Stream Restoration Planned for Cole’s Brook in Hackensack

Hackensack Riverkeeper is the proud recipient of a stream restoration grant from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). The money will be used to restore a 750-foot stretch of streamside habitat along Cole’s Brook in Staib Park, Hackensack, NJ.

Hackensack Riverkeeper hopes to improve water quality in the Hackensack River through this streamside restoration project. Over the years, the illegal dumping of such items as household garbage, shopping carts from adjacent stores, landscaper’s waste, and miscellaneous trash has degraded and disfigured the beauty of Cole’s Brook. There is also a dog-waste problem in the park and since the area is lacking an adequate forested riparian buffer, fecal matter is being washed directly into the stream by stormwater. A riparian buffer is the vegetative zone along the edge of a stream or river and is crucial in maintaining the integrity of stream banks as well as acting as a filter to pollutants that may be running down from upland areas. The roots of trees, shrubs and other vegetation slows down the flow of stormwater and create a natural filtration system.

Currently, there is asphalt paving which parallels the Brook for much of its 750-foot length and lies within 20 to 25 feet of the water’s edge. People in the past have been able to drive into the park, back up within 20 feet of the stream and empty their vehicles of lawn and gardening waste directly into this important riparian zone. Additionally, runoff from the paved and turf areas flows directly into the stream and carries oil, gas, fertilizer and other Non-Point Source pollutants. Runoff flowing into the brook concentrates in rivulets in a few locations, causing soil erosion along the bank.

As mentioned above, the stream bank lacks sufficient vegetative cover. Although there are several native tree, shrub and herbaceous species on the site, including sweetgum, red maple, American beech, sycamore, spicebush, and silky dogwood, there are also numerous exotic plants, including Norway maple, tree of heaven, Japanese knotweed, and multiflora rose. Exotic plants reduce the diversity of flora and fauna along the Brook and are not a preferred source of food for our native birds and animals. Exotic plant species will be carefully removed and replaced with native plants.

We are hopeful that our efforts will improve water quality in Cole’s Brook -- and eventually the Hackensack River -- by reducing Non-Point Source pollution originating from runoff from adjacent roadways, as well as illegal dumping. In addition, we are hopeful that this project will create a stronger sense of stewardship and community in the surrounding area. This is our opportunity to assist the healing process of some of the damage done to our ecosystem. Cole’s Brook is a tributary to the Hackensack River and as it carries water to the larger body, we hope that our efforts will carry the care of our ecosystem out into the river as well.

We anticipate this project to take the next two years, including monitoring of the water and maintenance of the grounds after the initial replanting and asphalt removal takes place. We will be looking for volunteers (particularly residents of Hackensack) to help us in this process. If you are interested in working on the project, please contact Kathy Urffer, Riverkeeper’s Special Projects Coordinator at 201-692-8440.

Funding for this grant is provided under Section 319(h) of the federal Clean Water Act to mitigate non-point sources of pollution.