U.S. Rep. Frank A. LoBiondo, R-2nd Dist., a member of the Congressional Wildlife Refuge Caucus, announced February 25, 2009, the House of Representatives has approved $1.5 million for further land acquisition for the Pennsville Refuge. The funding is included in the Fiscal Year 2009 Omnibus Appropriations bill.The property is an 80-acre parcel known as the Sinnickson Tract located at Lighthouse Road and Route 49. The property has been farmed in the past.
Representative LoBiondo said “One of the unique characteristics of southern New Jersey is our open spaces and I continue to strongly support efforts to preserve and protect our wildlife refuges. I am pleased that additional land can now be acquired in Salem County in our ongoing efforts to enhance Supawna for both local residents and visitors while protecting the habitat of native wildlife.”
Supawna Meadows National Wildlife Refuge currently covers about 3,000 acres and provides a critical habitat to migrating water fowl. The refuge has not received funding for land acquisition for over fifteen years.
The House of Representatives approved the bill and the Senate is expected to act on the bill very soon.
The Friends of Supawna Meadows NWR, Inc. are very thankful to Representative LoBiondo for his long history of supporting Supawna Meadows NWR and his recognition of the importance of New Jersey's natural beauty.
