The sandy hook unit of gateway national recreation area boasts a dynamic and diverse ecology that supports a wide range of species in its varied coastal environments

The Department of the Interior National Park Service National Office awarded a $199,999 Cooperative Agreement under the Cooperative Research and Training Programs – Resources of the National Park System (CFDA 15.945) to The Trustees of the Stevens Institute of Technology. The purpose of the project is to develop a process model that can be used to understand historical changes and inform potential management actions to improve the long-term health of the Horseshoe Cove marsh ecosystem within the Sandy Hook Unit of Gateway National Recreation Area in New Jersey. The project will leverage a combination of existing data and new field data collection, with a performance period from January 10, 2025 to March 31, 2027. As a private research university with extensive federal grant and contract expertise, Stevens Institute of Technology will serve as the prime awardee for this collaborative research initiative.

The 7MILE long narrow, sandy peninsula is home to salt marshes, maritime forests, dunes, and tidal creeks that provide much needed habitat for many plants and animals.sandy hooks salt marshes such as the one at horseshoe cove are rich in nutrients and host fish nurseries that support species like blue crabs, striped bass, and shorebirds. Horseshoe cove is a horseshoeshaped embayment known for its sheltered waters, scenic views, and natural beauty. The calm waters make IT an ideal spot for kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. At low tide, the coves sandy shores expand, revealing tidal pools that showcase a variety of marine life like small fish, clams, and hermit crabs.over the past several decades, the salt marsh at horseshoe cove has been in decline. Since at least 1995, the shoreline fronting the marsh has eroded significantly. While the rate of shoreline erosion appears to have stabilized recently, the interior of the marsh has continued to degrade. The tidal creeks have expanded and shallowed and the marsh surface has begun to break up.all of sandy hooks ecosystems are interconnected however, they are dynamic and are constantly being shaped by currents, tides, and seasonal changes. The collapse of the horseshoe cove marsh threatens not only the local marsh ecosystem, but also the other ecosystems which are connected to IT, making its preservation critical. The purpose of the proposed project is to develop a process model that can be used to help understand the historical changes that have occurred at horseshoe cove, and how specific management actions might help improve the longterm health of the marsh. The model will be developed using a combination of existing data sets and a new field data collection effort. This process model will then be used to develop recommendations of potential management actions and their expected impact. The investigators will share their findings and solicit feedback on these proposed actions from subject matter experts and stakeholders. The discussions will result in prioritized management actions, which will form the basis of the project teams recommendations for improving the health of the marsh at horseshoe cove.