Roadway Beach - Fortescue

ROADWAY BEACH GOING SOUTHEAST FROM FORTESCUE TO OYSTER CREEK

This road is currently protected by rubble running southeast from Fortescue. This rubble is a significant hazard to horseshoe crabs (recent rescue efforts found over 1600 in three events) while providing no breeding habitat for crabs and shorebirds.  Restoring this beach would create 0.3 miles of high-quality horsehoe crab spawning habitat.

PROJECT 2A.  REMOVE RUBBLE FROM THE ROAD GOING TO
OYSTER CREEK

The state’s Division of Coastal Engineering and Downe Township are now removing the rubble as part of the dredging of Fortescue Creek.  


PROJECT 2B.   CREATE HORSESHOE CRAB BEACH WITH TRUCKED  SAND.

We propose to follow project 2A with a restoration of the beach for horseshoe crab and shorebird use.  The sand will be trucked into the site. The site is adjacent to Raybins Beach and Egg Island WMA, which together are a major concentration area for shorebirds each year.  The area of suitable spawning habitat however is limited, so the creation of high quality breeding habitat in this area would significantly improve conditions for both crabs and birds.  Increasing sand in this area will help protect the road, decrease crab impingement, improve breeding habitat and may provide additional stability for beaches along Fortescue.  


Timing: This project could be done in the first year of the larger project.  The method would be similar to the Reeds-Pierces Restoration and so permitting and costs are relatively predictable.