The new jersey department of environmental protection plans to restore 193 acres of native habitat at the MAD horse creek wildlife management area in lower alloways township, salem county, new jersey

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) was awarded a $2 million Project Grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Program (CFDA 15.614) to restore 193 acres of native habitat at the Mad Horse Creek Wildlife Management Area. The restoration will include excavating tidal channels and removing invasive plant species from 59 acres of salt marsh. An additional 8.5 acres will be planted as high marsh and tidal scrub-shrub habitats. A bridge over a new tidal channel will improve site access. Approximately 40 acres of freshwater wetlands and 90 acres of upland grasslands will be established from former agricultural fields. The multi-year project is expected to enhance habitat for migratory birds and other at-risk wildlife species utilizing the Atlantic Flyway. Completion is slated for August 2026 with long-term management provided by NJDEP's Division of Fish and Wildlife.

The project will consist of excavation along the existing salt marsh to restore tidal channels and eliminate the invasive common reed (phragmites australis). Approximately 59 acres of native salt marsh will be planted, edged by about 5 acres of native high marsh and about 3.5 acres of native tidal scrub-shrub habitat. A new bridge will be built over one of the new tidal channels to allow access to an existing boat ramp. The former agricultural fields on the property will be restored to about 40 acres of native freshwater wetlands and 90 acres of upland coastal grasslands. The project site is located in a key location in the atlantic flyway, a globally significant stopover site for migratory shorebirds, waterbirds, raptors, and neotropical birds. The finished project will improve habitat for migratory bird species, and provide enhanced nesting habitat for at-risk marsh species such as the saltmarsh sparrow and black rail. The project site is also within the delaware estuary and is designated as essential fish habitat by NOAA. The restored tidal marsh hydrology and habitat will benefit anadramous and native fish species. The restoration is expected to begin in 2023, and take approximately 2 years to complete. The site will be monitored post-restoration to ensure project success. Long-term maintenance of the project site will be the responsibility of the division of fish wildlife, which manages new jersey s wildlife management areas. Please see the attached project narrative for additional information.