NJDEP Permit Number 0000-23-0011.1 LUP230001 has been approved by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Land Resource Protection for the project area depicted on the corresponding map. Project areas encompass freshwater wetland transition areas. A brief description of the proposed project follows:

The purpose of this project is to establish native meadow habitat within Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area, located in Lower Township, Cape May County. The project will enhance approximately 17.34 acres of upland field habitat currently impacted by invasive vegetation. The project is scheduled to begin in 2026 with site preparation, including mowing and targeted herbicide applications conducted by a licensed applicator, to prepare the site for native meadow establishment.

The application of herbicide as a means to manage invasive or otherwise undesirable vegetation is an indispensable practice to professionally steward wildlife habitat. Herbicide applications increase the scale and efficiency of the habitat restoration and enhancement efforts required to properly maintain New Jersey’s 365,000+ acre Wildlife Management Area system, while also minimizing disturbance to native or otherwise desirable vegetation and habitats. All herbicide applications completed on State land are applied by a State Employee or a State Contract vendor who is certified as a Commercial Pesticide Applicator. The license requires testing in core pesticide principles as well as a category of specialty depending upon the application. Licensing requires continuing education requirements to maintain the license. The New Jersey Pesticide Control Code, at 7:30-2.1, requires that all pesticides used in New Jersey be registered with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency prior to use. All pesticides being applied are being done according to the pesticide label associated with each pesticide. The pesticide label is a legal document created during the federal EPA registration process. The label specifies the pests the product is effective against and the approved locations for its use; outlines how to properly mix, apply, and dispose of the pesticide; and details potential hazards to humans and the environment.

The complete permit application package can be reviewed at the Lower Township municipal clerk’s office. The Department of Environmental Protection welcomes comments and any information that you may provide concerning the proposed development and site. Please submit your written comments within 15 calendar days of this posting:

New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
Division of Land Resource Protection
P.O. Box 420, Code 501-02A
Trenton, New Jersey 08625
Attn: Lower Township Supervisor

For more information, NJDEP Fish and Wildlife is hosting a public meeting scheduled for March 17th from 4:00pm to 6:00pm at the Cape May Point Arts and Science Center located at 101 Lehigh Ave, Cape May Point, NJ 08212.