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Watergate Wetlands Restoration Project
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and Middle Delaware National Scenic River » Watergate Wetlands Restoration Project » Document List
The National Park Service (NPS) is restoring wetlands and the natural function of a stream and its floodplain by reversing man-made changes in and near the Watergate Recreation Site in Hardwick Township, Warren County, New Jersey. The project compensates for temporary and permanent impacts to wetlands, floodplains, and ecosystem function caused by the construction, operation, and maintenance of a high-voltage transmission line and its 200-foot right-of-way within Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
The project area, including a section of Van Campens Brook, will remain closed for the duration of construction. Construction began in February 2021 and is expected to be completed in early 2023. To see the map of the closed area, click on the "Document List" link above.
The project includes the conversion of the mowed lawn and shallow ponds at the Watergate Recreation Site into 20 acres of wetlands. Low, earthen dams and concrete dams are being removed throughout the site. Approximately 800 linear feet of Van Campens Brook will be restored, and the stream will be reconnected to its floodplain through the removal of approximately 4000 linear feet of a gravel road. Invasive plants are being treated, and the area will be revegetated with native plants and seeds. Together, these actions will restore not only wetlands and the stream, but also the natural hydrology of the area and will provide an overall ecological uplift within the Van Campens Watershed.
As part of the planning and design phase of the project, the NPS evaluated the effects of the proposed project versus the consequences of not taking action (the continuation of the current condition and management of the site). The analysis is documented in an environmental assessment (EA). The EA was released for public review and comment in June 2020. After considering and incorporating public comments, the NPS decided to move forward with implementing the project. The decision to implement is documented in a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). To download the EA and FONSI, please click on the "Document List" link above.
The project area, including a section of Van Campens Brook, will remain closed for the duration of construction. Construction began in February 2021 and is expected to be completed in early 2023. To see the map of the closed area, click on the "Document List" link above.
The project includes the conversion of the mowed lawn and shallow ponds at the Watergate Recreation Site into 20 acres of wetlands. Low, earthen dams and concrete dams are being removed throughout the site. Approximately 800 linear feet of Van Campens Brook will be restored, and the stream will be reconnected to its floodplain through the removal of approximately 4000 linear feet of a gravel road. Invasive plants are being treated, and the area will be revegetated with native plants and seeds. Together, these actions will restore not only wetlands and the stream, but also the natural hydrology of the area and will provide an overall ecological uplift within the Van Campens Watershed.
As part of the planning and design phase of the project, the NPS evaluated the effects of the proposed project versus the consequences of not taking action (the continuation of the current condition and management of the site). The analysis is documented in an environmental assessment (EA). The EA was released for public review and comment in June 2020. After considering and incorporating public comments, the NPS decided to move forward with implementing the project. The decision to implement is documented in a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). To download the EA and FONSI, please click on the "Document List" link above.