Threats to the Dismal Swamp

By Krysta Venturella, Edison Wetlands Association

            Right in the middle of bustling Central New Jersey lies a natural oasis. The 660-acre Dismal Swamp Conservation Area, which spans portions of Edison, Metuchen and South Plainfield, is one of the largest remaining viable ecosystems in this highly-urbanized part of the state. 

            The clean, spring-fed waterways that wind through the Dismal Swamp – or “The Diz,” as many of its neighbors call it – are home to more than a dozen species of turtles, frogs and salamanders. Fish and freshwater crustaceans, such as clams and shrimp, also thrive in this pristine water world.

This unique and irreplaceable nature preserve, which was designated “priority wetlands” by both the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, provides much-needed habitat for an estimated 175 species of birds, 12 species of mammals, and eight species of amphibians and reptiles. Four endangered species – American bittern, Bald eagle, Northern harrier, and Vesper sparrow – and five threatened species – Cooper’s hawk, Black-crowned night-heron, Yellow-crowned night-heron, Osprey, Grasshopper sparrow – call the Diz their home.

“The Dismal Swamp offers one of the best freshwater habitats for wildlife viewing in Central New Jersey,” says David Wheeler, Edison Wetlands Association Director of Operations.  “The Diz also dramatically improves the quality of the air we breathe and provides clean water to Bound Brook, ultimately helping the long-term recovery of the Raritan River estuary.”

            Unfortunately, as with countless other natural ecosystems in New Jersey, this natural haven is at risk.

Pristine wetlands that surround the historic Adams Farm, which sits in the heart of the Dismal Swamp, are at risk of being paved over to build 17 homes, if politically connected developer A. Ferraro has his way. This ill-conceived proposal will cause major flooding in this area, worsening the existing flood problems.

“It is pure folly to build in a floodplain, which only exacerbates the serious existing flood problems that already plague this area,” says EWA Executive Director Bob Spiegel.  “And it’s really unfortunate for all New Jersey residents that South Plainfield holds over half the Dismal Swamp, yet sees no intrinsic value in the many ways it improves the region’s quality of life, in everything from flood control and improved air quality to cleaner water and local opportunities for environmental education.”

Fortunately, there is still a chance to help prevent the destruction of Adams Farm’s wetlands. On December 11, a hearing before the South Plainfield Planning Board will be held to discuss the fate of this historic site.

 “Without the healthy Dismal Swamp to absorb excess rainwater, the massive storm that hit Edison this past April would have likely flooded out hundreds of homes in nearby residential communities,” says Wheeler.  “In fact, over the years both the amount and frequency of flooding have increased significantly in the area because of the overdevelopment and impervious surfaces that impact and surround the Dismal Swamp.”

There are a number of other threats to the Dismal Swamp Conservation Area.  South Plainfield’s ill-advised Helen Street project proposes a diesel truck highway shooting right through the heart of the Diz.  Along with the destruction of vital habitat, EWA’s traffic consultants say the project would not even accomplish its stated goals of improving local truck traffic.  It may even worsen it.  Fortunately, the project has been languishing for years due to a lack of funding.

“The residents of South Plainfield have been misled about this project for a long time, as it will not bring fewer trucks through town—it may even worsen their truck traffic,” said Spiegel.  “We hope that they can begin to see that they can have a real self-interest in preserving the Dismal Swamp.  Between flood control and cleaner air, plus the chances for their kids to experience nature, the Diz brings a lot more to their quality of life than building more homes and diesel truck highways.”

Another project proposal, for the Visco tract in Edison, calls for clear-cutting eight acres of pristine forested wetlands and healthy upland forest in the Dismal Swamp. The project, under consideration by the Edison Township Council, calls for the construction of single-family homes and a sprawling center.

“The Visco project would decimate wildlife habitat and impact the public's ability to experience this natural wonder,” says Wheeler. “In addition, it would have harmful effects on neighboring communities.”

This unique parcel, which is landlocked and accessible only through Township-owned land, is a no-cost wildlife oasis that enables visitors the chance to encounter nature and enjoy the great outdoors. 

In fact, the Township Council has already recognized what an amazing resource the Dismal Swamp is for Edison families, by working with EWA and other local groups on plans to transform a former factory into a regional Dismal Swamp environmental education camp center. The planned site of that center is near the Visco tracts that are now being considered for overdevelopment.

The lack of management of the Dismal Swamp by Edison, Metuchen and South Plainfield has led to additional problems that regularly impact the Diz—widespread dumping, offroad vehicles, and illegal hunting.  The only portion of the Dismal Swamp currently managed in a positive way is the 40-acre parcel that EWA manages as the Triple C Ranch and Nature Center, the last working farm in northern Middlesex County with nature trails and bird blinds.

Finally, another proposal is to build a 195-foot monopole communication’s tower by Trileaf Corporation on behalf of the City Switch LLC, along the planned Middlesex Greenway extension in Edison. The cell tower, which would be constructed adjacent to the non-profit Triple C Ranch, the last working farm in the Edison area, would threaten wildlife habitat, as well as important Native American archaeological grounds. 

            Spiegel and Peter J. Barnes, Assemblyman of the 18th District, have achieved a temporary victory in delaying the proposed project.

            Yet the battle is far from over.  The abundance of threats has convinced EWA to join with other environmental organizations, residents and citizens groups to form the Friends of the Dismal Swamp, an advocacy group dedicated to preserving all that is left of the Diz.  EWA and the Friends of the Dismal Swamp are asking environmental supporters to contact Commissioner Lisa Jackson of the Department of Environmental Protection and tell her to stand up against the ill-advised Helen Street truck highway, the paving over of Adams Farm, and the destruction of the Dismal Swamp. Residents of Edison, South Plainfield and Metuchen should also contact their town leaders to urge protection of the Dismal Swamp.

             Lisa Jackson can be contacted via email at Lisa.Jackson@dep.state.nj.us or by telephone at 609-292-2885.  EWA’s website is www.edisonwetlands.org.