PETERSBURG – Upper Township Engineer Paul Dietrich summarized the new master beach management plan he’s been working on for several months.
“Every three to five years, we are required by the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to update our master beach management plan that affects permitting for Army Corps of Engineers work, for example, and maintenance schedules,” said Dietrich.
He outlined several highlights of the plan that would positively influence how Upper manages its beaches at Strathmere and Beesley’s Point.
“We have reduced our current three management zones to a future two management zones. This is good for our residents and visitors because it means that there will be less beach that is restricted for recreational activities. The beach from Hawthorne Avenue south to Sea Isle City has been removed as restricted and recreational use will be permitted there.”
The revisions to the plan also include adding plant protection for endangered and protected plants, such as the evening primrose at the upper end of the beach adjacent along the dunes. Routine maintenance such as raking would be allowed once a year.
“We don’t have the heavy, expensive equipment to do maintenance and raking more often, which we do from February to March. From Webster to Seaview avenues there will be no raking allowed due to the areas for endangered nesting shorebirds as well as no drones flying overhead in winter near nesting birds such as red knots.
Post-storm maintenance is permitted whenever there is a need as long as DEP is notified as to what actions are being taking, explained Dietrich.
Mayor Richard Palombo and Dietrich will certify the plan to submit to the DEP as the next step in the approval process.
To contact Camille Sailer, email csailer@cmcherald.com.
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