HARMONY TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Warren County) — Merrill Creek Reservoir is expanding its conservation work by adding floating wetlands to its ongoing fish habitat projects, officials announced.
For the past three years, the reservoir has focused on ecological practices that benefit both wildlife and recreation. Earlier efforts included building underwater fish habitats using logs from forestry projects and invasive autumn olive plants removed during meadow management. These submerged structures have created artificial reefs, offering cover and foraging areas for species such as yellow perch, black crappie, and both smallmouth and largemouth bass.
Building on that success, the reservoir recently deployed five floating wetlands near the Wildlife Viewing Blind off the Blue Trail, with help from the Merrill Creek Volunteer Group.
Floating wetlands are buoyant, anchored platforms planted with native vegetation. While not expected to significantly alter nutrient levels in a body of water as large as the 650-acre reservoir, officials said the structures provide important ecological benefits.
The vegetation’s roots grow directly into the water, filtering sediment, creating biofilm that supports microbes, and offering complex habitat for insects, fish and other aquatic life. The platforms also create shaded areas for fish and resting or foraging spots for turtles, amphibians and birds.
Officials said the dual approach — submerged structures from the “bottom up” and floating wetlands from the “top down” — enhances biodiversity while improving the reservoir’s recreational fishing opportunities.
