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CATTLE ROAM about the South Cape May Meadow, but the 180-acre tract is more than grazing ground for beef. It’s an important habitat for migrating birds and a critical buffer zone between ocean and upland area touching one-quarter of the Jersey Cape's sixteen municipalities and situated in its most populated. Conservancy Doesn’t Rule Chit Jetty

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public funding, has protected some 1.8 million acres of natural lands thru approximately 2,500 different projects. The organization retains over half the natural areas it acquires, making the lands the largest privately owned network of sanc-

tuaries in the U.S.

In New Jersey the organization has preserved more than 7,000 acres of prime woodlands and wetlands. And according to Mr Cook, its holdings in South Jersey will be increasing in the near future with the acquisition of additional land in both Cape

May and Cumberland counties.

"I THINK THE Conservancy’s acquisition of the South Cajie May Meadows was fantastic," Cook asserted. "It's one of the greatest areas for migratory birds in the country, especially for rare and endangered species. By location alone it's a

very important spot." he added.

Cook stressed that while the 180-acre tract of coastal meadows and wetlands ex'ttfhdirtxfrom Cape May to Cape May Point will be preserved in iUT natural state — similar Vo'the Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary -yn’he longrangc plan doesn’t call for the area to be left entirely untouched. “The idea -of management isn’t necessarily to leave it alone," he emphasized. ’Sometimes steps must be taken to improve and enhance the natural environment in order to protect endangered

species."

THE MEADOWS will be managed in line with gcneralXgpservancy policy, which restrictS'uStToTpikticidos and herbicides, allows no removal of vegetation, prohibits motor vehicles and camp fires; and restricts hunting, trapping, and camping. While the Conservancy plans to protect the area — which is vulnerable to severe flooding because of constant beach erosion — Cook asserted that the organization isn’t going to be able to solve problems whose solutions have for years escaped all levels of government agencies. Cook indicated the Conservancy may not even want to try to solve these problems, since cost alone would make attempts to solve some impractical. According to the director, a high priority with the Conservancy is dune restoration and control of beach erosion. He said plans in this area include attempting to obtain state permission and funding to plant dunes with an artificial seaweed that is designed to reduce the impact of wave action. The pilot program would also consist of a study of sediment transportation in water adjoining the meadows. •• A LOT DEPENDS on which way the sand travels before becoming trapped." he explained, adding that the ultimate solution to erosion problems may require construction of a jetty in the distant future. Another major objective of the Conservancy’s management plan is to control mosquitoes. While it is generally the policy of the organization not to use pesticides and herbicides in any of their preserves, the chemicals are occasionally used if the use can be justified, Cook noted According to Cape May County Mosquito Commission superintendent Judy Hansen.

several complaints were aired this year about mosquitoes in the South Cape Meadows. She said that for the first time in several years — at the request of the Conservancy —,the Commission did not spray the area. — ACCORDING TO COOK, the Commission and Conservancy arc currently working on an agreement that he feels in the end will be satisfactory to both groups. "We have a very good relationship with the Mosquito Commission," he said. As for the visible changes in the Meadows, it appears the most obvious will be the tearing down of the old abandoned Outpost custard stand facing Sunset Blvd. But another familiar sight — the cattle feeding in the grasslands — will remain. "It looks like the cattle will stay." he said. "Cattle are compatible with the area because they keep the vegetation — used by migratory birds — law." THE DIRECTOR also indicated that the Conservancy will work closely in its management program with the adjacent Cape May Point State Park. "We have to work closely with the park because we’re all part of the same habitat system," he emphasized, adding that he believes the facilities at the park — primarily the visitors center — provides the Conservancy with more flexibility in their management plans. Is an area like the South Cape Meadows better protected thru state ownership or acquisition by a non-profit land conservation organization such as the Conservancy, Mr. Cook was asked. His response: Each case must be examined on an individual basis. "Everytime we (Conservancy) acquire land, we have to determine who can best manage it. Sometimes we acquire land and later transfer it to another management agency," he explained, adding that whether the Conservancy will still be managing the Meadows 25 years from now depends primarily on the success of the proposed longrangc management plan. THE TRACT — a prime habitat for migratory birds including the peregrine falcon, osprey and bald eagle — was donated to the Conservancy by Combustion Engineering Inc. of Stamford. Conn, last November. Originally, the land was under contract to be sold to a recreational campground developer for $360,000. The campground corporation sold its purchase option to the conservation group after the Lower Twp. Planning Board refused last summer to change its zoning regulations to allow campgrounds as a permitted use in the Meadows. The property for many years was owned by Yara Engineering Corp. — new Georgia Kaolin, a subsidiary of Combustion Engineering. The ecological importance of the area is well documented in studies conducted by the Conservancy, the N.J. Audubon Society, the National Wildlife Federation, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It has been recognized by Roger Tury Peterson, the famous ornithologist, as "one of the country's outstanding birdwatching areas ... a critical place for many species ill their migration along the Atlantic Flyway."