Richard G. Lathrop, Jr., John A. Bognar, Andrew C. Hendrickson and Paul D. Bowers
Center for Remote Sensing and Spatial Analysis (CRSSA)
Cook College - Rutgers University
New Brunswick, NJ 08901-8551
August 19, 1999

ABSTRACT

New Jersey's coastal zone, and the Barnegat Bay region in particular, has experienced extensive development and modification in the last five decades.  In an attempt to ameliorate past change and more effecitvely manage future environmental change, the Barnegat Bay National Estuary Program (BBNEP) is in the process of developing a long range Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP). 

One of the major BBNEP focus topics is the role of humans, in comparison to natural processes of disturbance and change, in shaping Barnegat Bay and its capability to nurture a rich and diverse biota.  To assist in developing the CCMP, we have analyzed a variety of satellite imagery, aerial photography, digital land use/land cover data and historical maps to document existing conditions, as well as assess long-term trends of habitat loss and alteration in Barnegat Bay and its watershed.

This web document series, which supports the CRSSA document, Barnegat Bay Data Synthesis Project: Habitat Loss and Alteration, describes the results of this habitat mapping and monitoring effort and summarizes the observed trends in loss and alteration of shallow-water, tidal marsh, shoreline buffer and upland forest habitats.  The efficacy of existing land use planning policies and the present network of open space / conservation lands in ensuring long-term integrity of the Barnegat Bay region as a functioning landscape of interconnected habitats was also evaluated.

OBJECTIVE

Several key landscape level environmental indicators were identified based on their ecological importance, as well as social concerns such as aesthetic and open space issues.
 

Key Environmental Indicators	Concern
Upland and Wetland Forests	Loss and Fragmentation due to Development
Riparian Corridors	Alteration due to Development
Upland/Bay Shoreline Buffer	Alteration due to Development and Bulkheading
Coastal Salt Marshes	Loss and Alteration due to Development
Submerged Aquatic Vegetation	Loss due to Declining Water Quality