Project Titles:

• Construct Helen C. Fenske Visitor Center (FFS #R5LB)
• Remove Quarters #99 (FFS #R5GJ)
• Replace Pleasant Plains Road Automatic Gate (South Gate) (FFS #R5GH)
• Replace Water Control Structure #14 (FFS #R5GG)
• Implement Energy Efficiency Tier 1 (FFS #R5GY*)

State: New Jersey

Project Description: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service utilized American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds to make essential repairs and improvements at a 7,600-acre national wildlife refuge located just one hour west of New York City’s Times Square.

The Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, has been in operation since 1960 and is home to more than 39 species of reptiles and amphibians, 29 species of fish, and provides pivotal resting and feeding habitat for more than 244 species of birds. Recovery Acts funds were used to improve habitat while simultaneously enhancing visitors’ experience at the refuge and creating job opportunities for small businesses.

Construct Helen C. Fenske Visitor Center

The Helen C. Fenske Visitor Center has been open since September 2009 and once displayed a series of temporary exhibits put together by the Friends of Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. Permanent exhibits for the center were installed using $384,412 in Recovery Act funds. This facility and its exhibits now serve as a gateway to the refuge system and a “launching pad” for visitors to the refuge, according to Refuge Manager Bill Koch.

Taylor Studios Inc., from Rantoul, Illinois, designed, created and installed the exhibits. Solar energy for the new center was also funded using Recovery Act money. Work at the building was completed in August 2010.

The visitor center is named after the late Helen Fenske, a woman widely credited with saving land that is now part of the Great Swamp NWR from becoming a regional jetport. She led a grassroots effort in the 1960s that raised more than $1 million to purchase and donate 3,000 acres of land to the Department of the Interior. She went on to receive many awards for her conservation efforts prior to her passing in 2007 at the age of 84.

Remove Quarters #99

Building #99, an old farmhouse that served many purposes throughout the years – most recently as home to the Friends Group – sat vacant since the Friends Group relocated to the visitor center in 2009. Recovery Act funds were used for the demolition and removal of the structure so refuge workers can continue turning back the clock on this land, first acquired by English investors in 1708. Delaware Indians received a barrel of rum, 15 kettles, four pistols, four cutlasses, 30 British pounds, and various other goods for the land. More than 250 years later, refuge workers began removing structures and restoring native habitat to at least 60 sites throughout the refuge to date.

Energy Engineering & Controls, Inc., a small business from Center Valley, Pennsylvania received $17,485 for demolition and debris removal. Demolition was completed in April 2010.

Replace Pleasant Plains Road Automatic Gate

The South Gate on Pleasant Plains Road serves as the main entry to the refuge and is also the gateway to the Helen C. Fenske Visitor Center, refuge headquarters, and a popular auto tour. The old timed automatic gate had fallen into disrepair and required constant maintenance to keep it functioning properly. That gate was replaced in November 2010, saving the Service from having to use management funds for repairs and providing work for a small business.

The new gate was installed by All Star Fence & Construction, LLC, from Oxon Hill, Maryland, and features a widened entrance and exit while also increasing refuge security.

Replace Water Control Structure #14

Water Control Structure #14, a small impoundment that regulates water levels within approximately 450 acres of wetland habitat, was initially installed in 1972 to help provide resting, nesting and feeding grounds for migratory waterfowl. The structure had deteriorated over time and the Service worked with Ducks Unlimited to design a replacement structure.

Falcon Ridge Construction Co., Inc., a local small business from Watchung, New Jersey, received a $97,234 contract to remove and replace an old Water Control Structure. Work was completed in June 2010.

These projects are just a small sampling of how Recovery Act funds were used throughout the country to create jobs for small business by funding important refuge projects.

“Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is very excited to have four projects funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009,” said Koch and Deputy Refuge Manager Steve Henry in March 2010. “These funds will enable to Refuge to complete critical maintenance projects, restore wildlife habitat, improve visitor services, and support green energy technology while reducing expenses. These projects represent a huge win-win for both wildlife and the public.”

Photos:

*Project R5GY is a Regionwide project impacting multiple sites. For more information view the Energy Efficiency Projects in the Northeast Region page

Originally posted 04/01/2010
Updated 07/07/2010
Updated 02/07/2011
Updated 02/09/2011
Page Completed 02/11/2011