Manchester Set to Participate in Barnegat Bay Blitz

Local volunteers will focus their clean-up efforts on areas surrounding Pine Lake during the first Barnegat Bay Blitz on Wednesday.

Businesses, schools, volunteer groups, community organizations and others are encouraged to help organize teams to pick up trash at locations on the bayfront and along streams within watershed, which stretches from Little Egg Harbor north into Howell and Freehold Townships.

NJDEP staffers are working as team captains to mobilize volunteers within watershed communities. 

In Manchester, Katie Barnett, environmental specialist for the department's Division of Water Supply, said that about 60 service members from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst and "a handful of residents and NJDEP staff" will meet at the Cathedral of the Air, Route 547, Building 488, at 9:30 a.m. to start the event.

Assistant Commissioner of Water Resource Management John Plonski and base leadership will be present and make remarks. Residents who would like to join the effort are welcome to meet at the church or at the Pop Warner field as volunteers arrive there between 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

Randy Bearce, acting region supervisor for the NJDEP, is coordinating Manchester's effort and said that that even though the bay is miles away, township residents still impact its health.

"For Manchester in particular, some residents might not realize or appreciate that they are part of the Barnegat Bay Watershed," Bearce said.

The Blitz, he said, should served as a way to increase awareness that local pollution can affect the body of water, as streams that feed into Pine Lake connect with the Toms River and flow into the bay. 

"So the education and stewardship aspects are a big part of this," Bearce said. 

Bearce said that volunteers will clean Pine Lake and its surrounding areas including Tuskegee Airman Park, the Pop Warner sports fields and areas of the Pine Lake Park neighborhood itself.

Gloves and trash bags will be supplied, though Bearce said that residents who wish to volunteer should contact him at 609-633-0498 to ensure that enough supplies are brought. Volunteers who have their own tools or gloves are asked to bring them.

Bearce also cautioned that those coming out should be prepared to work in what could be wet conditions. 

"They should dress appropriately for the weather, including footwear and whatever else they think they will need," he said. 

In Lakehurst, Councilman Steven Oglesby said that the Blitz will target Lake Horicon and the clubhouse area at the Pinehurst Estates. Other locations may be added depending on how many participants sign up.

Clean-up in the borough will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Oglesby said. Those wanting to volunteer in Lakehurst can contact group leader Marc Rogoff at 609-292-1474 or by email.