Mendham Continues To Fight Off Invasive Plants Near Local Brook

MENDHAM BOROUGH, NJ — The borough, in coordination with environmental organizations, is continuing its restoration of India Brook this week.

On Tuesday, the borough and its partners will conduct the third spraying of the brook and its surrounding areas. The project, which launched in June, is expected to be completed by mid-September.

India Brook, which runs to Mountain Valley Park Pond (aka Mud Hole), serves as a popular fishing spot for residents and visitors. Over the years, invasive plant species have made their way in and around the waterway, harming local wildlife and causing environmental disruptions.

According to the NJ DEP, invasive plants can outcompete native plants by:

• Changing habitat structure
• Altering soil chemistry
• Dominating available space
• Absorbing sunlight or by shading
• More efficiently utilizing nutrients

Joining the Borough of Mendham Joint Environmental, Open Space, and Shade Tree Commission in its restoration efforts is the Hacklebarney Chapter of Trout Unlimited.

“Hacklebarney Trout Unlimited and the Borough of Mendham are partnering to remove the overgrown invasive plants along India Brook and restore the brook with native trees and shrubs,” a borough statement read. “These plants are well suited to the area, and will enhance the local ecosystems, and offer essential food and habitat for the native wildlife.”

The borough was issued a general permit from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection for “aquatic pesticide” usage. The permit highlights pesticide conditions and restrictions, and allows spraying until the end of this year.

Hacklebarney Trout Unlimited was founded in 1975 and is 400 members strong. The organization’s main goal for the India Brook project is to provide a “sustainable habitat for trout...that supports biodiversity while enhancing opportunities for recreational fishing.”

“Many residents, neighbors from nearby towns as well as further afield, come to the park to enjoy tranquility and beautiful India Brook,” a Hacklebarney Trout Unlimited statement read. “India brook is unique in New Jersey since it hosts both wild and stocked trout. Many fishermen appreciate the challenge of a small stream with riffles and ponds that hold trout. India Brook Park and India Brook are experiencing the effects of climate change. The stream is affected by flooding, human impingement, tree disease, and deer overbrowsing.”

The organization's plan involves improving the brook’s water quality, enhancing habitats for trout, long-term monitoring of the brook, and educating the community about “trout habitat needs and how restoration enhances wild and native trout populations.”

Those with questions about pesticide spraying areas should email mvanclef@fohvos.org.

Those looking to volunteer with the restoration project can email planning@mendhamnj.org for more details.