News

Help save the turtles! 

Take this quick 2-3 minute survey by Sunday, July 22nd to help researchers at The Wetlands Institute gain a better understanding of the public’s awareness of a new conservation effort being implemented in Stone Harbor this summer to reduce road mortality rates of diamondback terrapins. 

Results will be kept anonymous and used to improve these conservation strategies. 

Take the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DXT8F3B    

A discussion on ordinance introduction to eliminate the use of polystyrene/plastic foam and single-use plastic products and other non-locally recyclable and non-properly compostable food packaging in order to protect the marine life and wild life of the surrounding waterways of Stone Harbor, maximize the operating life of landfills and lessen the economic and environmental costs of managing waste was completed at the June 19th, 2018 Council Work Session Meeting.

To View the presentation that was presented please click on the following link:

Plastics in the Environment_SH Council

Stone Harbor appreciates your efforts to keep our town “The Seashore at its Best” 

IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                     Contact: Caryn Shinske          (609) 984-1795

June 19, 2018                                                                         Lawrence Hajna       (609) 292-2994

DEP URGES MOTORISTS TO WATCH FOR TURTLES CROSSING ROADWAYS

AS VEHICLE-STRIKE RISK INCREASES DURING NESTING SEASON

(18/P53) TRENTON – The Department of Environmental Protection is asking motorists to  drive with caution this summer because New Jersey’s turtles are active and moving across roadways to find places to lay eggs.

All of New Jersey’s turtle species lay eggs by digging a hole in the ground, depositing the eggs, and then covering the nest with soil. Turtles sometimes travel long distances, crossing roadways to find just the right spot to lay eggs and ensure their survival.

As a result, turtles are at significant risk of being struck by vehicles. Turtles are particularly vulnerable because they are slow moving and their defense mechanism is usually to stop and withdraw into their shell when feeling threatened.

“With summer approaching, New Jersey’s turtles are on the move looking for nesting sites to lay eggs,” DEP Acting Commissioner Catherine R. McCabe said. “This puts them in great danger as they frequently have to cross roadways to find the right location. We encourage motorists to drive cautiously so the turtles can cross roads and arrive to their nesting destination safely.”

Some of the species that are moving around now include Eastern box, Eastern painted, wood and snapping turtles. One coastal species that is particularly at risk is the diamondback terrapin, New Jersey’s only saltmarsh turtle. Summer brings more traffic to shore areas where these turtles live, increasing risk of strikes.

Once abundant, terrapins decreased dramatically by the 1930s, due primarily to harvesting for food. Numbers started increasing again by the 1960s, but in recent decades the terrapin has been at risk again due to habitat loss, drowning in crab traps, and vehicle strikes.

This unique species is the only turtle to inhabit New Jersey’s coastal estuaries year-round, living exclusively in brackish water. During this time of year, adult females emerge from their aquatic habitat to find suitable locations to lay eggs, seeking areas with sand and gravel above the high tide line.

Loss of coastal habitat has increased mortality risk as diamondback terrapins search for these nesting areas. Terrapin nests are often along roadsides, increasing the risk of vehicle strikes.

Helping turtles get safely across roads is vital to protecting their populations. Motorists can help by driving with extra caution and following these tips:

• Keep a safe distance between your vehicle and those ahead, to see any turtles in the roadway.
• Use caution to avoid hitting a turtle in the road, but do not swerve suddenly, leave the lane of travel or stop abruptly. Always keep your safety and the safety of others in mind.
• Watch for oncoming vehicles, signal properly when pulling over and activate vehicle hazard signals if you decide to pull over to assist a turtle crossing a road. Allow turtles to safely cross roads unaided if a lack of oncoming traffic allows them to do so.
• Handle turtles gently and avoid excessive handling if it is necessary to pick them up. Most turtles can be picked up by the side of their shells near the mid-point of the body. Do not pick up a turtle by its tail, as doing so may frighten or injure the reptile. Wear gloves or wash your hands after handling a turtle.
• Move the turtle in the direction that it is heading. It may seem helpful to assist the turtle by moving it to a nearby waterbody, but the turtle may not be heading toward water. A turtle will turn around if it is put in the wrong direction.
• Only experienced handlers should ever attempt to lift a snapping turtle. The safest way to assist snapping turtles is to use branches or similar objects to prod them along from behind.
• Never take a turtle into your personal possession. All native turtles are protected in New Jersey.
• Do not disturb a nesting turtle and keep children and pets away from it. Most turtle eggs will hatch in 60 to 80 days.  A small cage can be placed around the nest to offer some additional protection for the first 30 to 45 days, but it must be removed before the      hatchlings emerge.  The DEP does not relocate turtles found in yards or turtle nests.To learn more about New Jersey’s turtles, visit www.njfishandwildlife.com/ensp/herps_info.htm

  Reptiles and Amphibians in   New Jersey – NJDEP Division of …

  www.njfishandwildlife.com

  Reptile   and Amphibian information from the New Jersey Divison of Fish and Wildlife.

  To report a state endangered, threatened, or special concern species, visit www.njfishandwildlife.com/ensp/rprtform.htm

  For a list of wildlife rehabilitators, visit www.njfishandwildlife.com/pdf/rehab_list.pdf

  Follow the DEP on Twitter @NewJerseyDEP

   

In an effort to protect the environment, particularly the wildlife, and the health, safety and well being of persons and property, the Borough of Stone Harbor Council has approved an Ordinance prohibiting the release of aerial luminary lanterns and helium balloons into the atmosphere.

A substantial fine will be imposed on any person, firm or corporation found to be in violation of the ordinance established.

To view the ordinance please click the link below:

Release of balloons. – Release of aerial luminary lanterns

This Ordinance was Adopted 9-5-2017 Ord. No. 1504 

A huge “Thank You” to Middle Township Girls Lacrosse Team for taking time to help keep Stone Harbor Beaches free from trash & debris!!

Your efforts have not gone unnoticed and are most appreciated!

Click on the Photo Above to View the Borough of Stone Harbor Summer Newsletter 2018