Service approves Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge in Pennsylvania
December 26, 2008
H. Dale Hall, Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Marvin Moriarty, the agency’s northeast regional director, announced today that the Service has approved a new national wildlife refuge in eastern Pennsylvania’s Cherry Valley. The Service has established a boundary for the refuge, encompassing 20,466 acres in Monroe and Northampton counties, within which it may now acquire nationally significant habitat for wildlife as part of the National Wildlife Refuge System.
“It is a great honor, as Secretary of the Interior, to be able to recognize the establishment of this new national wildlife refuge,” Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne said. “The Department of the Interior and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are committed to the protection and conservation of the environmental diversity of this country. This new refuge will allow us to further our mission as we work to ensure that generations of Americans long into the future still will benefit from the abundance of our nation’s natural beauty.”
“The partnership approach to the planning for the Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge is a model for future planning efforts,” said Fish and Wildlife Service Director H. Dale Hall. “The collaboration of officials from local, state, and federal offices, as well as non-governmental organizations made sure the process was efficient and comprehensive. The strong, grassroots support for the project shows that this habitat is nationally significant and Cherry Valley is the right place for a new national wildlife refuge.”
The Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge boundary harbors rare ecosystems, several plants and animals protected under the Endangered Species Act, and many more species of concern within the conservation community. Cherry Creek, at the valley bottom, flows into the Delaware River. Following the creek’s path, Kittatinny Ridge is a major avenue for migrating birds and bats.
“Today is a wonderful day for Cherry Valley, and it makes the perfect holiday present for the residents of Monroe County,” said U.S. Congressman Paul E. Kanjorski (Penn.-D-11th). “It is amazing to see such overwhelming grassroots support for an initiative…It is because of these efforts that I first learned about what a wonderful area Cherry Valley is and they are the reasons that I worked to pass legislation calling for a study of Cherry Valley. I would like to thank the many people involved for their dedication and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for establishing the Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge.”
According to Hall, the Service achieves much of its fish and wildlife conservation mission by strategically acquiring lands from willing sellers as part of the National Wildlife Refuge System. At Cherry Valley, the Service’s next step is to work with partners and landowners within the refuge boundary to identify opportunities to acquire lands from interested property owners through easements and fee title. Organizations, such as the Commonweath of Pennsylvania, The Nature Conservancy, National Park Service and other entities already protect a significant amount of conservation land within and near the new refuge boundary.
The Service will endeavor to provide recreational opportunities, such as hunting, fishing and bird watching, when enough lands have been acquired to accommodate these uses.
“The Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge will protect a rare and important landscape for both people and nature,” said Bill Kunze, Pennsylvania state director for The Nature Conservancy.
“This project not only benefits rare plants and animals, but also a landscape of working farms and private homes scattered through a beautiful valley only 75 miles from Philadelphia and Manhattan. We’re very happy for the people of Cherry Valley, who have loved this land for generations, and have worked hard to bring this refuge to life,” Kunze said.
This announcement marks the culmination of a citizen-based movement to protect Cherry Valley. In 2005, U.S. Representatives Paul E. Kanjorski (Penn.-D-11th) and Charles W. Dent (Penn.-R-15th) co-sponsored a bill on behalf of their constituents to consider a prospective national wildlife refuge within the valley. The legislation was in response to a petition advocating for refuge establishment endorsed by community leaders and local elected officials in Monroe County. Identical legislation was introduced in the Senate by then Senator Rick Santorum and co-sponsored by Senator Arlen Specter. The 109th U.S. Congress approved the Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge Study Act in 2006. The study and an environmental assessment required under the National Environmental Policy Act were completed earlier this month, at which time the Service’s Northeast Region recommended that Hall establish the refuge boundary.Â
The completed study, including the final environmental assessment, finding of no significant impact (FONSI) and other establishing documents, and answers to frequently asked questions regarding establishing national wildlife refuges, can be found online at http://www.fws.gov/northeast
.
The Service completed the Cherry Valley study in partnership with The Nature Conservancy and many other organizations, including the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, Pennsylvania Game Commission, National Park Service, Monroe County Planning Commission, Monroe County Conservation District, Northampton Community College, East Stroudsburg University and the Pocono Avian Research Center.
Additional quotes:
“It is with great enthusiasm that I supported the creation of a new national wildlife refuge in the beautiful Cherry Valley of Monroe and Northampton counties,” U.S.Congressman Charles W. Dent said. “This refuge contains many critical ecosystems in the valley, and its protection will provide the greatest opportunity for wildlife preservation, public use and scientific research.”
“The federal approval of Cherry Valley as a national wildlife refuge will help provide important habitat to many species that are threatened, particularly majestic birds like broad-winged hawks and bald eagles,” Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell said. “It also supports Pennsylvania?s work to conserve natural resources in the Pocono Region, recognizing that they are critical to sustainable communities and economies.”
Dr. Douglas J. Austen, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, said “The Commonwealth’s interest in the conservation and protection of Cherry Valley runs deep, as we have a multitude of trust species, including our state fish, the brook trout, and the state-endangered bog turtle, that inhabit and thrive in the diverse habitats within the new national wildlife refuge. The entire process culminating with the designation has been a model of cooperation, collaboration and vision on the part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, The Nature Conservancy and other partners. Everyone involved deserves the highest praise for this monumental accomplishment that will preserve Cherry Valley’s value to Pennsylvania’s residents, visitors and wildlife.”
According to Debra Schuler, president of the Friends of Cherry Valley, “The establishment of the Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge will now give conservation-minded landowners the additional option that has been needed to assist them in preserving their land as a legacy for future generations. Cherry Valley is such a unique place! Much of it has remained un-touched, which is why it has the qualities it does. Now we can move forward with protecting the environment, the animals that inhabit it, and its rich history.”
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.
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Belleayre Fall Festival to Be Held Oct. 11-12 at Delaware and Ulster Railroad
September 16, 2008
Partnership Will Help Continue Annual Catskill Tradition
The 29th Annual Belleayre Fall Festival will be held this coming Columbus Day weekend, but at a new location thanks to a partnership announced today by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Delaware and Ulster Railroad. The festival will take place on Oct. 11-12 at the Delaware and Ulster Railroad on Route 28 in Arkville, Delaware County.
The Delaware and Ulster Railroad is an excursion train that combines railroad nostalgia with scenic rides through New York’s legendary Catskill Mountains. Trains take visitors through quaint villages, rolling fields, majestic mountains, pastoral farms and near the East Branch of the Delaware River.
Normally held at DEC’s Belleayre Mountain ski area about five miles away, the Railroad has worked with DEC to supply support for the festival. Belleayre Mountain representatives will also be on-site to provide information about tickets for the upcoming ski season. Belleayre will operate seven-days-a-week this season.
This year’s festival will offer train rides, a huge ski and winter apparel sale, live music, great food, dozens of craft vendors, a kid’s crafts tent, face painting, and much more - all at the peak of fall color in the Catskill Mountains.
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Trout Regulations Modified at Fish & Boat Commission Summer Meeting
July 17, 2008
New Officers Selected, New Commissioner on BoardÂ
Harrisburg, PA, 7/16/08 – At its summer quarterly meeting yesterday, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) voted to allow anglers to fish in lakes and ponds approved as year-round trout waters without possessing a trout/salmon permit, as long as anglers are not fishing for trout or salmon. Commissioners also voted to open 31 additional approved trout waters to year-round fishing.
The changes to the lake and pond regulations were made after several individuals submitted public comments noting that anglers often fish these waters for species other than trout. Both changes will take effect Jan. 1, 2009.
At the start of the meeting, Commissioners Leonard L. Lichvar and Thomas C. Shetterly were elected President and Vice President, respectively, of the PFBC. New Commissioner Norman Gavlick, of Kingston, was also introduced. He was appointed by Governor Edward Rendell to serve as the Seventh District Commissioner.
In other action, the Commission voted to add regulations to further restrict the interstate sale, introduction and transportation of fish susceptible to the infectious disease viral hemorrhagic septicemia, or VHS.
Outdoor enthusiasts in Erie County will have more opportunities to fish, boat, and hike with the Commission action to approve a cooperative agreement with North East Township that commits $43,000 for the acquisition of an access easement located on 20-mile Creek, a popular steelhead fishing location.
The Commission also:
- Approved restrictions on nighttime fishing on a section of Walnut Creek, Erie County.
- Adopted amendments to Fish and Boat Code Section 63.8 (Longbows, Crossbows, Spears, and Gigs) to allow catfish to be harvested in all Commonwealth waters by longbows and arrows, not just the Delaware River.
- Adopted a statement of policy on wind power.
- Approved the publication of notice of proposed rulemaking to remove smallmouth buffalo, longhead darter, and channel darter from the threatened species list and river redhorse and longnose gar from the candidate species list.
- The complete agenda is available at http://www.fish.state.pa.us/minutes.htm.
The mission of the Fish and Boat Commission is to protect, conserve, and enhance the Commonwealth’s aquatic resources and provide fishing and boating opportunities. For more information about fishing and boating in Pennsylvania, please visit our website at www.fishandboat.com.
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NYDEC Promotes New Public Access for Fishing on Delaware River
July 15, 2008
DEC, DOT Work to Expand Sites in Delaware County
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) today announced the opening of three fishing access sites along the East and West Branches of the Delaware River in Delaware County. The sites are located in the towns of Colchester and Hancock and include parking access for anglers. A fourth site, located in the town of Deposit, is scheduled to open next month.
Construction of the fishing access sites was a joint DEC/DOT venture. DEC staff provided technical oversight, computerized mapping work and sign construction and placement. DOT funded the projects and did most of the construction work. All the sites are located on DOT rights-of-way. Both agencies will share the maintenance of the sites.
“With the increasing number of posted signs appearing along our state’s waterways, this is a significant step to help preserve fishing access to some of New York’s premier trout waters,” DEC Regional Director Gene Kelly said. “Today’s announcement assures that current and future generations of anglers will be guaranteed access to these world-renowned trout waters. I would like to thank DOT, which was instrumental in bringing the fishing access sites to fruition, saving the state a significant amount of time and money.”
“The fishing access points to the East Branch of the Delaware River on State Route 30 are excellent examples of partnership between DOT and DEC,” said New York State Department of Transportation Regional Director Jack Williams. “This area is famous for its fine fishing. Now thanks to this cooperative effort, people will have safe off-road places to park their vehicles and access the waterway.”
The three completed fishing access sites include:
- The Long Flat site in the town of Hancock, located 1.9 miles east of the hamlet of Harvard on NYS Hwy 30.
- The East Branch site in the town of Hancock, located about a half mile north of the hamlet of East Branch on NYS Hwy 30 just north of RT17/I-86 exit 90.
- The Thayer Hollow (Shinhopple) site, located about a half mile east of the hamlet of Shinhopple on NYS Hwy 30.
The fourth access site, scheduled to be completed next month, is the Laural Hill site located in the village of Deposit, 2 Laural Bank Ave, 460 feet north of the RT17/I-86 overpass.
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New Jersey “Take Me Fishing” Program
June 8, 2008
The NJ DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife has joined forces with the national Take me Fishing campaign which encourages everyone to participate in the leisurely, family-friendly experience of fishing and enhance their appreciation of the natural world.
Over the next year, New Jersey, alongside 29 states nationwide, will participate in an effort to reach out to former and new anglers, and encourage them to buy a license and get out on the water.
For those who are somehow not aware, New Jersey offers endless fishing opportunities. From spring migrations of striped bass and American shad in the Delaware River to bayshores and the Atlantic coastline, there’s something for all anglers. And progressive management and fish culture and stocking programs means a greater of variety of fish are available than ever before.
Waters in Wildlife Management Areas, in state parks and forests, in federal lands and county and municipal parks make fishing nearby for everyone. Many sites have been improved for access by wheelchair, and public boat ramps abound. For those who’ve never tried fishing, or have been away from the sport, two Free Fishing Days in June allow fishing without a license or trout stamp, and a license is never required for saltwater fishing.
Whether it’s surf fishing from the beach, miles of native trout streams, lunker bass lakes or through the ice, New Jersey anglers have some of the widest varieties of fishing opportunities available anywhere. Below are links to other pages to help you get out and see why the fishing in New Jersey has never been better!
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New Jersey’s Priceless Resource - Studying the Delaware River
May 27, 2008
INTRODUCTION - HISTORY OF FISHERIES SURVEYS
An estuary is defined as a semi-enclosed body of water in which freshwater mixes with salt water. Estuaries are one of the most biologically productive ecosystems on Earth. They serve as nursery areas, spawning and feeding grounds, and migratory routes for many recreational and commercial fish. As the Delaware River flows past Trenton, freshwater begins to mix with saltwater from the Delaware Bay, creating the Delaware Estuary, New Jersey’s largest estuary system.
The success of any fish or wildlife species is contingent upon the survival of its young. The Delaware estuary provides a suitable nursery environment for young fish to grow. Monitoring populations of these juvenile fish is essential for fishery managers to estimate abundance and evaluate the viablity of the population. These assessments provide a means to predict population trends and future harvest potential of monitored species. New Jersey’s Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of Fish & Wildlife’s Bureau of Marine Fisheries conducts several surveys each year which allow biologists to study the status of a given species population or water body. One of these key surveys is the Delaware River Seine Survey.
The seine survey is a required Fishery Independent Monitoring Project in accordance with the Atlantic State Marine Fisheries Commission’s Interstate Fisheries Management Plan for Striped Bass. It is currently the Bureau of Marine Fisheries’ longest running fishery-independent survey.
The survey began in 1980 when striped bass stocks were severely depleted, and is primarily a juvenile abundance survey for striped bass. Data collected provides an annual abundance index for this species, reported as the number of young-of-year per seine haul. Results have been corroborated by other independent surveys, such as the Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife’s striped bass spawning stock survey (pdf, 205kb).
A unique aspect of this survey is its longevity - it has been conducted for 28 consecutive years. Data from such a long period of time is highly beneficial to species population studies. Not only does this survey tell us how many fish there are from year to year, but the data also contributes to the development of fisheries management plans. Information collected helps to ensure that fish will be able to provide abundant harvests in the future.
SURVEY LOCATIONS:
The survey area is divided into three regions which have not changed since the beginning of the survey. Changes have occurred to the number of stations, station locations and dates sampled over the years.
All regions are tidal. Region 1 is the southernmost area of the sampling area. It is a brackish region extending from the spring saltwater/freshwater interface to the Delaware Memorial Bridges. Region 2 is the central sampling area. It is a brackish-to-freshwater area extending from the Delaware Memorial Bridges to the Schuylkill River. Region 3 is the northernmost sampling area. It is a freshwater area extending from Philadelphia to the fall line at Trenton.
Currently, there are 32 fixed stations (beaches): 8 in Region 1, 16 in Region 2 and 8 in Region 3. Each station is sampled twice a month from mid-June to mid-November, resulting in the current effort of 320 seine hauls each year.
EQUIPMENT/METHODOLOGY
Survey methodology has remained fairly consistent through the years. The boat used for this survey is a 20-foot Privateer, Roamer skiff. This fiberglass boat has a side console and a 140-horsepower Suzuki 4-stroke outboard engine. The net used is a 100-foot long, 6-foot deep seine net, with ÂĽ-inch mesh that has a bag in the middle where the fish are collected.
One end of the net is held close to shore by a crewmember on the beach while the rest of the net is set off the bow of the boat as it backs away from the beach. The boat sets the net with the current, before turning back towards the beach to form a “U” shape. To complete the haul, the net is pulled onto the beach from both ends and the catch is funneled into the bag in the center of the net. Â
CATCH HISTORY
After a seine haul is complete, and the net has been pulled onto the beach, all fish captured are sorted by species, counted and subsamples of target species are measured. In addition to striped bass, target species include: white perch, herring, American shad, bay anchovy, Atlantic croaker and weakfish.
Since the survey’s inception, sampling crews have set a beach seine 5,773 times and caught 1,167,546 fish. Biologists have averaged 202 fish per haul since 1980, with 86 different species identified. The five most abundant species caught include: blueback herring, Atlantic menhaden, bay anchovy, white perch and American shad. The primary target species (striped bass) is the twelfth most commonly captured.
Summary table of all species caught (pdf, 7kb)
For more information about individual species (biology, range, etc), please visit one of the following websites:
WATER QUALITY INFORMATION
Water quality parameters such as salinity, water temperature and dissolved oxygen are recorded at every station. A YSI brand dissolved oxygen (DO) meter is used to collect this data. This is a handheld meter that simultaneously measures several different water quality parameters. The DO meter has a probe attached to it with a long cord.
The probe is lowered over the side of the boat into the water, just below the surface. The DO meter gives readings within a matter of seconds, providing fast, accurate measurements. Because all water quality parameters are influenced by many outside factors, it is necessary to record this data at the site of each seine haul.
Salinity is the saltiness, or dissolved salt content, of a body of water. In the Delaware River seine survey, it is measured in parts per thousand (ppt) which is the measure of grams of salt per liter of water. In a tidal estuary, there are many factors which influence salinity. Freshwater run-off from rain and snow storms lowers salinity levels, while droughts lead to an influx of saltwater from the ocean.
In this survey, Region 1 is the southernmost area, closest to the Delaware Bay. Therefore it makes sense that this region has the highest salinity averages, ranging from 0.901 ppt in 2004 to 6.48 ppt in 1995. Region 2 is a more brackish water area, with averages ranging from 0.0 ppt in 1996 to 1.612 ppt in 1997. While still tidal, Region 3 is almost completely freshwater. Survey averages have ranged from 0.0 ppt in 1990 to 0.102 ppt in 2000. Overall, trends show that the salinity of the Delaware River has remained fairly constant through the years.
Water temperature is also affected by many factors, including water depth, tides and weather. On average, the water temperature during this survey, measured in degrees Celsius, has increased over the years. The lowest average temperatures in all three regions occurred in the early 1990s. In Region 1 high averages were collected in 2007 measuring 23.9 degrees. In Region 2, it was 2001 at 23.8 degrees. Finally, Region 3 peaked out in 2005 at 24.0 degrees.
Dissolved oxygen (DO) is a measure of the amount of gaseous oxygen that is dissolved in a body of water. It is measured in milligrams per liter (mg/L). Oxygen gets into the water by diffusion from the surrounding air. This happens through a number of mechanisms, including rapid water movement (tides, run-off or boat traffic) and air movement above the water (wind or storms). Trends show a gradual decrease in the overall average of DO in the Delaware River. Region 1 peaked out at an average of 7.867 mg/L in 1996 and bottomed out in 2007 at 6.478 mg/L. Region 2, had its highest average in 1990 at 7.378 mg/L and lowest in 2007 at 6.394 mg/L. Like Region 1, Region 3 had its highest average in 1996 at 8.01 mg/L and its lowest in 2001 with a value of 5.94 mg/L.
THE FUTURE OF DELAWARE RIVER FISHERIES
Regions 1 and 2 are historical striped bass spawning grounds. Results of this seine survey in recent years have confirmed that these regions are just as important now as they were in decades past. In fact, data from this and similar surveys in other states have reflected an increase in the striped bass population along the entire East Coast. Surveys like this are just the beginning of the stock assessment process for many species.
Since the inception of the survey, the abundance of several species has declined including spot, American eel and channel catfish. While it is not completely certain why these species populations are decreasing, the Division of Fish & Wildlife is planning future research to determine the underlying causes.
Seine surveys, as with all fishery surveys, are important for ecosystem management. Not only do they provide information on species abundance, but they also provide a broader source of data on interactions with other species and associations with environmental factors. Without these surveys, biologists could not identify species interactions that might predict future fishery management needs. With consistent monitoring along the entire New Jersey coast, we can alleviate any future declines in abundance before it’s too late.
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