Posted on June 28, 2016
The Passaic County Board of Chosen Freeholders voted to authorize the advertisement of bids for dredging and aeration work on Barbour’s Pond in Garret Mountain Reservation. Dredging Barbour’s Pond is part of a plan to allow canoes and paddle boats to once again cross the 14-acre body of water for recreation and fishing.
“We are creating more family recreational opportunities in our parks. The improvements are meant to make Garret Mountain a destination park in North Jersey,” said Freeholder Director TJ Best. “This investment by the freeholders and the state of New Jersey will protect and preserve Garret Mountain for generations to come.”
The funding from this project comes from a State Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Green Acres program for a $1.45 million grant that would go to the Garret Mountain Improvement Program, which is estimated at $2.9 million, according to a resolution approved by the Freeholder Board. The remaining balance will be funded through the Open Space Trust Fund.
This project is part of an effort to enhance Garret Mountain Reservation. In the last several years the county has laid down new gravel on the trail, renovated the historic observation tower and warming house by Barbour’s Pond, and created a park patrol. As recently as this year the county also installed restrooms and walkways that were ADA complaint, and restored the boat house on Barbour’s Pond.
“These improvements are meant to preserve Barbour’s Pond and Garret Mountain, but we also are investing in improving the park overall,” said Freeholder Deputy Director John W. Bartlett, Esq. “These improvements will provide new activities and increase facilities’ compliance with the ADA, while preserving the natural scenic beauty and wildlife we all go to the park to enjoy.”
The dredging will be done on the south end of the pond, and the Freeholders are committed to protecting the wildlife in the area, assuring that no wildlife will be removed from the pond. A study from the pond in 2009 by Montclair University found 18 different species of freshwater clams and snails, along with other native species such as turtles and frogs.
Source: Passaic County
