NJ Pine Barrens Maritime-Culture-Landscape 1 1 2024

Maurice River National Wild and Scenic River
In 1993, the Maurice River and several tributaries including Menantico and Muskee Creeks and the Manumuskin River were
added to the National Wild and Scenic River System.
The Maurice (pronounced "morris") River corridor is an unusually pristine Atlantic Coastal river with national and
internationally important resources. As part of the Atlantic Flyway, its clean waters and related habitats are vitally important
to the migration of shorebirds, songbirds, waterfowl, raptors, rails, and fish. Other important resources include a rare and
endangered joint vetch, short nose sturgeon, striped bass, and a pre-historic settlement site. Historically, the Maurice is
home to a rich fishing, boating, and oystering heritage.
The Maurice River flows through what was once an oyster harvesting town; you can still see buildings and activities related
to this industry. The river supports New Jersey's largest stand of wild rice and 53% of the animal species that New Jersey has
recognized as endangered, excluding marine mammals. The Maurice River is a critical link between the Pinelands National
Reserve and the Delaware Estuary both nationally and internationally important.
The Maurice River corridor serves as the western boundary of the Pinelands.
Rancocas Pathways 430