Rancocas Pathways, the Offical Applicant of the Rancocas Creek National Water Trail, nomination Website Undergoing Regular Development
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Rancocas Pathways Inc. Offical Applicant of the RCNWT nomination
Rancocas Pathways, a 501c3 organization is dedicated to enhanced multi-use public access on the Rancocas State Park Bluewater Trail and promotes the nomination of the Rancocas Ceek National Water Trail hrough fun, recreation, stewardship, exercise, merged w/ conservation and education.
Soil erosion results in soil being detached, carried
away, and eventually deposited elsewhere. It is a natural process,
and rivers and creeks naturally hold soil, deposit it in some places and
pick it up in other places.
In the Rancocas Creek Watershed, soil erosion
is a problem when it is accelerated because of high water flow and
human disturbance (i.e. farming, construction) of the land surrounding
our streams. When the amount of soil in the creek exceeds the ability
of the water to transport it downstream, the excess soil can clog rocks
and gravel beds, which are important habitat for fish, insects, and
other river life. When excess soil drops out of the water and remains
in the stream, the process is known as sedimentation.
Erosion and sedimentation can also have these affects:
• Loss of fertile top soil
• Flooding from clogged ditches, culverts, and storm sewers
• Muddy or turbid streams
• Damaged plant and animal life
• Clogged ponds, lakes, and reservoirs
• Damaged aquatic and other habitats
• Decreased recreational value and use
• Structural damage to buildings and roads
Naturally occurring factors also influence both the rate and the amount of erosion and deposition into streams.
1) Vegetation is the most important physical factor
influencing soil erosion. A good vegetative cover binds the soil
together, infuses it with organic matter, shields it from rain, makes it
resistant to runoff, and filters sediment. A robust vegetative cover is
one of the best protections against erosion.
2) Climatic conditions influencing erosion include
the amount, intensity, and frequency of rainfall, and hot and cold
temperatures. For example, during periods of frequent rainfall there is a
greater percentage of runoff. And, while frozen soil is highly
resistant to erosion, rapidly thawing soil can lead to increased
3) Soil characteristics also determine erodibility.
One of these characteristics is texture – the size or combination of
sizes of soil particles. They fall into three broad classifications
ranging across small (clay), medium (silt), and large (sand). Soils most
susceptible to erosion are those with the largest amount of medium
(silt)-size particles. Clay and sandy soils are less prone to erosion.
4) Ground slope – its combined length, grade, and
surface quality (rough or smooth) – affects erodibility. The longer the
slope, the steeper the grade, and the smoother the surface, the larger
is the potential for erosion. Along with quantity of rainfall, slope
characteristics determine the speed of flow. The faster the water flows,
the greater the potential for erosion and sedimentation.
Environmental scientists estimate that, from all sources, more than
4.5 billion tons of sediment pollute the rivers of this country each
year. This volume is equivalent to 25,000 100-yard football fields
stacked 100 feet high. Experts also estimate that we spend somewhere
between $6 and $13 billion in the United States each year to correct the
effects of erosion and sedimentation.
Rancocas Pathways is a 501(c)(3) organization as determined by the IRS. As such, donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed. Check with your accountant if you have questions. For information related to the Unit and its tax status, including the determination letter and Form 990s, contact us at firstname.lastname@example.org