Explore Blue Acres Land Resources<\/h4>\n
[\/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Identify Blue Acres lands in your community” color=”blue” size=”lg” align=”center” css=”” button_block=”true” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Frutgers.maps.arcgis.com%2Fapps%2Finstant%2Fmedia%2Findex.html%3Fappid%3D4cb440d606bc4bcbaa4fcf2924addc8c%26center%3D-74.2409%3B40.891%26level%3D17|target:_blank”][vc_btn title=”Request use of DEP property for municipal projects” color=”blue” size=”lg” align=”center” css=”” button_block=”true” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeptest.nj.gov%2Fotpla%2Frequests-for-use-of-njdep-property%2F|target:_blank”][vc_btn title=”Buyout and floodplain restoration resources” color=”blue” size=”lg” align=”center” css=”” button_block=”true” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeptest.nj.gov%2Fblueacres%2Fresources%2F|target:_blank”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”42px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_raw_html css=””]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[\/vc_raw_html][vc_tta_accordion color=”blue” spacing=”5″ gap=”5″ active_section=”” collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”Woodbridge Township” tab_id=”woodbridge-township”][vc_column_text css=””]Woodbridge Township, home to over 100,000 residents, is divided by the Woodbridge River, Heards Brook, and bordered by the Arthur Kill\u2014a geography that places many neighborhoods at high risk of flooding. One such neighborhood, Watson-Crampton<\/a>, experienced severe flooding during Superstorm Sandy in October 2012, when stormwaters inundated homes and cut off access to the area. In response, Woodbridge has taken a proactive approach to reduce future flood risk and support long-term community resilience.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Through the DEP\u2019s Blue Acres Program, more than 200 properties in flood-prone areas of Woodbridge have been purchased and cleared, creating opportunities for floodplain restoration and public space development. In partnership with <\/span>Rutgers University<\/span><\/a> and other technical experts, and with funding from t<\/span>he National Fish and Wildlife Coastal Resilience Fund, th<\/span>e township has launched a multi-phase restoration effort focused on both ecological recovery and community benefit.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Restoration Highlights<\/strong><\/p>\n In neighborhoods where Blue Acres properties are neighbored by occupied homes, Woodbridge is implementing \u201cpocket park\u201d solutions\u2014small-scale green spaces such as pollinator gardens, rain gardens, and passive play areas that enhance livability while maintaining floodplain function.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Why It Matters<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n By replacing impervious surfaces with restored green space, the Woodbridge Blue Acres restoration project is:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n This project exemplifies how Blue Acres buyouts can be leveraged not just for risk reduction, but for transformative community renewal. As climate-driven storms become more frequent and severe, Woodbridge\u2019s approach offers a blueprint for other municipalities seeking to turn vulnerable land into lasting assets.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n During Hurricane Sandy, a <\/span>15-foot storm surge<\/span><\/a> overtook Linden\u2019s Tremley Point neighborhood, severely damaging more than a dozen homes and causing an estimated $3 million in damages. In response, the expanded Blue Acres program purchased 22 properties in Tremley Point, securing nearly 3 acres for floodplain restoration. In 2014, Rutgers School of Engineering and the City of Linden received <\/span>$2.7 million for floodplain restoration<\/span><\/a> on Blue Acres-owned lots.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n With financial and technical support from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), Princeton Hydro, the New Jersey Corporate Wetlands Restoration Partnership, Phillips 66 Bayway Refinery, and Enviroscapes, the Tremley Point floodplain restoration project (completed in late 2019) has provided myriad environmental and community benefits. The <\/span>restoration<\/span><\/a> of 2 acres of native coastal forest, 0.6 acres of native meadow, and 0.5 acres of natural floodplain have resulted in an estimated <\/span>stormwater runoff reduction of 4.1 million gallons<\/span><\/a> (nearly 45%), reducing community vulnerability to flooding. In addition to providing natural flood storage, the restored ecosystem provides valuable habitat for native species<\/span>,<\/span> including pollinators, and an unpaved pervious walking trail <\/span>and<\/span> connecting several \u201cpocket parks\u201d provides recreation opportunities for the community without impeding the flow of stormwater runoff.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The Tremley Point floodplain restoration serves as a blueprint for future Blue Acres land use projects. By replacing impermeable surfaces with green space, this restoration project has provided the community with a public asset and increased flood resilience.<\/span><\/p>\n Funding was provided by the FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program for the acquisition, demolition, and removal of structures.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”3994″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” css=””][vc_column_text css=””]Project Partners<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n NJDEP Office of Coastal Engineering<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n South State, Inc.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Stockton University Coastal Research Center<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n ACT Engineers<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Dr. Richard\u00a0Weggel, Drexel University<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Restoration\u00a0Highlights<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Why It Matters<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Delaware Bay is the epicenter of Atlantic horseshoe crab spawning and migratory shorebirds rely on those horseshoe crab eggs to sustain their journey to the Arctic. This project area was identified as critical habitat for spawning horseshoe crabs and migratory shorebirds, including the federally listed threatened Red Knot. Prior to this project the shoreline was covered in concrete rubble, a tactic used by previous homeowners to combat erosion. The debris not only created poor spawning conditions for horseshoe crabs, but also left many trapped between the debris crevices. Dredged sand from the Nantuxent Creek and additional sand from an inland quarry were used to restore the shoreline, enhance conditions for horseshoe crab spawning, and improve both the ecological function and resilience of this shoreline. Additionally, the breakwaters will reduce wave energy, provide calmer conditions for horseshoe crab spawning, increase foraging opportunities for migratory shorebirds, and lengthen the residence time of the sand.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Upon completion, the restored beach\u00a0was\u00a0added to the NJ Fish & Wildlife\u00a0Nantuxent\u00a0Wildlife Management Area. Designated walkways were created across the dune to\u00a0provide\u00a0public access to the beach.\u00a0Bald eagles, Ospreys, migratory shorebirds, and horseshoe crabs can be\u00a0encountered\u00a0on your visit.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_images_carousel images=”4001,3997,3998,3999,4000,4003,4002″ img_size=”full” slides_per_view=”7″ autoplay=”yes” wrap=”yes” css=””][\/vc_tta_section][\/vc_tta_accordion][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n Do you have existing projects on Blue Acres lands in your community? We’d love to feature them! Reach out to blueacres@deptest.nj.gov to share more information.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column][vc_raw_html css=””]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[\/vc_raw_html][vc_tta_accordion color=”blue” spacing=”5″ gap=”5″ active_section=”” collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”Cranford Township (Union County)” tab_id=”cranford-township-union-county”][vc_column_text css=””]Blue Acres buyouts are underway in the Township of Cranford with funding from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) program with funds set aside for post-buyout restoration activities.[\/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Sign up for Cranford-specific restoration updates and opportunities” color=”primary” align=”center” css_animation=”appear” css=”” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fforms.office.com%2Fg%2FzhiAgxEgqp”][vc_column_text css=””]Timeline:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”3706″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center” onclick=”img_link_large” img_link_target=”_blank” css=””][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”East Hanover Township (Morris County)” tab_id=”east-hanover-township-morris-county”][vc_column_text css=””]Blue Acres buyouts are underway in the Township of East Hanover with funding from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) program with funds set aside for post-buyout restoration activities.[\/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Sign up for East Hanover-specific restoration updates” color=”primary” align=”center” css=”” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fforms.cloud.microsoft%2Fg%2F4iSgvi0dh8|target:_blank”][vc_column_text css=””]Timeline:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”4024″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center” css=””][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”South Plainfield Borough (Middlesex County)” tab_id=”south-plainfield-borough-middlesex-county”][vc_column_text css=””]More information forthcoming.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”New Milford (Bergen County)” tab_id=”new-milford-bergen-county”][vc_column_text css=””]More information forthcoming.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Pleasantville City (Atlantic County)” tab_id=”pleasantville-city-atlantic-county”][vc_column_text css=””]More information forthcoming.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][\/vc_tta_accordion][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”52px”][vc_column_text css_animation=”appear” css=””]<\/p>\n![\"Map](\"https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/blueacres\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/175\/woodbridge-watson-crampton-2025-map-scaled.jpg\")
<\/a>![\"Concept](\"https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/blueacres\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/175\/woodbridge-watson-crampton-neighborhood-plan-2015-232x300.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nIf your computer does not load these images correctly, click to view them in high-resolution.\u00a0<\/em><\/h6>\n
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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/blueacres\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/175\/woodbridge-restoration-photo-collage-for-website.png\")
<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”City of Linden” tab_id=”city-of-linden”][vc_column_text css=””]Linden, a city of over 40,000, lies at the <\/span>meeting point<\/span> of the Arthur Kill and Rahway River. While these waterways support the city\u2019s economy, the combination of tidal surge and stormwater runoff can leave the City\u2019s infrastructure and residents open to significant flooding. Flood insurance claim records for Linden residents date back to the 1970s, with major events including Hurricane Irene (2011), Superstorm Sandy (2012), Hurricane Ida (2021), and the unnamed storm event in July 2025. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n![\"Blue](\"https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/blueacres\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/175\/linden-proposed-design-09262019-e1579019761695.png\")
<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/blueacres\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/175\/linden-restoration-collage.png\")
<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Money Island, Downe Township” tab_id=”1773858718336-5f27c7e2-8e24″][vc_column_text css=””]The Money Island Shoreline Restoration Project spans 1,200 linear feet along\u00a0Nantuxent\u00a0Creek in Money Island, Downe Township, Cumberland County. NJDEP Superstorm Sandy Blue Acres Program\u00a0purchased\u00a0and demolished flood\u00a0damaged homes from willing sellers along the shoreline and restored the beach to provide critical habitat for horseshoe crabs, migratory shorebirds, and other marine life. Initial sand for the beach restoration came from the beneficial\u00a0reuse dredging of the\u00a0Nantuxent\u00a0Creek state navigation channel,\u00a0facilitated\u00a0by the NJ Department of Transportation Office of Maritime Resources, with the remaining\u00a0sand trucked in from an inland quarry to complete the beach\u00a0restoration template. Nearshore rock breakwater reefs were installed\u00a0to reduce wave energy and minimize beach erosion.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n
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