Stone Harbor Point Bird Observation Decks Complete

STONE HARBOR — Birders, naturalists and visitors can now enjoy a bird’s-eye-view of Stone Harbor Point with the completion of two new wildlife-viewing platforms.
Platforms were funded by a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation through the Natural Resource Committee and its consultants, Duffield Associates, Inc.
Efforts began in February 2006 and continued for about three years until platforms were finally installed this year.
Former Councilman Julian Miraglia, a leader in funding and construction efforts, said he is “satisfied, elated and exhausted” that the project has finally come to fruition. He said the results are “gratifying and eye-opening.”
He said funds were the result of the borough losing a lawsuit in 2005 in which it sued the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service and was fined $250,000 for failing to perform under con-tract. It was then decided, Miraglia said, that the borough could regain those funds through grants if money went towards enhancing the point, protecting migrating birds and improving nesting areas.
Miraglia said the platforms are for the safety of the birds because it allows observers to view the entire point from a 20-foot incline without interfering with the birds.
“It’s beneficial to the district, the public and ecotourism in Cape May County,” Miraglia said.
The borough used about $52,000 for the construction of the decks and educational sign-age, working with the Wetland’s Institute and the New Jersey Audubon Society; Studies cost about $80,000 and about $100,000 remains for bird conservation with the division, Miraglia said.
New Jersey Audubon Society will design and install signage about the coastal habitat.
Miraglia said signage is expected to be complete by May 1 and this season will be an indicator of how visitors use the point in order to determine what types of monitoring equipment will be installed.
The grant also funded a stewardship program implemented by the Conserve Wildlife Foundation for monitors to manage and conserve the habitat during nesting and shorebird stopover seasons.
“The collaboration between Stone Harbor, Conserve Wildlife Foundation and New Jersey Audubon Society represents a model of the kind of partnerships that effectively manage the conservation and recreation goals of our coastal communities here in Cape May County,” Miraglia said.
“This is our commitment to preserving the special natural resources of this beautiful town and enhancing public outreach and education with regard to our fragile coastal ecosystems,” said Chairman Dr. Jeffrey M. Bross, also a borough summer resident.
Duffield Associates, Inc., a firm specializing in coastal engineering, natural resource management and geoscience services, serves as the borough’s special engineer for its Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary Rejuvenation Project for which it contributed over $5,000 of in-kind engineering services towards its implementation.
“The breath-taking beauty of our Stone Harbor Point Beach can now be enjoyed by visitors and education groups without traversing or disturbing the protected habitat at this location,” Mayor Suzanne Walters said.
“Ecotourism is one of Cape May County’s top attractions, and this is an extraordinary destination for our visitors to enjoy and walk away with an increased appreciation for our coastal ecology and the species that call it home.”
Stone Harbor Point serves as a critical habitat for breeding, nesting and migratory stopovers for shorebirds and rare and endangered beach-nesting colonies and is a local, regional and globally significant habitat to species such as the Piping Plover, Least Tern, American Oystercatcher and Black Skimmer. It is also an important migratory stopover for Red Knot, a species of concern and potential candidate for federal listing.
Contact Truluck at (609) 886-8600 ext. 24 or at: ltruluck @cmcherald.com