Photo courtesy of Michael Hogan
Watershed Facts - 50 total stream miles |
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Overview
The Maurice River flows through south central New Jersey to the Delaware River. The upper reaches of the river's drainage basin (its "watershed") are located in Gloucester County and encompass approximately 80 square miles.
Newfield, Clayton and portions of Glassboro plus Franklin, Elk, Monroe and Washington Townships are located within the upper watershed, which has a population of about 25,000 people. The physical area is still 48% forested, has 27% in agricultural use, 18% developed and 7% vacant. The lower reaches of the Maurice River are in Cumberland County where parts of the river have been designated as "Wild and Scenic".
Streams within the upper reaches of the Maurice River include Scotland Run, Still Run, Little Ease Run, Reed Branch and Indian Branch.
Along these tributaries are found Garrison Lake, Silver Lake, Iona Lake, Franklinville Lake, Wilson Lake and Malaga Lake, all of which were formed by early damming as a source of power for mills. The streams themselves are fairly shallow with sandy bottoms and sluggish flow rates but they are typical headwater streams with great importance as sites of aquatic reproduction. Water quality of the upper Maurice River is generally good except in some areas where agriculture or urban development has increased the nutrient/pollutant runoff into adjacent streams and lakes (the "non-point source pollution"). Water within the Glassboro Fish and Wildlife Management Area is particularly high. Aquatic populations in most of the lakes are also diverse and healthy. The waters are popular with fishermen and there are swimming facilities at most of the lakes.
Species of some Pine Barrens plants are found in Scotland Run (fragrant water lily), Little Ease Run (floating-heart), and Blackwater Branch (bladderwort). One of the few inland nesting colonies of Great Blue Herons in New Jersey is found in this part of the Maurice River watershed. Downstream, in the lower portions of the watershed below Millville, are found breeding Bald Eagles and the largest stand of wild rice in the state.
History
The early history of the Maurice River dates to the time of the Lenni Lenape Indians. The Indians used the river's natural resources for survival and its waters for travel. Tradition says the river was named for the Prince Maurice, a Dutch ship which burned and sank in 1657 at a location below present-day Mauricetown. The Indians called the river the Wauhatquenack.
White settlers moved into the area in the early 1700's and built mills on many tributaries to saw huge stands of white cedar and later to grind grain for local populations. In the 19th century, glass factories were built at Glassboro and Malaga as well as downstream at Millville.
In the early part of the 20th century, several lakes within the area were developed for summer recreational use, with cottage colonies being established around parts of Garrison, Wilson, Franklinville, Silver and Iona Lakes. This housing is now in permanent, year-round use except along Wilson Lake, where it was removed when the area became part of the County Park system.
Threats to the Creek
Land use within this area has changed dramatically in the past 20 years, particularly in the headwater regions near Glassboro and within Washington and Monroe Townships. Extensive development in those areas and antiquated septic systems within some of the lakeside cottage communities pose the greatest threats to the water quality.
Because there have been no environmental "crises" in the streams and lakes, residents are only beginning to recognize the need for greenways and protection of open spaces adjoining these waters. The certainty of much more development within this part of Gloucester County makes such measures essential for the future health of the upper Maurice River watershed.