Pochuck Crossing at Appalachian Trail

Project Overview

LAN was retained by the NJDEP Division of Parks and Forestry to provide the surveying, engineering, and environmental permitting services necessary for the design and permit acquisition for a raised boardwalk trail in Sussex County, NJ.

The purpose of the project was to provide a safe alternative route for Appalachian Trail users by constructing the boardwalk through a large emergent wetland and over two watercourses. Prior to its completion, hikers were required to trek an additional two miles on roads to get from Pochuck Mountain through the valley, over Pochuck Creek to Wawayanda Mountain. This project was a result of a combined effort by federal, state, and local governments, private organizations and volunteers who worked together to purchase the land, plan the improvements, and construct the boardwalk.

LAN worked closely with the NJDEP and key stakeholders to select an appropriate location for the boardwalk. They had to consider factors such as minimizing disturbance to the exceptional resource value wetlands, flood elevations and associated forces, siting and structural design, wildlife viewing opportunities, and ADA compliance.

LAN’s team provided the professional services necessary to bring this vision to fruition, including wetland delineation and flood hazard area evaluation and permitting, land surveying, civil and structural engineering, and materials cost estimating. Upon completion of design and acquisition of construction permits, approximately 350 volunteers stepped in to build the +/- 5,000 linear feet of boardwalk including the installation of nearly 900 metal helical screw piles.

The addition of the boardwalk has provided a safe alternative route for hikers, a convenient means of access to wetlands and watercourses used for a variety of nature studies, and both passive and active recreational opportunities that draw visitors from far and wide.

Client

NJDEP Division of Parks and Forestry

Location

Vernon, NJ

Project Size

1 mile

Completion Date

2004

Markets

Parks & Recreation

Services

Environmental Services, Land Use, Surveying

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