A dune replenishment project is underway at Island Beach State Park to bolster a vulnerable beach on the northern section of the park that was washed over during Superstorm Sandy, Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Bob Martin announced.
The repair and refortification of the dune system from Two Bit Road to the northern property boundary of Island Beach State Park – a span of approximately 1,000 feet – is projected to be completed by early fall and will be funded by the DEP. The estimated cost is $50,000.
“ This project will insure better protection for the park’s natural resources, as well as some of our infrastructure that was damaged by the storm and has since been repaired ,” said State Park Service Director Mark Texel.
Equipment, which will be operated by DEP’s Park Service employees, has been mobilized near the Two Bit Road area, and on-site sand already has been moved for use in this project. Off-site sand deliveries by truck are expected to begin this week.
Two Bit Road is expected to have frequent closures during the project. Closures will be posted on the State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites Facebook page.
Island Beach State Park, a narrow barrier island stretching for 10 miles between the ocean and Barnegat Bay, enjoyed a successful summer season after reaching the Christie Administration’s goal of having the park fully operational before July 4. A full slate of interpretive programs returned this summer, with the addition of the park’s first full-time naturalist in 10 years.
The park hosted two well-attended Harvest The Bay festival days, with a third scheduled on Oct. 12. The 16th annual Beach Plum Festival is scheduled for today, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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Press Release, September 8, 2013