Beach Haven West Dredging To Start After Labor Day, Stafford Says

MANAHAWKIN, NJ — Stafford Township has released a new update on the Resilient Stafford project, saying dredging and marsh restoration work near the Beach Haven West community is continuing as planned.

The update was provided after Township Administrator Matthew von der Hayden joined Frank Branagan of Resilient Seas to discuss the ongoing effort.

According to the township, the project is aimed at improving water quality, restoring coastal habitat and increasing long-term community resilience. The update says the work marks another step in that effort as activity continues on and near local waterways.

The township also issued a reminder for boaters as marine construction continues in the area. Residents and visitors on the water are being asked to use extra caution and give a wide berth to dredges, barges and other construction vessels operating nearby.

According to the township, those vessels have limited maneuverability, need significant distance to stop and operators may not always be able to see smaller recreational boats. The township said giving work vessels plenty of space helps protect construction crews and other people using the waterways.

The project timeline included several milestones for the months ahead. Dredging within neighborhood lagoons is anticipated to begin after Labor Day, according to the township, when schools are back in session and recreational boat traffic has decreased.

The first phase of dredging is expected to be completed by the end of October, according to the update. A second phase is expected to begin shortly after that and continue through December.

Residents can also expect additional activity next spring, when native vegetation will be planted as part of the marsh restoration effort, according to the township. The update also invited residents to stop by Town Hall to see an example of the material used in the sea-wall installed at Popular Point as part of the restoration work.

The township thanked residents for their patience and cooperation as the project moves forward. According to the update, the work is part of a broader investment in Stafford Township waterways and coastal communities.