Significant tree cutting will soon take place at the Blackwells Mills Causeway in Franklin and Hillsborough townships.
There is no cause for alarm, advise historian watchguards. The work is part of a scenic beautification project to beautify two of the causeways along the Millstone Valley Scenic Byway — Griggstown and Blackwells Mills.
“We are excited to begin this phase of the Causeway Project,” said Barbara ten Broeke, president of the Millstone Valley Preservation Coalition. “Each of the causeways is approximately two-tenths of a mile in length. They connect River Road on the west side of the Millstone River with Canal Road east of the Delaware & Raritan Canal.”
The first step is to cut dead or dying trees flush to the ground. This phase will take 3-4 days. During that time, the Blackwell’s Mills parking lot will be closed to the public. Traffic will be directed by local police to ensure safety. The tree cutting must occur before March 31 for protection of two bat species that may live in the area in the spring and summer.
Suzanne Ochse, of Hillsborough, chair of the MVPC Scenic View Committee, coordinates the project.
“Our partners are instrumental in moving the project along,” she said. “PSE&G and the D&R Canal State Park officials have been working together on securing the necessary permits. PSE&G has been a great partner. They offered to be responsible for cutting the trees, removing the wood and chips, assuming the costs for the permits and arranging and paying for traffic control.”
Ms. Ochse said a landscape plan would come next.
“We hope to work with Rutgers University landscape architect students for that,” she said. “Recognizing the energy needs and requirements of the N.J. Board of Public Utilities and PSE&G, the plan will consider the electrical poles and wires along with compatible vegetation. BPU has already given clearance to move the project ahead.”
After the landscape plan is completed, the MVPC will be looking for volunteers to help with the acquisition of the vegetation and the actual planting.”
Ms. ten Broeke said MVPC is the sponsor of a National Scenic Byway, a 27-mile loop through the Millstone Valley in the central part of the state. The byway includes the Millstone River and the D&R Canal State Park.
