Blackwood Lake: "Stuck in the Mud?"

Gloucester Township, NJ -- I am writing to express my concern for Blackwood Lake and the declining health of its valuable ecosystem.

It has now been years since the water has been at normal levels (not including the hay - day of the lake before the major dam breech.)

Being an avid nature lover and volunteer citizen scientist specializing in bird identification, counts, and reporting, I have noted a significant decline in the diversity of wildlife that once inhabited this unique lake. In addition, more invasive species are beginning to take hold.

There were no mergansers stopping on the water to rest and forage this migration season.

There are noticeably fewer slider, wood, painted, and snapping turtles.

Green herons that nested for years on the east shore have disappeared. Invasive, non-native species of plant life are seriously encroaching on the remaining water in the lake, including phragmyte, water hyacinths, and purple loostrife. They are choking out our valuable native plants, and in turn, our pollinators and many other species of animals that depend on our native plants for food sources.

After speaking with many residents of the Blackwood Lake area, we all share a hope of seeing the lake restored. Most importantly for the wildlife, but also for our own enjoyment and well-being.

The lake has become such an awful, muddy eyesore and breeding ground for mosquitoes. It is depressing to see.

I purchased my home here over a decade ago because of the beautiful lake. I've enjoyed it in my canoe, and have guided fellow nature enthusiasts through its once lush water to observe the amazing wildlife that once teemed here.

Our residents are still paying the same property tax rate for this mess as when the lake was full!

We understand that there have been hurdles to overcome, but feel that our small lakeside community has been forgotten. It seemed to take very little time to clear the farming field and build those outlets!

We've been patient with the Blackwood Dam restoration project for much longer. Please take a moment to update us on the status of our lake, and I urge our township to push this project forward!