The Problem
The problem we aim to fix is the degradation of water quality in Assunpink Lake resulting from excessive nutrient and bacterial pollution caused by the improper management of horse manure runoff in the surrounding Upper Freehold watershed. This runoff, rich in nitrogen and phosphorus, triggers eutrophication and promotes dangerous Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs), which deplete dissolved oxygen and compromise the lake\'s ecosystem, leading to stress on native aquatic life. Simultaneously, the introduction of fecal bacteria raises significant public health and safety concerns, directly impacting the community\'s ability to safely enjoy this vital natural and recreational resource.
Our Plan
The action we are planning is: To initiate an advocacy campaign with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), specifically the Division of Fish & Wildlife, to request the installation of clear, permanent signage at Assunpink Lake and its main access points. These signs will be designed to clearly prohibit horses from entering the water body or shoreline and will educate the public on the connection between horse manure runoff and the resulting water quality degradation (nutrient pollution, HABs, and bacterial contamination) in the lake. We will leverage our Roots & Shoots letter and contact the Central Region Office of the NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife (which manages the Assunpink Wildlife Management Area) to formally propose this solution and offer to help design or fund the signage.
