Musconetcong, NJ River Restoration in Conjunction with Urbani Fisheries, Trout Unlimited, and Heritage Conservancy

Aquatic Habitat & River Restoration Project

The Musconetcong River is located in northwestern New Jersey and is a major tributary of the larger Delaware River, making it an important part of the river's watershed. The entire river runs through rural, mountainous terrain of approximately 45 miles. Urbani Fisheries worked in conjunction with multiple agencies to enhance the fish habitat in two separate areas. Although the river restoration did not take long, the permitting process was extensive.

​Working with Trout Unlimited to Restore Approximately Half a Mile of Decimated River

One section of the waterway that was scheduled for river construction flows through two private properties. After entering into an agreement with NRCS and Trout Unlimited, Urbani Fisheries worked with the two organizations for three years through the permitting process to eventually begin the restoration work on February 21st.

The scope of work included restoration and habitat enhancement for adult and juvenile trout on 2,500 linear feet of the river. Work included surveying, river and habitat assessment, design, agency site reviews, reorganization of existing structures. Pools and riffles were created along with point bars. Riverbanks were stabilized by thalweg re-direction and boulder cluster placement. The entire project was completed on February 28th, 2012.

Heritage Conservancy at Work on a Mission to Preserve National Heritage Area

The other section of the river that Urbani Fisheries was involved in reconstructing was an area of the property preserved by the Heritage Conservancy. Heritage Conservancy is an NGO based out of Pennsylvania with the mission to preserve and protect national heritage. They work throughout the region to restore open land, wildlife habitat, farmland, and watershed areas. Urbani Fisheries, in conjunction with the Heritage Conservancy and Trout Unlimited, worked again for three years through the permitting process to eventually begin the river restoration work on February 18th. 

The scope of work included the river restoration and habitat enhancement for adult and juvenile trout on 1,200 linear feet of the river. Work was similar in both sections and included surveying, assessments, custom designs and agency site reviews that were all meant to enhance spawning habit and increase the fish population.

By the reorganization of existing structures and constructing pools, riffles, and point bars the riverbank was able to be stabilized again by thalweg re-direction and boulder cluster placement. This section was completed on February 20th. 

Utilizing Existing Habitat to Redesign the Fish Habitat in River Restoration Projects

Urbani Fisheries uses their experience to create wetland habitats with a holistic approach that focuses on sustaining fisheries habitat. By first assessing the area and thoroughly planning an approach, we create river restoration projects that last past the construction and require little to no maintenance. The specialized engineering accounts for the need for prime fish living and breeding spaces, and by rearranging specific areas and acknowledging the natural flow of the river, we are able to  

• Decrease water temperatures to improve the cool water refuges for trout
• Increase holding areas for both adult and juvenile fish
• Create and increase interstitial spaces for aquatic invertebrates
• Add to the complexity of the existing habitat 
• Improve migratory fish passages for increased breeding area​​

Every project requires its own custom assessment and design. Many construction companies simply work with the land to create an area that is suitable to the owner's requirements in terms of shape and size. We work with the project managers to ensure we are meeting their goals and also assessing the natural ecosystems to not only create a project that is appealing to the eye, but naturally functional and sustainable long term. Contact us for questions about our restoration process or if you have questions concerning your sections of streams and rivers. From local Montana fishermen and biologists who love to fly fish, we know it isn’t just a matter of where to find the fish, but how to get them there.