Press Release
Citizens United to Protect the Maurice River and Its Tributaries, Inc. (CU)
For Immediate Release
Date: August 8, 2007

Subject: Background of CU's efforts at Willow Grove Lake and Position on Dam Restoration

Contact: Jane Morton Galetto, President 856-327-1161

Citizens United to Protect the Maurice River and Its Tributaries, Inc. (CU) has had a long history of advocating for Willow Grove Lake. In 1988 we testified for the preservation of Willow Grove Lake, Bear Swamp and Pyramid Mt. before the State Legislature. At that time Willow Grove was not protected. Then in 1993 as members of the Stockton Alliance, a group of Environmental leaders and Business representatives seeking common ground on resource issues, we advocated for the preservation of Willow Grove Lake again. This time (1994) The Nature Conservancy and Dupont were able to make preservation a reality.

In 1997 we erected an osprey nest at Willow Grove Lake and we are happy to announce that we have banded chicks there the past two years. In fact this year we banded two healthy babies.

In 2000 four hundred acres along the Maurice River's southern terminus with Willow Grove Lake was preserved by the participation of CU, the Vineland Environmental Commission, the Vineland Nature Club and City Officials, all of whom advocated that the property be sold to The Nature Conservancy as opposed to being developed as an industrial park. We at CU are very pleased to have worked with TNC over the years and find that under the leadership of Barbara Brummer the NJ Chapter continues to do great things for the natural wonders of NJ.

We first became aware of the Willow Grove Lake dam situation from members Cheryl, Sam and Al Fox in early February. They said they were exploring what the State's intentions were regarding the dam and would get back to us. Later in February we found out that it was being determined who would have fiscal responsibility for the repairs: Salem, Cumberland County, the State or the Nature Conservancy (or some combination thereof). Ultimately a court case would make this determination.

We suggested to everyone who contacted us - members, fisherman and residents alike - to contact Assemblyman Doug Fisher because he represented and had influence in all these arenas. The Assemblyman introduced a bill for millions of dollars to be appropriated for dam repairs in Southern NJ. We then asked all those who contacted us to thank Doug Fisher for his efforts and encourage him to stay the course. We have great respect for Assemblyman Fisher's ability to keep his word.

We spoke to Cumberland County's information officer and the County's attorney and both assured us that they would like to see the lake restored and expected to share in a portion of the responsibility. Some concerns were raised about public access and we took these concerns to Al and Sam's, which offers access by boat. They said they were willing to discuss solutions, so we relayed this to the County's information officer.

On April 10 Citizens United's President, who sits on the Fish and Game Council, asked that body to take a position on the recreational use of Willow Grove Lake. The minutes of that meeting read, in part,

"Councilwoman Galetto noted one additional issue regarding fisheries. There is a property known as Willow Grove Lake on the Cumberland and Salem County line. The dam is in disrepair, and she has been contacted by fisherman concerning this issue. She understands that the State has either threatened or brought suit against the Counties to repair the dam. The lake has been in existence for 120 years, and receives much recreational use. She went to see the lake recently, and noted great densities of threatened and endangered species. There are disputes on who should pay for the repairs, and she requested that the Council consider if they would like to be proponents of this issue to help figure who is responsible for what portion of these repairs. Director Chanda noted that he would pose this question to Chiefs Petrongolo and Barno. They had some additional discussion on this matter. Councilwoman Galetto noted that she had received a voice mail from Cathy Gandolfo from Channel 6 News, regarding Willow Grove Lake. She added that she had not been in touch with her yet, and could speak to her as the President of the local Watershed Association of the Maurice River, but wanted to know if the Council wanted her to note that they were sympathetic to the recreational users' concerns and hoped that those with a stake in Willow Grove could find the financial resources to restore the lake for recreational use. Members felt that it would be alright for her to mention that she was on the Fish and Game Council and they supported this issue."

The Council wholeheartedly agreed with the need for warm water fisheries opportunities in Southern NJ and instructed our President that their position could be made to Action News who had contacted her that day for CU's position. Our President responded to a number of media outlets informing them of the position of both entities, that Willow Grove Lake was a wonderful resource for recreation and that we awaited the results of a the court case and a feasibility study.

We visited the lake on a number of occasions before the Nor-Easter of April and the ensuing flood. We found the lake to be only a few feet lower than usual- which was more than reasonable given the condition of the roadway and dam structure. Later we were told the lake had been much lower than that. When levels once again plunged after the storm event we asked the emergency management people if they couldn't keep the levels of the lake slightly higher to protect what animal species remained. The State did not wish to take responsibility from a risk standpoint and felt it was best to keep the lake lower. NJ Fish and Wildlife removed fish from the declining waters.

We have asked numerous recreation users, especially fisherman, to be vigilant in letting their representatives know that they enjoy Willow Grove Lake and want to see it restored.

We have also contacted the DEP regarding the possibility of making dollars collected from out-of-compliance players in the watershed available for dam restoration.

In July it was announced that Judge Fisher's ruling would not take place for another six weeks regarding the responsibility for the lake. We can in no way influence the decision of the courts since we were not party to the suit. The key player representing us is Cumberland County, and their information officer has assured us the County supports lake restoration. When it is determined who shares responsibility we will encourage them to restore.

From a strictly ecological stand point Willow Grove Lake might be best allowed to revert to a hardwoods swamp. But Citizens United to Protect the Maurice River and Its Tributaries, Inc. officers and trustees have opted to take a position that the cultural uses of the past 120 years and the flourishing biota that have resulted in the altered habitat are a recreational jewel that should be preserved for the enjoyment of our citizenry. Even though we have been interviewed by the press on numerous occasions and have fielded a huge number of calls, offered advice, networked huge numbers of individuals, our position has only been printed once. So it seemed appropriate to make our position very clear - we would like to see Willow Grove Lake safely restored for the recreational opportunities it offers the public.

Jane Morton Galetto
President
Citizens United to Protect the Maurice River and Its Tributaries, Inc.
PO Box 474, Millville, NJ 08332