Yesterday, at the Triple C Ranch in Edison, Governor Jon Corzine signed a historic bill into law, which established the Dismal Swamp Preservation Commission.  Assemblymen Peter Barnes and Patrick Diegnan, and the nonprofit Edison Wetlands Association (EWA) joined Corzine to form this state commission to preserve the Dismal Swamp Conservation Area in Edison, South Plainfield, and Metuchen.

The 1,240-acre Dismal Swamp Conservation Area is home to nearly 200 species of birds, as well as mammals, amphibians,and reptiles including rare species such as the yellow-crowned night-heron,American bittern, northern harrier, American beaver, and the spotted turtle.  As the largest wildlife refuge in densely populated northern Middlesex County, the Dismal Swamp serves as a natural oasis and holds United States Environmental Protection Agency Federal Priority Wetlands.  

Since 1989, EWA, a grassroots nonprofit environmental organization,has worked to preserve and restore the few remaining natural areas in Central New Jersey.  EWA owns and operates the 40-acre Triple C Ranch, the last remaining farm in northern Middlesex County, located in the heart of the Dismal Swamp Conservation Area. 

More information on the Dismal Swamp Conservation Area can be found at www.EdisonWetlands.org.