Lamington River Dredging

[meatwad555]

I came across an article on a pay news site so I can't share it. I'll cut and paste the relevant parts though.

Lamington River dredging proposed in Bedminster
By W. JACOB PERRY Staff Writer

BEDMINSTER TWP. – A non-profit group’s proposal to dredge the Lamington River is being reviewed by township officials.

The goal of the proposal was initially discussed at the Township Committee meeting back on Monday, June 19.

Robert Lewis, manager of the Oldwick-based Flint Hill Preserve, told the committee that his group hopes to fund the effort through a grant application to the state Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

The section of the Lamington River north of the Pottersville bridge is a Class I trout production stream, Lewis said. In an effort to keep it that way, he said his group wants to improve the quality of the water downstream by increasing its oxygen content and maintaining its relatively cold temperature.

That could be achieved by a process in which a contractor would excavate areas within the river and bury boulders, he said.

------------ It goes on to just say they want to secure permission from the town and all property owners along the river. The town response was positive but they said they need to consult with other groups to validate the credibility of such a project.

[AndyS]

I think the word "dredging" is a little radical. Many streams widen and shallow out as time goes on. Stream restoration work creates deeper pools and riffles and also helps to prevent soil loss due to erosion. There is quite a bit of this going on in New Jersey, but the majority of the work is done mostly on private sections. The old broken dam on the Lamington is slated for removal.

[thmyorke1]

Interesting, but how far up? Ive only been to hacklebarney once, have plans to go there when it cools down. Where I was it looked pretty healthy.

[meatwad555]

Originally Posted by thmyorke1

Interesting, but how far up? Ive only been to hacklebarney once, have plans to go there when it cools down. Where I was it looked pretty healthy.

From what I read it looks like south of Pottersville, which would be a few miles downstream of that park.

[thmyorke1]

Originally Posted by meatwad555

From what I read it looks like south of Pottersville, which would be a few miles downstream of that park.

My bad, didnt read carefully. So they're doing restoration below the pottersville road bridge.

Seems like a good idea... if they just claim more of the river as public property along with it.

Something should be worked out to make some good section of the river public. State could buy some of the riverside land from the property owners?

It's all behind private property, behind public eye, so not to be disrespecting the land owners but they can be doing anything to that river and get away with it.

[meatwad555]

Originally Posted by thmyorke1

My bad, didnt read carefully. So they're doing restoration below the pottersville road bridge.

Seems like a good idea... if they just claim more of the river as public property along with it.

Something should be worked out to make some good section of the river public. State could buy some of the riverside land from the property owners?

It's all behind private property, behind public eye, so not to be disrespecting the land owners but they can be doing anything to that river and get away with it.

There's definitely large parts owned by private individuals. But apparently the Township of Bedminster owns large tracts as well. They were looking for the towns permission to work on their sections too. I haven't explored that area too much, so I have no idea what areas can be accessesed via public right of way.

[thmyorke1]

Originally Posted by meatwad555

There's definitely large parts owned by private individuals. But apparently the Township of Bedminster owns large tracts as well. They were looking for the towns permission to work on their sections too. I haven't explored that area too much, so I have no idea what areas can be accessesed via public right of way.

I've been up there. All posted property. check the tax map of nj. I figured it was mostly private not township-owned.