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General description: The principal fresh-water wetlands of New Jersey include: 



~3 the wooded swamps and marshes along the rivers draining the pine barrens 



^ (notable among these are the Great Egg Harbor, Mullica, and Wading rivers); 



W swamps and marshes in the Passaic River watershed, occupying glacial lake 



basins dating from the Wisconsin period (Great Swamp, already a Registered 

 Natural Landmark, and Troy and Great Piece meadows); and bog pockets in the 

 glaciated section, such as Cedar Swamp on the Kuser Memorial Natural Area 

 and the Helmetta Bogs. 



Status of the wetlands: Population pressure is great in New Jersey, and this is 

 having an impact upon many of the wetlands. Developments are threatening the 

 Great Egg Harbor River, Helmetta Woods, and portions of the Mullica and 

 Wading River watersheds. Great Swamp was one of the sites selected for an in- 

 ternational jetport. Its acquisition as a National Wildlife Refuge averted this dis- 

 aster. The Troy and Great Piece meadows can be cited as classic examples of 

 wetlands subjected to multiple encroachments. These include power line, 

 telephone and gas pipe-line easements, filling for highways and developments, 

 flood control works, and pollution. Sanitary landfill and construction of 

 recharge impoundments are other destructive activities. Cranberry culture has 

 modified other natural wetlands. 



Sources of data: Data were obtained chiefly through the New Jersey Depart- 

 ment of Conservation and Development. Some information was also obtained 

 from university biologists. 



Recommendations: The wetlands along the rivers in the pine barrens should all 

 be considered for landmark status. The Timber Beaver Swamp and the wetlands 

 along Great Egg Harbor River would be easier to pinpoint than those along the 

 Mullica and Wading rivers, although the latter have the advantage of larger size. 

 The Great Egg Harbor River wetlands are under threat of development and, 

 hence, are in the greatest need of immediate protection. Great Swamp is already 

 a Registered Natural Landmark. Troy Meadows has been rated eligible for land- 

 mark status and is a top priority area. Recognition would help Wildlife Preserves 

 continue to protect the area from encroachments. Of the bog areas reported, 

 Kuser Memorial Natural Area is presently the better protected. Helmetta 

 Woods, however, is closer to educational institutions and is, therefore, of 

 greater educational value. Both should be considered as potential landmarks. 

 Lily Lake, already protected by the Brigantine National Wildlife Refuge, is too 

 small to warrant consideration. The Trenton Marshes are fresh marshes, but 

 subject to tidal fluctuation, and, hence, should probably be included under the 

 estuarine theme. They are under County Park protection and may thus be 

 worthy of landmark recognition. 



