Class I Maurice River, NJ

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, shortnose 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 percent of the animal species that New Jersey has recognized as endangered, excluding marine mammals.

rivers.gov/Maurice River