LSI 2010 NRD Santa Fe final conference binder 072110.pdf

Angus Macbeth of Sidley Austin LLP Speaker 24a: 8
NEW JERSEY CONSERVATION EXCHANGE
Belcher Creek Preservation
Posted in NRD settlement candidate project, biological diversity, climate stabilization
and/or air pollution mitigation project, land preservation project, projects funded by
conservation resources, water protection, filtration, & control
The 220-acre Belcher Creek property, adjacent to Bearfort Mountain State Park, forms
part of the largest contiguous forest in the Highlands. It buffers a portion of Belcher
Creek, a tributary to Greenwood Lake, which is a source of water for New Jersey’s two
important northern reservoirs–Monksville and Wanaque.
The NJDEP Geological Survey’s Groundwater Recharge model shows approximately
140 acres of this property as having the highest groundwater recharge rate calculated at
16-23 inches per year. About 15 acres have the second highest recharge rate of between
11-15 inches per year. The remaining land is characterized by a wooded wetland
complex associated with Belcher Creek.
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According to the NJDEP Landscape Project, this property contains habitat for several
endangered and threatened species including barred owl, cerulean warbler, northern
goshawk, timber rattlesnake and wood turtle.
Ecosystem Services Provided:
Water protection, filtration & control: Water quality and quantity- protection of
groundwater recharge areas, stream buffers
Climate stabilization and air pollution mitigation: carbon sequestration- avoided
deforestation
Biological diversity: Habitat- federal threatened species habitat protection
Total Project Cost: $2,550,000
Status: The landowner is a willing seller and is currently negotiating with the Passaic
River Coalition. They want to close on this property in 2010
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Law Seminars International | Natural Resource Damages | 07/16/10 in Santa Fe, NM