Flatbrook Project Cancelled:

October 1, 2012: I am disappointed to announce of the cancellation of The Flatbrook Project. The obstacles we faced to overcome the presence of federally endangered dwarf wedge mussels in our project area was too great and costly to continue.

This was the Chapter's second attempt to underake a project to enhance and restore a section of our home river. Both attempts were foiled by the presence of dwarf wedge mussels.

As a conservation group, we fully support the recommendation of Federal and State agencies. We agree that the risk to an endangered species far outweighs the benefits of the project.

Big Flatbrook Restoration and Enhancement Project

Fred S. Burroughs North Jersey chapter of Trout Unlimited has embarked on an ambitious conservation project to restore, enhance, and protect portions of the Big Flatbrook in order to make it a viable trout stream for decades to come.

With the Board's recommendation and Membership approval, the chapter enlisted the services of Joe Urbani of Joseph Urbani & Associates, Inc. to survey the stream, prepare a plan, and provide an estimate to restore and enhance 1 mile of river starting from Three Bridges. The plan was delivered to the chapter in August and we are in the process of obtaining approval from the State.

The project is estimated to cost between $35K - $50K. Funding for the project will rely heavily on fund raising and donations. Key to the success of the project depends on Volunteer efforts.

This page will chronicle the progress of our efforts and track donations and spending.

Click Here for illustrations and pictorials.

Click Here to view design

Ongoing Activities

September 2012	After multiple lenghty conversation with the engineering firm, it was decided that the project will be nearly impossible to undertake with our available resources. The Board decided to abandon The Flatbrook Project.
August 2012	We learned of a similar project that was completed at the Shanee Resort in PA that involved endangered mussels. The engineering firm was contacted.
June 6, 2012	State and Federal agencies recommended not to move forward with our project in order to further protect dwarf wedge mussels. The Board of Directors voted to suspend the project.
May 15, 2012	Dwarf Wedge Mussell study completed. Study found mussels in our proposed project site.
Feb. 22, 2012	Glenn Tippy and Brian Cowden to meet with National Park Service to discuss next steps
Oct. 2011	Dwarf Wedge Musell study postponed due to high water event. Study will be re-scheduled in the summer of 2012
Sept. 2011	Federal and State agencies notified FSB/NJTU that we need to order a study for Dwarf Wedge Musell presence in the area where we will do our project. The study will cost $6,000.00.

Chronicles

Dec 9, 2010	Received News of Hudson Farm Club $25,000 donation
Dec. 3, 2010	We continue to receive Rod Raffle sales, to date we received $4,000.00. We are expecting donations and grants from agencies and private organizations.
Nov. 21, 2010	Riparian Tree Planting was completed. Over 25 volunteers from several chapters were on hand to plant over 100 trees. More tree plantings are being scheduled in the Spring of 2011. Click Here for pictures
Nov. 17 2010	Stuffed, Sorted, Licked, and Stamped over 3500 envelopes for the Bamboo Fly Rod Raffle. Thanks to all the members that made this huge effort possible.
Nov. 17 2010	Stuffed, Sorted, Licked, and Stamped over 3500 envelopes for the Bamboo Fly Rod Raffle. Thanks to all the members that made this huge effort possible.
Oct. 5, 2010	Brian Cowden met with NJ F&W with promising results. We have approval to move forward with our riparian planting project with minor revisions to the plan . Brian will submit revisions and await final approval. A new Riparian Planting date will be scheduled.
Sept. 18, 2010	Kiosk installation on Roy Bridge location is on hold. Riparian planting project is on hold. Plan is being reviewed by NJ F&W.
Sept. 25, 2010	Installed Kiosk at 3 Bridges Parking Lot.
August 2010	Chapter receives plan from Joe Urbani. Brian Cowden begins permit submission process.
July 2010	Chapter receives $4,000.00 Grant from The USFWS Delaware Estuaries Project.
June 2010	Joe Urbani completes survey and presented his recommendation at the June Chapter meeting. Estimate to complete the project is $35K - $50K.
May 2010	Chapter membership voted to move forward with the following: 1. Restore and Enhance Big Flatbrook strarting from 3 Bridges. 2. Approve $5000.00 expense to hire Joe Urbani to survey and prepare plans for restoring 1 mile of river.

Funding

$K	Donations	Spending
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5