Collaboratively Developing a Salt Marsh Restoration Plan for Cattus Island County Park
Christian Dzugan
Co-Presenters: Brian Gisinger, Dylan Suarez, Madelyn Tomasello, Ryan Knox, Jake Collins
College: The Dorothy and George Hennings College of Science, Mathematics and Technology
Major: Enviornmental Sciences
Faculty Research Mentor: Daniela Shebitz
Abstract:
Salt marsh ecosystems provide a natural buffer to climate change, protecting coastal communities against high-energy storm surges and serving as carbon sinks. Threats such as sea level rise, invasive species, boat traffic, coastal storms, and anthropogenic modifications are causing severe erosion to salt marsh ecosystems along the eastern seaboard. Cattus Island County Park, part of the Ocean County Parks system, spans approximately 530 acres and is the most significant salt marsh and largest breakwater in the northern portion of Barnegat Bay. The salt marsh is experiencing drastic ponding and frequent flooding due an internal network of constructed impoundments and ditches. The overall goal of this senior capstone project is to design an internal salt marsh restoration project for the park through six objectives: 1) Research survey methods for endangered flora and fauna in the park, 2) identify DEP permits required and regulations to follow to do the remediation along with identifying any grants that could be helpful. 3) Research runnels and their effect on removing standing water. 4) Determine the amount of sediment needed and the cost for ditch and impoundment remediation. 5) Identify any and all materials needed and their cost for the project. 6) Develop educational signage to inform the public about the project. This project will serve as an important resource for Cattus Island County Park as it prepares to become more resilient to the effects of a rapidly changing climate.