Borough of Oakland awarded Roots for Rivers Reforestation Grant

Oakland, NJ – The Watershed Institute partnered with the Nature Conservancy in collaboration with Sustainable Jersey has awarded the Borough of Oakland as grant in the amount of $4,672.70 through their Roots for Rivers grant program. The intent of this grant is to support efforts to undertake floodplain reforestation. Program participants also receive technical assistance on designing their restoration projects.

The area targeted for reforestation is the area surrounding Little Pond Brook, located in Great Oak Park. Little Pond Brook is classified as a Category One Trout Producing stream by the Department of Environmental Protection. This classification is the highest level of protection provided based on the exceptional ecological significance and exceptional water supply significance. The Trout Producing designation is given to streams that trout use for spawning on nursery purposes during their first summer.

Over time, the canopy protecting the stream had decreased due to insect damage and invasive vines. As the waters need to remain cold for the trout, restoration efforts are required to continue protection of this critical area. Under the leadership of Hannah Wolfe, the DEP Watershed Ambassador for the region, several groups of volunteers will be assisting in the removal of invasive species and planting of native trees and underbrush to restore the canopy and prevent erosion.

This undertaking is possible with the support from Sustainable Oakland Green Team, Oakland Shade Tree Commission, Oakland Environmental Commission, and the Oakland Great Oak Park Committee. In addition to assisting with the planning stages, these groups will assist in invasive species removal, planting of native trees and shrubs, and monitor the plantings for five years.