WEST WINDSOR: Fish returned to Grovers Mill Pond

By Kristine Snodgrass, Staff Writer
   WEST WINDSOR — A crowd of excited fifth-graders helped Gov. Jon Corzine release fish into Grovers Mill Pond Monday afternoon, marking the completion of its aquatic restoration.
   World famous as the location where Martians landed in the “War of the Worlds” radio broadcast, the pond underwent a restoration project because it had become filled with nutrient-laden silt and experienced unbridled, damaging plant growth, making it a community eyesore and causing an unpleasant smell each summer.
   Last August, the Army Corps of Engineers and associated contractors began work dredging the silt from the bottom of the pond in an effort to restore it to its original condition.
   A total of 65,000 cubic yards of silt were removed by the time the work stopped Nov. 1, the last day of dredging permitted by environmental constraints. The work was limited to three months per year to protect hibernating frogs, bald eagles and spawning fish.
   A dredging boat equipped with a vacuum-like apparatus was floated on the pond to remove the silt. The pond’s depth was restored to 9 feet at the deepest spot, compared to 2 or 3 feet before work began. This increased depth will allow the presence of oxygen for aquatic life and create better water flow to reduce stagnation.
   Monday, a total of 560 fish were released, all indigenous species of sunfish, largemouth bass and catfish. Gov. Corzine, Sen. Bill Baroni and Rep. Rush Holt were among the numerous other state and municipal officials on hand for the event.
   The students, from the Environmental Club in the Millstone River School, also participated in a hands-on activity with members of the state Department of Environmental Protection where they learned about fish re-stocking and lake restoration.
   Township Mayor Shing-Fu Hsueh said the pond once again will be a spot for recreation, including fishing, which will be permitted as early as this year.
   ”The Grovers Mill Pond restoration project has been discussed by many West Windsor mayors going back to the 1960s,” he said. “I am grateful for the support given to West Windsor by so many to restore this beautiful, natural resource.”
   The project cost a total of $4.97 million with $1.65 million coming from the township. It was largely funded through a federal grant sponsored by Rep. Holt.
   ”This is a big deal for West Windsor and for me. It’s a victory for environmental restoration,” Mayor Hsueh said.
   Gov. Corzine said the historic pond is a “birthright for future generations” and an example of the importance of environmental preservation statewide.
   ”As we celebrate Earth Week 2009, we must embrace restoration projects that protect nature and maintain an ecological balance such as Grovers Mill Pond,” he said.
   The dredged material was piped to an 11-acre confined disposal facility located upstream of the pond in the West Windsor Community Park. Later this year, it is planned this land will be regraded for soccer fields.
   The pond had been deteriorating since the 18th century, according to some residents. Organized efforts to restore the pond began in the 1960s.
   Several attempts were made in the past to fix the problem to no avail. Its former owners, the Dey family, drained the pond during the 1970s. The township even treated the pond with herbicides.