through the following agenda. In addition to the much needed collection of the debris on the Second River, this program has much greater implications. It will result in a community understanding of the actions which pollute a river. With this knowledge will come a change in community actions, and a decrease in future pollution. i. Education Geography 1. the connection of the Second River to the Passaic River and Atlantic Ocean Stream ecology 1. the types of organisms that are currently found in the river, and what species can possibly exist there following cleanup C. History 1. the high biological productivity of Second River in the past IL Field work Water quality testing Storm drain investigation trace local sewers from the street to the river stencil a message at street sewer locations, that what goes into a sewer ends up in the ocean C. Stream clean-up have each group choose a section of the river to restore collect debris along the river bed and banks in the chosen section, and have permanent garbage cans installed 3. with permission, post signs at points along the river where debris was abundant, stating that the stream has been cleaned up by the American Littoral Society Baykeeper and the community group which helped with that section

35 2 5 Suggested obstacle and impediment removal The obstacles and impediments on Second River no longer serve their original purpose, and their removal would benefit the tributary. Dismantling is a part of the stream restoration plan, especially those which pose a probable impediment, including the following. Concrete drop-off downstream of the Mill Street bridge. Hendrick's Pond Dam. Potential volunteer community groups Local schools: Lafayette Street School in Newark, 5th grade class Hawkins Street School in Newark, 6th grade class Oliver Street School in Newark, 7th grade class St. Vincent's Academy, Junior class East Side High School Environmental Club St. Benedict's Preparatory School Boys and Girls Clubs of Newark Student Conservation Association Ironbound Community Equipment needed to implement restoration For educational component: maps water quality test kit sewer stencils/spray paint For river clean-up: rubber gloves boots garbage bags For river area: permanent garbage cans signs (declaring cleanup)

36 2 6 PASSAIC RIVER SADDLE RIVER TRIBUTARY stir 4<?. Map 11: Tributaries of Saddle River SADDLi7RIVER SADDLE RIVER Whites Pond SCALE (APP FOX) 0 1 a 3 Mt LES Flo-ho-kus Brook Wild Duck Pond Area Manning's Brook Dunkerhook Area SADDLE RIVER Sprout Brook Otto C Pehle Area Rochelle Park Area SADDLE RIVER Map 12: Area of detail PASSAIC RIVER (--. i.low

37 27 The main, future concern to anadromous fish migration: proposed United States Army Corps of Engineers channelization project A section of the Saddle River located in Bergen County, New Jersey is currently the subject of a United States Army channelization proposal. The project would include the construction of a concrete bed for a total of 6.9 miles; 5.2 miles on the main stem of Saddle River, from Felician College in Hasbrouck Heights to the Rochelle Park Area of Rochelle Park, and 1.7 miles of the Sprout Brook tributary, from Saddle River in Rochelle Park to the Garden State Parkway bridge in Paramus. The project would also include the removal of two dams (the current primary and secondary impediments described below) located within the proposed project area. The mitigation plans for fish habitat include the construction of scourholes with rip-rap lining, and instream fish habitat structures. The American Littoral Society Baykeeper will press the United States Army Corps of Engineers to modify the mitigation plan to further enhance fish habitat. Map 13: Extent of proposed channelization, and locations of the current primary and secondary impediments to be removed Passaic River \.) extent of proposed channelization Saddle River Rochelle Park Area Felinan College I Sprout Brook I Garden State Parkway Isecondary Impede:pm (to be removed) pnmary impediment (to be removed) SCALE (Appox) 1---i MILES Currently existing impediments to anadromous fish migration Saddle River was surveyed from Passaic River in Garfield, to Grove Street on the Ridgewood/Paramus border in Bergen County, New Jersey. Primary: There is a 2- to 3-foot concrete dam near Neddes Lane in Lodi. This is the first obstacle met when travelling upstream; there are no known blockages downstream of this point. This impediment is to be removed as part of the channelization plan. Secondary: A 2- to 3-foot concrete dam is found adjacent to Lakewood Avenue between Saddle Brook and Lodi. A minimal amount of water which branches to the east above the dam and rejoins below is impeded by a small, man-made rock waterfall. This impediment is also to be removed as part of the channelization plan. Tertiary and quaternary: Two small, concrete dams are present upstream of Dunkerhook Road, on the section of the river which is bounded on the east bank by the Dunkerhook Area of Saddle River County Park in Paramus. General observations of the river Saddle River is noticeably turbid. The path of the river is fairly wide, and its current is fairly swift. The lower river runs through a developed area, with a corridor of trees along the banks. Upstream, its surroundings are more natural, being the focal point of the lengthy Saddle River County Park. Neither concrete bedding or debris are found on any section of the river.

38 2 8 Accessibility to the river The lower part of the river is frequently crossed by roads to provide occasional access, which is further aided by public areas such as the Felician College campus and a few cemeteries. Upstream, the Saddle River County Park provides especially easy access to a great length of the river, including the sections known as the Rochelle Park Area, the Otto C. Pehle Area (pictured on the report cover), Dunkerhook Area, and Wild Duck Pond Area; these sections are labeled on the system map on page 26. Fishing A license is required to fish with handline, rod and line, or bow and arrow on the Passaic River, upstream of the Conrail railroad bridge which joins Newark and Kearny near Verona Avenue in Essex County. Additionally, there is an annual spring restriction in portions of the streams which are stocked. [NJ Fish and Wildlife Digest, December 1992] A few sections of the Saddle River drainage system have been listed as open to public angling by the NJ DEPE DFGW Bureau of Freshwater Fisheries. Whites Pond in Waldwick has been rated to have very good fishing quality for Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides), pickerels, Channel (ktalurus punctatus) and other catfishes, Yellow Perch (Perca flavescens), and carps, fair fishing quality for Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu), and trout available only during the stocking season. At Wild Duck Pond in Ridgewood, there is very good fishing quality for sunfishes, and good fishing quality for catfishes and carps. River stretches were also listed. The sections known as the Saddle River County Park, spanning the towns of Ridgewood, Fair Lawn, Paramus, and Rochelle Park, and Lake State Park in Upper Saddle River, are rated identically, having fair fishing quality for catfishes/eels, and trout only during the stocking season. [NJ DEPE Places to Fish, 1992] Stocking The table on the facing page lists stocking of the waters of Saddle River; the stocking information was extracted from reports issued by the NJ DEPE DFGW. The New York tributaries of Saddle River are not included in the 1992 New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NY DEC) report of stocked waters. History of the tributary as an anadromous fish spawning run From the research of historical literature, personal interviews, and field investigations, it has been concluded that there was once an American Shad (Alosa sapidissima) spawning run on the Passaic River [Zich, 1977], to which Saddle River drains. Therefore, it can be safely assumed that the Saddle River tributary supported a spawning run. Instream fish habitat structures In a natural stream, sediment and rocks change water flow to create riffles, and pools in which fish can rest. A concrete bed channelizes water flow so greatly, that these resting pools do not form. Fish become too exhausted from swimming against the swift current of a channelized river to use it as habitat, and the river becomes unproductive. Instream fish habitat structures can he placed along a channelized river to create pools to be used as resting places by fish; they allow a channelized river to be utilized by anadromous and other fish, remaining biologically productive.

39 29 Table 6: Fish Stocked in Saddle River ( ) YEAR WATER BODY: RANGE/LOCATION FISH SPECIES AMOUNT 1990 Saddle River, lower: Commons Office Complex parking lot Brook Trout 1330 to Grove Street, Ridgewood/Paramus, NJ Rainbow Trout 1140 Saddle River, upper: Brook Trout 730 Old Stone Church Road to Brown Trout 130 post office, Upper Saddle River, NJ Rainbow Trout 630 Ho-ho-kus Brook: Brook Trout 490 Forest Road, Allendale to Brown Trout 140 Whites Pond, Waldwick, NJ Rainbow Trout 280 Whites Pond: Brook Trout 750 Waldwick, NJ Rainbow Trout Saddle River, lower: Commons Office Complex parking lot Brook Trout 1310 to Grove Street, Ridgewood/Paramus, NJ Rainbow Trout 2080 Saddle River, upper: NJ Old Stone Church Road to post office, Upper Saddle River, Brook Trout Rainbow Trout Ho-ho-kus Brook: Forest Road, Allendale to Whites Pond, Waldwick, NJ Brook Trout Rainbow Trout Whites Pond: Waldwick, NJ Brook Trout Rainbow Trout Saddle River: NY/NJ state line to Dunkerhook Road, Fair Lawn/Paramus, NJ trout 4870 Ho-ho-kus Brook: Brook Trout 490 Forest Road, Allendale to Brown Trout 140 Whites Pond, Waldwick, NJ Rainbow Trout 280 Whites Pond: Brook Trout 750 Waldwick, NJ Rainbow Trout Saddle River: NY/NJ state line to Dunkerhook Road, Fair Lawn/Paramus, NJ Ho-ho-kus Brook: Forest Road, Allendale to Whites Pond, Waldwick, NJ Whites Pond: Waldwick, NJ trout trout trout

40 3 0 GUIDELINE TO RESTORE AN ANADROMOUS FISH RUN to Saddle River Significance of considering fish habitat during channelization Saddle River is a healthy, productive tributary system of a considerable volume of water. Conservation measures taken during the channelization of Saddle River can result in the restoration of an anadromous fish spawning run. By installing enough instream fish habitat structures in the concrete river bed, anadromous and other fish will be able to continue utilizing the river following its channelization. The following steps have been developed based on the assumption that the proposed channelization will occur. Steps needed to achieve anadromous run restoration during channelization Prior to channelization 1. Meet with the United States Army Corps of Engineers to discuss an expansion of fish mitigation measures to increase the proposed number of instream habitat structures which will be placed in the concrete river bed to be constructed in Saddle River As part of the United States Army Corps of Engineers channelization project Removal of primary and secondary impediments by the Army Corps of Engineers Placement of a suitable amount of instream fish habitat structures in the river bed by the Army Corps of Engineers C. Following channelization 1. With permission, post a sign near one of the instream habitat structures: explaining its function declaring its ability to restore a herring run to the lower section of Saddle River c. to allow the American Littoral Society Baykeeper to acknowledge the United States Army Corps of Engineers for placing the instream fish habitat structures in the concrete river bed constructed Equipment needed to implement restoration For a public area, near an instream fish habitat structure: sign (explaining instream habitat structures)

41 31 PASSAIC RIVER DUNDEE LAKE Deep Run Goffle Brook Diamond Brook Coffin Brook Pond Map 14: Area of detail PASSAIC RIVER Great Falls Wdbash Brook DUNDEE LAKE Dundee Dam SCALE (ApPRox ) a MILES Dundee Canal Saddle River Map 15: Inlets to the section of the Passaic River between Dundee Dam and Great Falls PASSAIC RIVER

42 3 2 The primary impediment to anadromous fish migration Dundee Dam is the first blockage met when travelling upstream the main branch of the Passaic River. There are no known blockages to fish passage downstream of this point. Photograph 11: Dundee Dam Dam and property owner, and holder of FERC Exemption: Dundee Water Power and Land Company Location: Between the towns of Clifton and Garfield; Passaic and Bergen Counties, New Jersey Hydraulic height: 22 feet Width: 450 feet Impoundment area: unknown Impoundment volume: 2584 acre-ft Constructed: 1854 Spillway: uncontrolled Accessibility to the section of the river near the dam The dam is accessible from the eastern bank, by using a dirt footpath which leads downhill to the dam and the sections of the river both above and below the dam. There is a scenic overlook upstream of the dam on the east side of the river, located off River Road in the town of Elmwood Park.

43 33 The Dundee Canal To the west of Dundee Dam, the Dundee Canal branches from the main stem of the Passaic River. A grating placed at the head of the canal catches large debris. Downstream, the canal does not rejoin the Passaic River, as shown in the system map on page 31. Near the end, it runs underground for a long distance, resurfacing in the town of Passaic as a stagnant pool, covered completely by duckweed (Lemna sp). Description of the dam/canal area An earthen structure extends across the canal, as shown in the map to the left, Map 16: The Dundee Dam area holding a hydroelectric company service shack. Debris is common along the crest of the dam, as well as along the eastern bank. Downstream of the dam, there is a small island, overgrown by vegetation; this section of the river is shallow and rocky. Other known impediments and obstacles existing upstream of Dundee Dam Secondary, tertiary, and quaternary on Diamond Brook: there is a series of 3 concrete drop-offs near Wagaraw Road in Fair Lawn; two downstream of the road are 4- (secondary) and 7- (tertiary) inches in height, and the one upstream of the road is 4-inches (quaternary) in height. Secondary on Goffle Brook: a 7-foot high dam, located just downstream of Goffle Hill Road in Hawthorne, impounds a body of water known as Arnold's Pond. Secondary on main branch of Passaic River: Great Falls is a natural waterfall located in Paterson, averaging 77-feet in height; it is the second upstream blockage to fish travel on the main branch of the Passaic River. Photograph 12: Great Falls

44 3 4 Fishing Fishing is popular and productive in the darn area, as people fish both above and below the darn. A license is required to fish with handline, rod and line, or bow and arrow on the Passaic River, upstream of the Conrail railroad bridge joining Newark and Kearny near Verona Avenue in Essex County, which includes the Dundee Dam area. Additionally, there is an annual spring restriction in portions of the streams which are stocked. [NJ DEPE Fish and Wildlife Digest, December 1992] Two of the water bodies shown on the Dundee inlet map on page 31 are listed as open to public angling by the NJ DEPE DFGW Bureau of Freshwater Fisheries. Goffle Brook Pond in Hawthorne has been rated to have very good fishing quality for sunfishes, good fishing quality for pickerels, and fair fishing quality for Largemouth Bass (Microptents salmoides) and carps. [NJ DEPE Places to Fish, 1992] Stocking The following table lists stocking of the waters between Dundee Dam and Great Falls, the primary and secondary impediments on the main branch of the Passaic River. The information was extracted from reports issued by the NJ DEPE DFGW. Goffle Brook Pond was not included in the 1992 or 1993 stocking reports. Table 7: Fish Stocked Between Dundee Dam and Great Falls ( ) YEAR WATER BODY: LOCATION FISH SPECIES AMOUNT 1990 Goffle Brook Pond: Goffle Brook Park, Hawthorne Bluegill Sunfish Goffle Brook Pond: Goffle Brook Park, Hawthorne Bluegill Sunfish 150 History of the tributary as an anadromous fish spawning run From the research of historical literature, personal interviews, and field investigations, it has been concluded that there was once an American Shad (Alosa sapidissima) spawning run on the Passaic River [Zich, 1977]. Current anadromous fish spawning run conditions up to Dundee Dam The spawning of clupeids has been reported at the base of the dam [Zich, 1977]. Clupeids include American Shad (Alosa sapidissima), Blueback Herring (Alosa aestivalis), and Alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus). Therefore, an anadromous fish spawning run exists on the Passaic River, up to Dundee Dam.

45 3 5 Dioxin concerns The high level of dioxin in the Passaic River downstream of Dundee Dam has received understandable attention, and concern has been expressed concerning the introduction of dioxin to the area above the dam through the bypass of Dundee Dam by anadromous fish following the installation of a fish ladder. However, spawning anadromous fish do not feed during upstream spawning migration, and therefore would not bring any dioxin into the waters above the dam. Furthermore, fish must expend a great deal of energy to swim against the down-current of a fish ladder, and it is highly unlikely that fish which are not attempting to reach freshwater for spawning purposes would leave the area below the dam to enter the swift, freshwater current of the fish ladder. Chronology of events regarding required fish ladder installation, and other legalities The Federal Power Act (FPA, 16 ESCA 797(e) gives the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) authority to license hydroelectric projects located upon waters within the jurisdiction of Congress's commerce power. A 1978 amendment to this act (16 USCA 824a-3) enabled the FERC to enact rules to encourage the development of small hydroelectric projects, including the exemption of small hydroelectric projects from all or some of the FERC's hydroelectric license requirements, as stated by 18 CFR , "Exemption of Small Hydroelectric Power Projects of 5 Megawatts or Less". 02/12/82 Dundee Water Power and Land Company files an application for FERC exemption as a small hydroelectric project. Standard Article Two, 18 CFR 4.106(b), reads "The construction, operation, and maintenance of the exempt project must comply with any terms and conditions that the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Marine Fisheries Service, and any state fish and wildlife agencies have determined are appropriate to prevent loss of, or damage to, fish or wildlife resources". 05/29/82 The US Fish and Wildlife Service places three conditions on the construction and operation of the hydro project, including that the Exemptee provide for, fund, and maintain adequate fish passage and fish screening facilities at Dundee Dam, based on criteria developed in cooperation with the NJ DEPE DFGW. The facilities were to provide for both up and down stream safe passage of adult and juvenile anadromous fish. 12/20/82 The FERC approves grant of exemption to Dundee Water Power and Land Company (FERC Project Number ). At this time, FERC referenced Standard Article Two and incorporated in Dundee Water Power and Land Company's exemption "any letters of comment by [US Fish & Wildlife Service] which have been forwarded to the applicant in conjunction with the exemption," making the fish ladder requirement a substantive condition to the "Exemption to Licensing."? Dundee Water Power and Land Company leases Dundee Dam to American Hydro Power Company, transferring exemption responsibility. 04/22/88 The FERC reminds American Hydro Power Company of its failure to adhere to exemption conditions, and directs installation of fish passages; deadline for the submission of a compliance plan set for 05/20/88. 05/18/88 American Hydro Power Company promises fish passage by 06/30/88. 09/13/91 The American Littoral Society Baykeeper reminds American Hydro Power Company of its requirement to install a fish ladder on Dundee Dam. 11/12/91 NJ DEPE agrees to help the American Littoral Society Baykeeper in pursuit of enforcing the fish ladder requirement at Dundee Dam through the FERC. 09/30/92 American Hydro Power Company surrenders its lease of Dundee Dam, the surrounding land, and the hydroelectric project to the original owner, Dundee Water Power and Land Company.

46 3 6 GUIDELINE TO RESTORE AN ANADROMOUS FISH RUN to the area above Dundee Dam Significance of dam bypass The Passaic River historically supported an anadromous run, and a spawning run presently occurs up to the base of Dundee Dam. The tremendous amount of water which is held in the main stem of the Passaic River above Dundee Dam to its naturally occurring, secondary impediment, Great Falls, can be made available to anadromous fish through bypass of the dam. Due to the large size of the dam, the best option for restoration implementation is the installation of a fish ladder, as required by the FERC to Dundee Water Power and Land Company, in the Exemption granted for the small hydroelectric project operating at the dam. Standard Article One provides the FERC with the authority to enforce the exemption's terms and to sanction the exemptee for failure to comply, reading "If any term or condition of the exemption is violated, the Commission may revoke the exemption, issue a suitable order under section 4(g)[16 USCA 797(e)] of the Federal Power Act or take appropriate action for enforcement, forfeiture or penalties under part III of the Federal Power Act." (18 CFR 4.106(a)) Penalties may include injunctions, writs of mandamus, civil penalties, and criminal penalties (16 USCA 825m,n,o). A third party also has the right to initiate a FERC investigation. The Exemptions set forth on the hydroelectric project operating at Dundee Dam transfer from Dundee Water Power and Land Company to any hydroelectric company which leases the dam for operation. During the period when American Hydro Power Company leased and operated at the dam, the fish ladder requirement was not properly addressed. At this time, the American Littoral Society Baykeeper was preparing to enforce the fish ladder requirement through the FERC, by filing a formal complaint with the FERC against American Hydropower Company, for failure to comply with the terms of the "Exemption to Licensing". Presently, no further delay is foreseen, and the American Littoral Society Baykeeper is anxious to work cooperatively with Dundee Water Power and Land Company to expedite fish ladder installation. New Jersey state law requires fish ladders for dams on migratory fish runways; New Jersey Statutory Annotated (N. J. S. A.) 23: states "It is unlawful to construct a dam in any water of this state which is a runway for migratory fish without installing a fish ladder or other contrivance to permit the fish to pass over the dam in either direction..." Steps needed to achieve dam bypass through fish ladder installation Contact Dundee Water Power and Land Company 1. Offer assistance towards the installation of a fish ladder on Dundee Dam Fish ladder technicalities Determine the liability for funding of the fish ladder construction and installation, and secure the funds Have a fish ladder designed and installation specifications prepared, suitable to the parameters of the dam 3. Obtain a permit from the United States Department of the Army to install a fish ladder on the river at the dam

47 37 C. Action to enhance the dam area 1. With permission of the hydroelectric company, post a sign in the dam area: announcing the plans of the American Littoral Society Baykeeper to help Dundee Water Power and Land Company restore a herring spawning run to the water above the dam through the installation of a fish ladder to bypass the dam for interested individuals to contact the Baykeeper's office 2. Clean-up the darn area: collect debris install permanent garbage cans in the dam area, to alleviate the current slight debris problem D. Actual run restoration 1. Prior to fish ladder installation, in the spring spawning season: request permission from the hydroelectric company to conduct herring heaves at the dam obtain a permit from NJ DEPE DFGW to place fish above the dam (Fish shall not be placed into... the fresh waters of the state without first obtaining a permit from the New Jersey State Department of Environmental Protection and Energy Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife) c. conduct herring heaves at Dundee Dam 2. Install fish ladder on Dundee Dam E. Fish ladder maintenance Ensure proper maintenance of the fish ladder by Dundee Water Power and Land Company Have the hydroelectric company remove the debris which accumulates at the crest of the dam as needed during the spawning season, to avoid potential blockage or damage of the fish ladder F. Following fish ladder installation 1. Replace the previous sign with one which states that a herring spawning run has been restored to the area above the dam, acknowledging Dundee Water Power and Land Company, the American Littoral Society Baykeeper, and other parties and agencies who contribute Equipment needed to implement restoration For clean-up: rubber gloves boots garbage bags For the dam area: 2 signs (for before and after fish ladder construction) permanent garbage cans For the dam: fish ladder

48 3 8 HACKENSACK RIVER HACKENSACK MEADOWLANDS Hackensack River Overpeck Creek Eight Day Swamp Losea Slote Creek Map 17: Area of detail Sk' Stump Hole Cr Moonachie Creek Cove Cr ---- Bellmans Creek Croma kill Creek Kinplaad Creek Sawmill Creek SCALE(APPDX) 1==1--1=4 0 MILES 1 Hackensack River Map 18: The Hackensack Meadowlands

49 39 Impediments to anadromous fish migration The Hackensack Meadowlands is an extensive area, consisting of the Hackensack River and a network of tributaries which span Bergen and Hudson Counties in New Jersey. However, nearly every creek tributary is blocked by a tide gate or earthen berm, preventing access to a great volume of water. To the right is a photograph of an earthen berm, taken in the Hackensack Meadowlands. Photograph 13: Earthen berm, Hackensack Meadowlands General observations of the area The tide gates of the Hackensack Meadowlands are reportedly opened on occasion. However, the amount of debris and growth stage of vegetation found behind tide gates makes this claim questionable. The photograph to the right was taken in August of 1991, behind the tide gate located on Losen Slote Creek. Photograph 14: Area behind Losen Slote tide gate, August 1991 Accessibility to the area The Hackensack Meadowlands is over-crossed by high-speed roadways such as the New Jersey Turnpike, where stopping is not permissible. Furthermore, the surrounding area is wetlands, making the area also inaccessible by foot. There are a few points of public access on the main stem of the river, but the best method to survey the entire Meadowlands area, including the Hackensack River and its tributaries, is by canoe or small boat.

50 4 0 Fishin At points of public access, groups of local people gather on the banks of the Hackensack River and its tributaries daily to fish, mainly for subsistence. A license is not required to fish in the Meadowlands section of the Hackensack River. However, a license is needed for the section of the river upstream from the Cedar Lane bridge between the towns of Hackensack and Teaneck in Bergen County. [NJ Fish and Wildlife Digest, December 1992] Stocking NJ DEPE DFGW reports of stocked waters do not include the section of the Hackensack River or the tributaries which are located in the Hackensack Meadowlands. History of the tributary as an anadromous fish spawning run From the research of historical literature, personal interviews, and field investigations, it has been concluded that there was once an American Shad (Alosa sapidissima) spawning run on the Hackensack River [Zich, 1977]. Current anadromous fish spawning run conditions of the area It has been confirmed, through field investigation and data review, that the Hackensack River currently supports an anadromous fish spawning run [Zich, 1977]. In addition, samples taken at 22 sites throughout the Hackensack Meadowlands have yielded the presence of anadromous species, as shown by the information presented in the following table; sampling was conducted monthly from February 1987 through January 1988, and quarterly from February 1988 through December 1988 [Hackensack Meadowlands Development Commission, 1989]. Table 8: Hackensack Meadowlands Anadromous Fish Inventory (Feb 87-Dec 88) SPECIES F M A M J J A S O N D J F-A M-J A-0 N-D Alewife XXXX XX XXXX X X X X American Shad X X X Blueback Herring X X X X X X X X X X Striped Bass XXXX X X X X X X Use of the area by catadromous species Samples taken in the Hackensack Meadowlands between February 1987 and December 1988 included the catadromous species American Eel (Anguilla rostrata) [Hackensack Meadowlands Development Commission, 1989].

51 41 GUIDELINE TO RESTORE ANADROMOUS FISH RUNS to the Hackensack Meadowlands area Significance of tide gate bypass Many of the creeks in the Hackensack Meadowlands are blocked by tide gates which prevent anadromous fish from being able to utilize the inlets to their full spawning potential. The tide gates need to be opened on a more frequent schedule to allow access to the prime spawning habitat above the tide gates, especially during the spring spawning season. Furthermore, the debris which builds up near the tide gates should be collected on a regular basis, especially prior to opening the tide gates. Since anadromous fish are currently present in the Hackensack Meadowlands area, the frequent opening of tide gates during the spring spawning season would readily expand anadromous fish spawning runs with little effort. Due to the larger amounts of water which they impound, the opening of the Overpeck Creek tide gate and Losen Slote Creek tide gate is of special concern. Many tide gates in the Hackensack Meadowlands are no longer functional, and are no longer maintained. The photograph below shows an inoperative tide gate in the Hackensack Meadowlands during low tide. This inoperative tide gate, and many others, remain an impediment to anadromous fish migration during low tide, as its openings are located above the low tide mark. Additionally, as these tide gates break down, debris is contributed to the area. For these reasons, the removal of inoperative tide gates in the Hackensack Meadowlands is strongly suggested. Photograph 15: Inoperative tide gate, Hackensack Meadowlands

52 4 2 The Hackensack Meadowlands Developmental Commission (HMDC) is the owner of the tide gates found in the Hackensack Meadowlands; they are responsible for the construction, maintenance, and operation of the tide gates located in the Hackensack Meadowlands. Steps needed to achieve tide gate bypass through frequent opening of tide gates during the spawning season and removal of inoperative tide gates One-time event A. Complete opening of waterways, where possible 1. Remove inoperative tide gates To achieve the successful restoration of an anadromous fish spawning run, the reminder of the outline must take place annually. Annual events Prior to spring spawning season 1. Thorough clean-up of tide gate areas During spring spawning season Open tide gates on a frequent schedule Keep tide gate areas clean Equipment needed to implement restoration For clean-up: canoe/small boat (for transportation) rubber gloves hip boots dip nets garbage bags/access to a small dumpster

53 43 HACKENSACK RIVER ORADELL RESERVOIR Lake Lucill Hackensack Rrver Lake de Forest Congers Lake East Branch Pascack Brook Hackensack River Naurausbaun Broo Map 19: Area of detail Muddy Brook N Bear Brook Woocich Reservoir Lake Tappan Musquapsink Brook Pascack Brook Hackensack River Dorotockeys branch Mill Pond Washington Lake Pascack Brook Dwars Kill MusquapsInk Creek SCALE (APPROX.) 1-1 MILES Oradell Reservoir Dam ORADELL RESERVOIR Tenakill Creek HACKENSACK RIVER Map 20: Tributaries of Hackensack River above Oradell Reservoir Dam

54 4 4 Description of the tide gate/reservoir dam area There are a number of obstacles on the Hackensack River in the town of Oradell in Bergen County, New Jersey, including a series of 4 tide gates, and a concrete dam which impounds the Oradell Reservoir. The tide gates are located downstream of the reservoir dam, placed on the forked river branches such that every pathway is blocked. The tide gates will be referred to using the numbering system shown on the map to the right, in the order of upstream occurrence. There are no structural blockages to fish passage on the Hackensack River downstream of this point. Tide gate #2 (inoperative) Tide gate #1 (operative) ORADELL RESERVOIR Dam Tide gate #4 (operative) Tide gate #3 (operative) SCALE (AppRox.) o 1,000 Q,00o 3,000 FEET Map 21: Oradell Reservoir Dam and the tide gate series HACKENSACK RIVER The tide gate series Tide gate #1 (operative) is a steel wall which is extended in height by wooden boards; this tide gate is an impediment to anadromous fish migration. Tide gate #2 (inoperative) is now in a decrepit state, and is no longer an impediment to anadromous fish. Tide gate #3 (operative) and tide gate #4 (operative) are both concrete wall impoundments, which were topped with sandbags during site visitations in August Both of these tide gates are impediments to anadromous fish. Tide gate #4 is shown in the photograph to the right. Photograph 16: Tide gate #4

55 45 The reservoir dam Oradell Reservoir Dam is owned by the Hackensack Water Company. Its waters are biologically productive, and represent prime spawning habitat for anadromous fish. The dimensions of the reservoir dam are given below. The reservoir dam impounds a largely significant volume of water, indicative of the importance of its bypass. Hydraulic height: 25 feet Width: 331 feet Constructed: 1922 Impoundment area: 620 acres Impoundment volume: acre-feet Spillway: uncontrolled General observations of the area below the reservoir dam In many areas, the water is mostly covered with debris in the form of branches, wooden boards, tires, Styrofoam, and other plastic products. The amount of debris is worst below tide gates #3 and #4, held in place by the minimal flow over the tide gates. Overflow is extremely limited for the three operative tide gates #1, #3, and #4, being most minimal over tide gate #4. The water both above and immediately below all of the tide gates is motionless; the water below tide gate #1, as recorded in August 1991, had an average dissolved oxygen reading of 2.35 parts per million. Accessibility to the tide gate series and reservoir dam Tide gate #1 can be easily seen from the New Milford Avenue bridge. However, tide gates #2, #3, and #4 are located on a section of the river which runs through a residential area, requiring clearance for visitation. Additionally, since the reservoir is used for drinking water, the dam is enclosed by a chain-link fence, making the area generally inaccessible. Fishing A fishing license is required to fish with handline, rod and line, or bow and arrow on the Hackensack River, upstream of the Cedar Lane bridge which joins the towns of Hackensack and Teaneck in Bergen County, New Jersey, which includes the Oradell Reservoir area. Additionally, there is an annual spring restriction in portions of the streams which are stocked. [NJ Fish and Wildlife Digest, December 1992] Three water bodies above Oradell Reservoir Dam have been listed by the NJ DEPE DFGW Bureau of Freshwater Fisheries as open to public angling. Wooddale Park Pond, located on the Pascack Brook branch in the town of Woodcliff Lake, has been rated to have very good fishing quality for carps and sunfishes, and good fishing quality for catfishes. Mill Pond in Park Ridge is rated to have good fishing quality for catfishes and sunfishes, and fair fishing quality for Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides), and trout available only during the stocking season. Fishing is possible in Oradell Reservoir, by obtaining a permit from the Hackensack Water Company. The reservoir has been rated to have very good fishing quality for sunfishes, good fishing quality for Largemouth Bass, pickerels, catfishes, Yellow Perch (Perca flavescens), and carp, and fair fishing quality for Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu). [NJ DEPE Places to Fish, 1992]

56 4 6 Stocking The following table lists stocking of the waters only above Oradell Reservoir Dam; the information was extracted from reports issued by NJ DEPE DFGW, and the NY DEC Fisheries Management Unit. Table 8: Fish Stocked Above Oradell Reservoir Dam ( ) YEAR WATER BODY: RANGE/LOCATION FISH SPECIES AMOUNT 1990 Hackensack River: Brook Trout 965 Lake Tappan, Old Tappan/Rivervale Brown Trout 5 to Harriot Avenue, Harrington Park, NJ Rainbow Trout 850 Mill Pond: Harrington Park, NJ Brook Trout Rainbow Trout Pascack Creek: Orchard Street, Hillsdale to Lake Street, Westwood, NJ Brook Trout Rainbow Trout Pascack Road to Washington Avenue, Orangetown, NY Rainbow Trout Brown Trout Tenakill Creek: entire length, Closter, NJ Brook Trout Rainbow Trout Hackensack River: Lake Tappan, Old Tappan/Rivervale Brook Trout 675 to Harriot Avenue, Harrington Park, NJ Rainbow Trout 1135 Mill Pond: Harrington Park, NJ Brook Trout Rainbow Trout Pascack Creek: Orchard Street, Hillsdale to Lake Street, Westwood, NJ Brook Trout Rainbow Trout Pascack Road to Washington Avenue, Orangetown, NY Rainbow Trout Brown Trout Tenakill Creek: entire length, Closter, NJ Brook Trout Rainbow Trout Hackensack River: Lake Tappan, Old Tappan/Rivervale Brook Trout 675 to Harriot Avenue, Harrington Park, NJ Rainbow Trout 1135 Mill Pond: Harrington Park, NJ Brook Trout Rainbow Trout Pascack Creek: Orchard Street, Hillsdale to Lake Street, Westwood, NJ Brook Trout Rainbow Trout Pascack Road to Washington Avenue, Orangetown, NY Rainbow Trout Brown Trout Tenakill Creek: entire length, Closter, NJ Brook Trout Rainbow Trout

57 47 Table 8, continued 1993 Hackensack River: Lake Tappan, Old Tappan/Rivervale to Harriot Avenue, Harrington Park, NJ trout? Mill Pond: Harrington Park, NJ trout? Pascack Creek: Orchard Street, Hillsdale to Lake Street, Westwood, NJ trout? Pascack Road to Washington Avenue, Orangetown, NY trout? Tenakill Creek: entire length, Closter, NJ trout? History of the tributary as an anadromous fish spawning run From the research of historical literature, personal interviews, and field investigations, it has been concluded that there was once an American Shad (Alosa sapidissima) spawning run on the Hackensack River [Zich, 1977]. Current anadromous fish spawning run conditions up to the Oradell Reservoir tide gate series Both Alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus) and Blueback Herring (Alosa aestivalis) were identified by NJ DEPE DFGW Bureau of Fisheries personnel in a sample taken by an electrofishing unit below the dam and tide gate series, in water of temperature 69'F, on 3 June 1976 [Zich, 1977]. Therefore, it can be safely assumed that there is a spawning run up to the Oradell Reservoir tide gate series.

58 4 8 GUIDELINE TO RESTORE AN ANADROMOUS FISH RUN to the area above Oradell Reservoir Dam Significance of tide gate and dam bypass Restoration of anadromous fish to the area above Oradell Reservoir Dam can be achieved through a rigorous program focusing on a significant upgrade in water quality and impediment bypass. Although these plans are somewhat complex, the incredibly enormous volume of water found above the reservoir dam justifies the implementation of this management program. Additionally, this project will result in a much needed water quality upgrade, and will restore biological productivity to the area. Since tide gate #2 is no longer an impediment to anadromous fish, bypass of tide gate #1 would open the clearest path to the reservoir dam. Also, tide gate #1 is located on the main stem of the Hackensack River. For these reasons, tide gate #1 is the tide gate suggested for bypass, achievable through the installation of a small fish bypass structure. Due to its large size, the best option for the bypass of the reservoir dam is the installation of a fish ladder. In this case, the selection of a permanent model would be justified, since the dam and the surrounding area are enclosed and are the private property of the water company, and vandalism of the fish ladder would not be possible. New Jersey state law requires fish ladders for dams on migratory fish runways; New Jersey Statutory Annotated (N. J. S. A.) 23: states "It is unlawful to construct a dam in any water of this state which is a runway for migratory fish without installing a fish ladder or other contrivance to permit the fish to pass over the dam in either direction..." Steps needed to achieve tide gate bypass through installation of 2 fish bypass structures A. Upgrade the water quality below the dam Stream clean-up: a. thoroughly collect debris in the entire tide gate area Raise the dissolved oxygen level: a. increase flow over the tide gates, especially during the spring spawning season B. Contact Hackensack Water Company Obtain permission to install a fish ladder on the reservoir dam To generate public interest and concern, and with the permission of the water company, post signs near the tide gates and dam, announcing the plans of the American Littoral Society Baykeeper to help the Hackensack Water Company restore a herring spawning run to the area C. Fish bypass structures technicalities Determine the source of funding for the construction and installation of the fish bypass structure (for a tide gate) and fish ladder (for the reservoir dam), and secure the funds Have the 2 bypass structures designed and installation specifications prepared, suitable to the parameters of the impediments and the specifications of the water company 3. Obtain permits from the United States Department of the Army to install the structures on the river

59 49 D. Impediment bypass Tide gate series: a. install a small fish bypass structure on a tide gate, preferably tide gate #1 Reservoir dam: a. install a fish ladder on Oradell Reservoir Dam E. Following fish ladder installation Replace previous signs with ones which state that a herring spawning run has been restored to the area, acknowledging the Hackensack Water Company, the American Littoral Society Baykeeper, and other parties and agencies who contribute Ensure proper maintenance of both fish bypass structures by Hackensack Water Company Have water company maintain the water quality below the dam through frequent debris collection During spawning seasons: have the water company increase flow over the tide gates keep the tide gate area free of debris, to avoid potential blockage of the tide gate bypass structure Equipment needed to implement restoration For clean-up of the tide gate area: rubber gloves boots dip nets garbage bags small dumpsters For the tide gate and dam areas: signs (for before and after run restoration) For a tide gate: small fish bypass structure For the dam: fish ladder Suggested removal of inoperative tide gate Tide gate #2 is no longer functional. It is assumed that this structure has been partially dismantled by the water company, as remnants of the tide gate protrude the surface of the water. As the tide gate continues to break down, it will contribute to the debris found in the area. Additionally, the underwater remains of this structure may lack an open pathway large enough for anadromous fish to pass through, preventing a continuation in upstream migration. For these reasons, the complete removal of this tide gate is strongly suggested to the Hackensack Water Company.

60 50 ARTHUR KILL RICHMOND CREEK Map 22: Area of detail SCALE (ApPRox) Rum Creel: o v, 1 MILES rff/ Arthur Kill Main Creek Noes Creel L Fresh Kills Great Fresh Kills darn if?arthur Kill Map 23: Richmond Creek tributary system

61 51 Description of the area, and the impediments to anadromous fish migration A pond has been formed by the impoundment of water by 2 structures, which are the impediments, and a small hill. On one side of the hill, there is a small rock overflow. On the other side, a wooden dam limits drainage of the small upstream pond, as shown in the photograph to the right, and the map below. Photograph 17: Richmond Creek Dam Location: Upstream of Richmond Hill Road, Richmond; Richmond County, Staten Island, New York Map 24: The impediment area N Accessibility to the area This section of Richmond Creek is very accessible. Located in the area of the Richmondtown Restoration, the creek is situated in a frequently-used public area. It is possible to walk directly up to the creek, and to descend the stone wall to walk along the mud bed. Stocking The 1992 NY DEC Fisheries Management Unit reports of stocked waters do not include the Richmond Creek tributary. Use of the tributary by catadromous species There are confirmed reports of juvenile American Eels (Anguilla rostrata) crawling over Richmond Creek Dam, on their journey from saltwater to freshwater to spend their adult lives.

62 5 2 GUIDELINE TO RESTORE AN ANADROMOUS FISH RUN to the area above Richmond Creek Dam Significance of dam bypass The Richmond Creek system contains a significant volume of water, providing drainage for most of Staten Island, New York. The tributary on which the dam is located extends for a lengthy distance above the point of blockage. Bypass of the dam would access a great deal of freshwater to local anadromous fish populations. Due to the small size of the dam, this can be achieved through the installation of a small fish bypass structure. Steps needed to achieve dam bypass through installation of a small fish bypass structure A. Dam technicalities Determine the dam owner Obtain permission from the owner to install a fish bypass structure on one of the impediments B. Action to enhance the dam area 1. To generate local interest and concern, and to create a group of volunteers, post a sign near the dam, with permission: announcing the plans of the American Littoral Society Baykeeper to restore a herring run to the area above the dam for interested individuals to contact the Baykeeper's office C. Fish bypass structure technicalities: Determine the source of funding for construction and installation of the bypass structure, and secure the funds Have a fish bypass structure designed, suitable to the parameters of the chosen impediment 3. Obtain a permit from the United States Department of the Army to install a fish bypass structure on the creek at the dam D. Actual run restoration 1. Install a fish bypass structure on the chosen impediment E. Following installation of fish bypass structure 1. Replace previous sign with one which: explains the purpose of the bypass structure states that a herring spawning run has been restored to the area above the dam, acknowledging the dam owner, the American Littoral Society Baykeeper, and other parties and agencies who contribute 2. Ensure proper maintenance of the fish bypass structure Equipment needed to implement restoration For the dam: fish bypass structure For the dam area: sign (declaring the restoration of a run)

63 BAYK LEPER NY/NJ HARBOR AMERICAN LITTORAL SOCIETY SANDY HOOK, H IQHLANDS, NEW JERSEY l i o-8 EAYKPR PRESS RELEASE Contacts: Andrew J. Winner Susan J. Durkas American Littoral Society (908) May 1993 LOCAL HERRING POPULATIONS TO INCREASE The American Littoral Society Baykeeper announces the final proposal to restore herring spawning runs on 9 NY/NJ Harbor tributaries. These plans have recently been outlined in a 78-page report, titled A Guideline to Restore Anadromous Fish Runs in Selected Tributaries of the NY/NJ Harbor Watershed. The report discusses the 9 areas planned for herring run restoration which were selected from over 40 potential Harbor tributaries included in the study. For each area, the report gives a list of tasks which need to be completed to restore a herring run to the tributary. (See abstract for a more detailed description of the plans.) Immediate activities include herring heaves, or the physical placement of herring over dams during the spawning season of May through June. Herring heaves prepare a tributary for fish ladder installation by strengthening the existing spawning population. Heaves are scheduled for this spring at Shadow Lake Dam in Middletown, Swimming River/Monmouth Reservoir Dam in Lincroft, and Dundee Dam in Garfield/Clifton, through the cooperation of the dam owners and managers. The purpose of the report is to unite the agencies, dam owners and managers, and other important parties to become cooperatively involved in the implementation of the restoration plans at each of the 9 areas. The anadromous fish run restoration program of the Baykeeper is being made possible with a grant from the Hudson River Improvement Fund. The Baykeeper will be integrating information throughout the implementation of the plans, with government agencies such as the New Jersey State Department of Environmental Protection and Energy Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife (NJ DEPE DFGW), and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NY DEC). The reports generated by the anadromous study were recently presented by the program coordinator and report author, Susan Durkas, at the Northeast Fish and Wildlife Conference in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Groups and individuals interested in obtaining the report may contact the Baykeeper's office at (908) The Baykeeper is a program of the American Littoral Society (ALS), a non-profit organization dedicated to the study and conservation of life in the coastal zone and rivers. Organized in 1961, the ALS currently has over 7,000 members. The Baykeeper operates at the ALS national office at Sandy Hook, New Jersey. - more - pnacycl.1:1)

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65 BAYKEEPER NY/NJ HARBOR AMERICAN LITTORAL SOCIETY SANDY HOOK, HIGHLANDS, NEW JERSEY BAYKPR ABSTRACT OF HERRING RUN RESTORATION PLANS NAVESINK RIVER: Fish ladder installation is being proposed for both Swimming River/Monmouth Reservoir Dam in Lincroft, owned by New Jersey-American Water Company, and Shadow Lake Dam in Middletown Township, owned by Monmouth County. Herring heaves are planned for the spring 1993 spawning season, to precede installation. PASSAIC RIVER: The Baykeeper office is currently coordinating a stream clean-up of the Second River tributary in addition to a pollution awareness program, focusing on the youth of the Newark community by working with secondary schools in the area. United States Army Corps of Engineers plans for the channelization of the Saddle River tributary will include the removal of 2 dams which currently block herring migration. The Baykeeper is requesting for the Corps to increase the number of instream fish habitat structures to be placed in the concrete river bed to be constructed, to create enough resting areas for fish to be able to continue utilizing the tributary. Dundee Dam, owned by Dundee Water Power and Land Company and located on the main branch of the Passaic River between the towns of Garfield and Clifton, is another proposed site of fish ladder installation; herring heaves are also planned for this site in the spring spawning season. HACKENSACK RIVER: A more frequent clean-up and opening of the operative tide gates in the Hackensack Meadowlands, especially during the spring spawning season, is being suggested to the Hackensack Meadowlands Development Commission (HMDC), who operates the tide gates. In addition, the removal of inoperative tide gates is being advised. For Oradell Reservoir, a more complex plan will be needed to restore a herring spawning run. To upgrade water quality, the Baykeeper is recommending for the Hackensack Water Company to conduct a thorough clean-up, and to increase the amount of flow over the tide gates during the spring spawning period. Access to the reservoir can be achieved by installing a small fish bypass structure at one of the tide gates, and a fish ladder at the reservoir dam. STATEN ISLAND: The installation of a small fish bypass structure as a community volunteer project is suggested for both Richmond Creek Dam in Richmond, and Wolfe's Pond Dam in Princes Bay. Due to the proximity of Wolfe's Pond to the sea, its outlet has a high salt content and does not support spawning; therefore, it may be necessary to bring herring from another location in the spring, to initiate a spawning population in the freshwater of Wolfe's Pond PIUNTID WITI1 SOY INK SIC VC-k g C rt't

66

67 53 STATEN ISLAND WOLFE'S POND Map 25: Area of detail Map 26: Wolfe's Pond drainage system SCALE (ApPR(r4) i 0 5o.n i,000 1,s00 2,000 FEET

68 54 The impediment to anadromous fish migration Wolfe's Pond is impounded by a small, concrete dam, as shown in the photograph below. Upstream, Acme Pond exists due to a glacially-formed depression, not an impoundment. Wolfe's Pond is the first and only impediment on this tributary; there are no blockages to fish passage downstream of Wolfe's Pond Dam, and no impediments exist upstream of this point. History of the pond Photograph 18: Wolfe's Pond Dam Owner: New York City Parks and Recreation Department Location: Princes Bay Richmond County, Staten Island, New York Originally, the area was drained by a tidal inlet. Over time, wind and wave action lodged sand and clay where the dam now exists. As a natural dam was created, freshwater drainage was blocked and Wolfe's Pond was formed. Local fishermen soon utilized the pond to wash the shellfish taken from the productive waters of Raritan Bay, repairing the important natural barrier when needed. In 1929, the New York City Parks and Recreation Department acquired Wolfe's Pond and the surrounding area into the park system, and a permanent dam was constructed to stabilize the fresh/salt water boundary.

69 55 Accessibility to the dam and pond areas The dam at the base of Wolfe's Pond is easily accessible by foot from the southern end of Holton Avenue in the town of Princes Bay. Since the pond is the focal point of Wolfe's Pond Park, there is a public parking lot near the pond, accessible from Cornelia Avenue. Various park footpaths lead to both Wolfe's Pond and Acme Pond from the parking area and also the local roadways known as Chisholm Street, Florence Place, Hylan Boulevard, and Holton Avenue. Fishing Recreational fishermen utilize both Wolfe's Pond and Acme Pond for fishing. Stocking The 1992 NY DEC Fisheries Management Unit reports of stocked waters do not include Wolfe's Pond, Acme Pond, or Lemon Creek. Water quality concerns The United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) sets the maximum acceptable level of enterococcus, a bacteria found only in human waste, at 33 organisms / 100 ml of water. Measurements taken at both Lemon Creek and Wolfe's Pond exceed this limit, averaging 3111 organisms / 100 ml of water in Lemon Creek. Levels of fecal coliform bacteria were also high in both places. These unacceptably high levels are due to untreated raw sewage. Much of Staten Island is not equipped with waste water treatment facilities, and the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYC DEP) is currently planning future development of treatment plants. However, anadromous fish do not feed during the spawning cycle of life, and will not be adversely affected by the bacteria.

70 5 6 GUIDELINE TO RESTORE AN ANADROMOUS FISH RUN to the area above Wolfe's Pond Dam Significance of dam bypass Although there is not a vast amount of water above Wolfe's Pond Dam, this area can offer functional habitat, suitable for the spawning of anadromous fish. Due to the small size of the dam, bypass can be achieved through the installation of a small fish bypass structure. Furthermore, cleanup of the ponds and surrounding park area can provide meaningful community involvement. Volunteer help may also include the installation of the fish bypass structure on the dam. Steps needed to achieve dam bypass through installation of a small fish bypass structure A. Establish contact with New York City Parks and Recreation Department, and begin to work cooperatively to achieve: Clean-up of the area surrounding the pond Installation of a small fish bypass structure on the dam B. Action to enhance the pond area Obtain permission to post signs near the pond To generate local interest and concern, and to create a group of volunteers, post signs near the pond: announcing the plans of the American Littoral Society Baykeeper to help the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation to bring a herring spawning run to the area above the dam for interested individuals to contact the Baykeeper's office 3. Coordinate volunteer groups to clean-up the pond area, by: collecting debris installing permanent garbage cans around the pond, to alleviate the current slight debris problem C. Fish bypass structure technicalities Determine the source of funding for the construction of a fish bypass structure, and secure the funds Have a fish bypass structure designed, suitable to the parameters of the dam 3. Obtain a permit from the United States Department of the Army to install a fish bypass structure on the creek at the dam D. Actual run restoration I. Have volunteers install the fish bypass structure on Wolfe's Pond Dam

71 57 E. Following installation of fish bypass structure 1. Replace previous sign with one which states: the purpose of the fish bypass structure that a herring spawning run is being brought to the pond, acknowledging the American Littoral Society Baykeeper, the New York City Parks and Recreation Department, volunteer groups which help, and any other parties, agencies, or groups who help in the process 2. Have the fish bypass structure properly maintained Since there are no reports of anadromous fish spawning up to Wolfe's Pond Dam, gravid anadromous adults may need to be transported from other locations during the initial spawning seasons, and placed in the pond to establish a spawning run. The pilot survey of use of the fish bypass structure during the first spawning season will determine if seeding will be necessary. 3. During the first spawning season: a. survey the use of the fish bypass structure The remainder of this guideline has been developed to structure the seeding process, if needed. F. Seeding Determine a reliable source of gravid anadromous adults If necessary, obtain a permit from NY DEC to place the fish in Wolfe's Pond 3. During the spawning season: net, or otherwise get, anadromous adults transport the adults to Wolfe's Pond c. place the adults in the pond Potential volunteer community groups Tottenville High School Respondents to Baykeeper signs: people who fish in Wolfe's Pond and Acme Pond other park visitors Equipment needed to implement restoration For clean-up: rubber gloves dip nets garbage bags/access to a dumpster For the dam area: signs (for before and after installation of bypass structure) permanent garbage cans For the dam: small fish bypass structure

72 58 CONCLUSION Barriers to anadromous fish migration on tributaries of the New York/New Jersey Harbor block access to waters which were historically used as spawning grounds by anadromous fish. On many tributaries, anadromous fish spawn up to the base of the primary impediment. The restoration of anadromous fish runs can be achieved through the implementation of the management plans presented in this paper. The following table lists the areas of interest which are the focus of this paper, and summarizes the method by which an anadromous fish run can be restored at each site, achievable by following the guidelines drafted for each area of interest. Table 10: A Summary of Methods Planned to Restore Anadromous Fish Runs DRAINAGE AREA OF INTEREST METHOD OF RESTORATION Navesink River Swimming River/Monmouth Reservoir Dam Shadow I.ake Dam install fish ladder install fish ladder Passaic River Second River Saddle River Dundee Dam improve water quality, through clean-up and community education increase proposed number of resting areas for fish, and remove primary and secondary impediments during channelization install fish ladder Hackensack River Hackensack Meadowlands tide gate series below Oradell Reservoir Dam Oradell Reservoir Dam improve water quality, through frequent clean-up and opening of functional tide gates improve water quality, through clean-up and an increase in overflow; install fish bypass structure install fish ladder Staten Island Richmond Creek Dam Wolfe's Pond Dam install fish bypass structure install fish bypass structure

73 59 The structural impediments discussed in this report have been specifically chosen for the implementation of restoration plans because of the large amounts of suitable spawning habitat which they impound. A substantial increase of spawning habitat will result from the bypass of these impediments, and New York/New Jersey Harbor anadromous fish populations will significantly increase, as will the biological productivity of the waters involved. Large dams block access to the greatest volumes of potential spawning habitat, and bypass is especially important at these sites. Due to the substantial height of these dams, bypass is achievable only by fish ladders. The following table lists the dams for which fish ladders are planned, and the owners through which fish ladder installation is possible. Table 11: Owners of Dams for Which Fish Ladder Installation is Planned DAM OWNER Swimming River/ Monmouth Reservoir Dam Shadow Lake Dam Dundee Dam Oradell Reservoir Dam New Jersey-American Water Company Monmouth County Dundee Water Power and Land Company Hackensack Water Company Following the execution of impediment bypass and habitat improvement plans, the range of anadromous fish spawning runs can further be increased through the removal of minor impediments found above the primary. The following table lists the impediments which have been suggested for removal in this paper to further extend suitable spawning range. Table 12: Impediment Removals Included in Anadromous Fish Run Restoration Plans DRAINAGE BARRIER SUGGESTED FOR REMOVAL Navesink River 3 secondary impediments above Swimming River/Monmouth Reservoir Dam Second River impediments, including Hendrick's Pond Dam Hackensack River inoperative tide gate below Oradell Reservoir Dam inoperative tide gates of the Hackensack Meadowlands

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75 61 REFERENCES Byrne, Don. May Anadromous Herring Run Restoration. New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection; Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife; Bureau of Marine Fisheries. Durkas, Susan J. September Impediments to the Spawning Success of Anadromous Fish in Tributaries of the New York/New Jersey Harbor Watershed. American Littoral Society. Zich, H.E. January The Collection of Existing Information and Field Investigation of Anadromous Clupeid Spawning in New Jersey. New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection; Division of Fish, Game and Shellfisheries. Hackensack Meadowlands Development Commission; Division of Environmental Operations. Inventory of Fisheries Resources of the Hackensack River within the Jurisdictional Boundary of the Hackensack Meadowlands Development Commission from Kearny, Hudson County, to Ridgefield, Bergen County, NJ. 18 May Hackensack Meadowlands Development Commission. Functional Assessment of Hackensack Meadowlands Wetlands; Assessment Area Map: Hydrologic Associations. New Jersey State Department of Environmental Protection; Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife. Stocked Waters of New Jersey: 1990 Listing of Fish Stocked in New Jersey's Lakes, Streams, Ponds and Rivers New Jersey State Department of Environmental Protection and Energy; Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife. Stocked Waters of New Jersey: 1991 Listing of Fish Stocked in New Jersey's Lakes, Streams, Ponds and Rivers (raw data) New Jersey State Department of Environmental Protection and Energy; Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife Spring Trout Stocking Schedule New Jersey State Department of Environmental Protection and Energy; Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife. New Jersey Fish and Wildlife Digest: A Summary of Rules and Management Information. "1992 Summary of New Jersey Freshwater Fishing Laws." Vol. 5, no. 2, December 1991; p New Jersey State Department of Environmental Protection and Energy; Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife. New Jersey Fish and Wildlife Digest: A Summary of Rules and Management Information. "1993 Summary of New Jersey Freshwater Fishing Laws." Vol. 6, no. 2, December 1992; p New Jersey State Department of Environmental Protection and Energy; Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife; Bureau of Freshwater Fisheries. Places to Fish: List of New Jersey Lakes, Ponds, Reservoirs and Streams Open to Public Angling New York City Department of Parks and Recreation; Natural Resources Group. Wolfe's Pond Park: Natural Areas Assessment and Management Plan New York City Department of Parks and Recreation; Natural Resources Group. Wolfe's Pond Park, Staten Island, New York: A Guide to the Natural Areas. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation; Region 3 Fisheries Management Unit. Rockland County Stocking Recommendations. April United States Department of the Army; Corps of Engineers. Lower Saddle River, New Jersey: A Report from the Chief of Engineers, Department of the Army, on Lower Saddle River, New Jersey, together with other pertinent reports. 101st Congress, 2d session, house document United States Government Printing Office, Washington. 19 March 1990.

76 6 2 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The American Littoral Society Baykeeper would like to recognize the following agencies, groups, and individuals for their cooperation with the anadromous fish spawning run restoration program. Help from governmental agencies: New Jersey State Department of Environmental Protection and Energy (NJ DEPE) Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife (DFGW) Bureau of Freshwater Fisheries Bureau of Marine Fisheries Division of Coastal Resources Bureau of Coastal Engineering New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NY DEC) Fisheries Management Unit New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYC DEP) United States Fish and Wildlife Service (US FWS) United States Department of the Army United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) Swimming River/Monmouth Reservoir: New Jersey-American Water Company Water quality superintendent Carol Storms Shadow Lake: Middletown Township Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders Second River: Student Conservation Association (SCA) Saddle River: United States Department of the Army Corps of Engineers District Engineer Bob Kurtz Passaic River Coalition Dundee Lake: Dundee Water Power and Land Company Seton Hall law professor Marc Poirier Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Passaic River Coalition

77 63 Hackensack Meadowlands: Hackensack Meadowlands Development Commission (HMDC) Oradell Reservoir: Hackensack Water Company Wolfe's Pond: New York City Parks and Recreation Department Help from volunteers: Hi-Mar Striper Club of Highlands NJ Lafayette Street School of Newark NJ, 6th grade Oliver Street School of Newark NJ, 7th grade class EDITING The author would like to express gratitude for the editorial assistance provided by: Dery W. Bennett, Executive Director of the American Littoral Society Andrew J. Wiliner, Baykeeper of the NY/NJ Harbor, American Littoral Society

78 ,,

79 FY Urban Waters New Actions Internal Document: Do Not Cite or Quote 1

80 FY Urban Waters New Actions Internal Document: Do Not Cite or Quote FY Urban Waters New Actions Key Action: Increase public involvement in the restoration of Onondaga Lake and Creek and implement green infrastructure projects to abate combined sewer overflows and sedimentation concerns, Syracuse, New York Project Title, City, State: Onondaga Lake and Onondaga Creek, Syracuse, New York Category: X Place-Based Tools Leveraging Communications Description: The Region will promote vehicles for permanent public input and education through the Onondaga Lake Partnership's (OLP) Outreach Committee. Region 2 will also work with OLP and local public stakeholders including the Onondaga Nation to discuss sedimentation concerns in Onondaga Creek as part of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) scoping for Tully Valley Mudboil remediation. impacted waterbody and existing environmental problems: The affected communities include the City of Syracuse and the Onondaga Nation. Syracuse is on the southern shore of Onondaga Lake. Onondaga Creek runs north through the Onondaga Nation and the City of Syracuse, and is Onondaga Lake's largest tributary. The lower sections of the Creek are channelized and impacted by point source discharges. planned actions: In November 2011, the Onondaga Lake Partnership (OLP) held a forum to help local stakeholders including the Onondaga Nation to define a model for a future consortium to lead the watershed management activities of the Onondaga Lake Watershed. In 2012, the OLP will continue to work with the stakeholders to develop a consortium to lead the watershed management activities in the future. I community needs and characteristics: The affected communities include the City of Syracuse and the Onondaga Nation. Syracuse is on the southern shore of Onondaga Lake. Onondaga Creek runs north through the Onondaga Nation and the City of Syracuse, and is Onondaga Lake's largest tributary. The lower sections of the Creek are channelized and impacted by point source discharges. The Onondaga Nation and the other nations of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy consider the Lake and Creek and surrounding lands to be sacred, and it is on the shores of the lake that the Confederacy was formed. The City of Syracuse is the largest city in central New York State. Its population according to the 2000 census was 25.35% African American; 5.27% Latino, and 3.37% Native American. Minority communities are prevalent along Onondaga Creek on the south side of the City. The median income for a household in the city was $25,000, and the median income for a family was $33,026. About 21.7% of families and 27.3% of the population were below the poverty line. The Onondaga Nation occupies 9.3 square miles near the Town of Nedrow, NY. As of the census of 2000, there were 1,473 people, 304 households, and 292 families residing in the reservation. I how this action will help the community reach its Urban Waters goals: Increasing public involvement of partnering local stakeholders will result in local implementation of watershed management activities. 110 list of existing and potential partners (include other federal agencies and key community organizations) and their roles. Include a description of EPA's role: 2

81 FY Urban Waters New Actions Internal Document: Do Not Cite or Quote EPA Region 2 Division of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP) water program is the lead for watershed management efforts to restore Onondaga Lake and Creek. DEPP and the Emergency and Remedial Response Division (ERRD) work closely coordinating water quality with hazardous waste remediation programs. In 1999, the Onondaga Lake Partnership (OLP) was established by an Act of Congress under the Water Resource Development Act and was charged with developing and coordinating the implementation of "a comprehensive restoration, conservation, and management plan for Onondaga Lake". The OLP's executive membership is comprised of: USACE, U.S EPA, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the New York State Attorney General's Office, Onondaga County, and the City of Syracuse. The Onondaga Nation is actively engaged by EPA and USACE through consultation, as well as by OLP members through various OLP programs and projects. Collectively, the role of the OLP is to facilitate and coordinate the development and implementation of lake and watershed improvement projects to restore and conserve water quality, natural resources and recreational uses to the benefit of the public. The actions and efforts of the OLP are to be consistent with the Onondaga Lake Management Plan. The OLP's sub-committees include membership from a wide variety of stakeholder groups including environmental organizations, economic development organizations, academia, and state and local agencies. These organizations provide technical review and advice, as well as community outreach, to foster OLPs goals. Member include but are not limited to: Central New York Regional Planning and Development Board; Onondaga County Soil and Water Conservation District; Metropolitan Development Association; Lakefront Development Corporation; Cornell Cooperative Extension of Onondaga County; State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry; Atlantic States Legal Foundation; Onondaga Historical Association; League of Women Voters; lzaak Walton League. The Onondaga Environmental Institute supports many OLP efforts through EPA, state and county funding vehicles. Other contributing organizations that are not OLP members include: Upstate Freshwater Institute, Syracuse University, Citizen's Campaign for the Environment, Partnership for Onondaga Creek, and others. These organizations also implement funded studies and provide review and advice. n if the action will produce a tool, describe how it will meet community needs: Expected Outcomes: Describe what progress you expect to make by September FY 2012: 2012 will continue the efforts on reducing bacterial contamination in the Creek and Lake through: (1) green infrastructure projects that compliment traditional "gray" infrastructure projects (e.g. CSO storage) to abate wet-weather impacts; (2) bacteria trackdown work focused on identifying remaining dry-weather sources of bacteria and their elimination. Together these actions are intended to comprehensively address pollution sources leading toward the attainment of state Water Quality Standards. In a separate paragraph, where relevant, describe what progress you expect to make by September FY 2013: Status as of September 2012: U Complete X Ongoing 3

82 FY Urban Waters New Actions Internal Document: Do Not Cite or Quote Status as of September 2013 (if relevant): E Complete q Ongoing Contact: Name and phone number Christopher Dere

83 FY Urban Waters New Actions Internal Document: Do Not Cite or Quote Key Action: Project Title, City, State: Category: q Place-Based q Tools q Leveraging q Communications Description: impacted waterbody and existing environmental problems: 0 planned actions: community needs and characteristics: how this action will help the community reach its Urban Waters goals: list of existing and potential partners (include other federal agencies and key community organizations) and their roles. Include a description of EPA's role: If the action will produce a tool, describe how it will meet community needs: Expected Outcomes: Describe what progress you expect to make by September FY In a separate paragraph, where relevant, describe what progress you expect to make by September FY Status as of September 2012: q Complete q Ongoing Status as of September 2013 (if relevant): ri Complete q Ongoing Contact: Name and phone number 5

84

85 FY Urban Waters New Actions Internal Document: Do Not Cite or Quote 1

86 FY Urban Waters New Actions Internal Document: Do Not Cite or Quote FY Urban Waters New Actions Key Action: Increase public involvement in the restoration of Onondaga Lake and Creek and implement green infrastructure projects to abate combined sewer overflows and sedimentation concerns, Syracuse, New York Project Title, City, State: Onondaga Lake and Onondaga Creek, Syracuse, New York Category: X Place-Based Tools Leveraging Communications Description: The Region will promote vehicles for permanent public input and education through the Onondaga Lake Partnership's (OLP) Outreach Committee. Region 2 will also work with OLP and local public stakeholders including the Onondaga Nation to discuss sedimentation concerns in Onondaga Creek as part of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) scoping for Tully Valley Mudboil remediation. 10. impacted waterbody and existing environmental problems: The affected communities include the City of Syracuse and the Onondaga Nation. Syracuse is on the southern shore of Onondaga Lake. Onondaga Creek runs north through the Onondaga Nation and the City of Syracuse, and is Onondaga Lake's largest tributary. The lower sections of the Creek are channelized and impacted by point source discharges. planned actions: In November 2011, the Onondaga Lake Partnership (OLP) held a forum to help local stakeholders including the Onondaga Nation to define a model for a future consortium to lead the watershed management activities of the Onondaga Lake Watershed. In 2012, the OLP will continue to work with the stakeholders to develop a consortium to lead the watershed management activities in the future. community needs and characteristics: The affected communities include the City of Syracuse and the Onondaga Nation. Syracuse is on the southern shore of Onondaga Lake. Onondaga Creek runs north through the Onondaga Nation and the City of Syracuse, and is Onondaga Lake's largest tributary. The lower sections of the Creek are channelized and impacted by point source discharges. The Onondaga Nation and the other nations of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy consider the Lake and Creek and surrounding lands to be sacred, and it is on the shores of the lake that the Confederacy was formed. The City of Syracuse is the largest city in central New York State. Its population according to the 2000 census was 25.35% African American; 5.27% Latino, and 3.37% Native American. Minority communities are prevalent along Onondaga Creek on the south side of the City. The median income for a household in the city was $25,000, and the median income for a family was $33,026. About 21.7% of families and 27.3% of the population were below the poverty line. The Onondaga Nation occupies 9.3 square miles near the Town of Nedrow, NY. As of the census of 2000, there were 1,473 people, 304 households, and 292 families residing in the reservation. how this action will help the community reach its Urban Waters goals: Increasing public involvement of partnering local stakeholders will result in local implementation of watershed management activities. list of existing and potential partners (include other federal agencies and key community organizations) and their roles. Include a description of EPA's role: 2

87 FY Urban Waters New Actions Internal Document: Do Not Cite or Quote EPA Region 2 Division of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP) water program is the lead for watershed management efforts to restore Onondaga Lake and Creek. DEPP and the Emergency and Remedial Response Division (ERRD) work closely coordinating water quality with hazardous waste remediation programs. In 1999, the Onondaga Lake Partnership (OLP) was established by an Act of Congress under the Water Resource Development Act and was charged with developing and coordinating the implementation of "a comprehensive restoration, conservation, and management plan for Onondaga Lake". The OLP's executive membership is comprised of: USACE, U.S EPA, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the New York State Attorney General's Office, Onondaga County, and the City of Syracuse. The Onondaga Nation is actively engaged by EPA and USACE through consultation, as well as by OLP members through various OLP programs and projects. Collectively, the role of the OLP is to facilitate and coordinate the development and implementation of lake and watershed improvement projects to restore and conserve water quality, natural resources and recreational uses to the benefit of the public. The actions and efforts of the OLP are to be consistent with the Onondaga Lake Management Plan. The OLP's sub-committees include membership from a wide variety of stakeholder groups including environmental organizations, economic development organizations, academia, and state and local agencies. These organizations provide technical review and advice, as well as community outreach, to foster OLPs goals. Member include but are not limited to: Central New York Regional Planning and Development Board; Onondaga County Soil and Water Conservation District; Metropolitan Development Association; Lakefront Development Corporation; Cornell Cooperative Extension of Onondaga County; State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry; Atlantic States Legal Foundation; Onondaga Historical Association; League of Women Voters; Izaak Walton League. The Onondaga Environmental Institute supports many OLP efforts through EPA, state and county funding vehicles. Other contributing organizations that are not OLP members include: Upstate Freshwater Institute, Syracuse University, Citizen's Campaign for the Environment, Partnership for Onondaga Creek, and others. These organizations also implement funded studies and provide review and advice. M if the action will produce a tool, describe how it will meet community needs: Expected Outcomes: Describe what progress you expect to make by September FY 2012: 2012 will continue the efforts on reducing bacterial contamination in the Creek and Lake through: (1) green infrastructure projects that compliment traditional "gray" infrastructure projects (e.g. CSO storage) to abate wet-weather impacts; (2) bacteria trackdown work focused on identifying remaining dry-weather sources of bacteria and their elimination. Together these actions are intended to comprehensively address pollution sources leading toward the attainment of state Water Quality Standards. In a separate paragraph, where relevant, describe what progress you expect to make by September FY 2013: Status as of September 2012: q Complete X Ongoing 3