101-694: The Toms River is a 41.7-mile-long (67.1 km) freshwater river and estuary in Ocean County, New Jersey , United States. The river rises in the Pine Barrens of northern Ocean County, then flows southeast and east, where it is fed by several tributaries, and flows in a meandering course through wetlands. The river empties into Barnegat Bay —an inlet of the Atlantic Ocean —and the Intracoastal Waterway at Mile 14.6. Much of
202-476: A Nor'easter hit the New Jersey coastline. The Toms River USGS station (01408500) recorded its highest water level to that point since 1929, before which records were not tracked, and a record discharge of 2,360 cubic feet (67 m) per second on March 15; the predicted discharge prior to the storm was only 300 cubic feet (8.5 m) per second. On August 28, 2011, Hurricane Irene hit the eastern coast of
303-734: A coinciding period. In September 1997, the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH), at the request of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry , evaluated childhood cancer incidences in Toms River. The NJDOH reviewed data from the State Cancer Registry (SCR) from 1979 to 1991. According to the summary report the NJDOH released: "The results of the 1995 NJDHSS cancer evaluation indicated that Ocean County as
404-449: A fire. The prevalence of forest fire allows the pitch pines to dominate over oaks, which by comparison are usually killed outright by a moderate or intense fire. High air temperatures and dry plant undergrowth contribute to the intensity of the fire. While uncommon, severe fires at fairly frequent intervals can eliminate species that do not bear seed at an early age. Efforts to battle forest fire attract debate over how to best preserve
505-584: A microclimate that allows for a shorter frost-free season, and colder nighttime temperatures compared to most of New Jersey. Because of sandy soil and very little development, clear and calm nights can get much colder in the Pine Barrens than in the surrounding areas. On an average night, a 6 to 8 °F (3.3 to 4.4 °C) difference is commonly seen, but the change can be as much as 10 °F (5.6 °C). The Pine Barrens receives annual snowfall, varying from 15 to 21 inches (380 to 530 mm) throughout
606-457: A permanent agriculture population (whose main interest would have been to establish permanent boundaries and clear the forests for fields). The area's sparse population encouraged a long-lasting attitude that forest fires should be set for local benefit—even on the lands of others. For instance, it was profitable for charcoal burners to set fires deliberately, in order to make the trees useless for any purpose other than charcoal making, then purchase
707-781: A preliminary assessment under the Potential Hazardous Waste Site Program. In 1983, the EPA placed the site on the Superfund National Priorities List . The EPA has been cleaning up the site since the early 1980s. In September 2000, the agency ordered the excavation and bioremediation of about 150,000 cu yd (110,000 m) of contaminated soil. Cleanup of the on-site source areas began in October 2003, with off-site processing and treatment finishing in 2010. According to
808-571: A record low of −19 °F (−28 °C) was recorded in January 1982 and a record high of 105 °F (41 °C) was recorded in July 1999. Average monthly temperatures in Tuckerton near the south end range from 33.2 °F (0.7 °C) in January to 75.7 °F (24.3 °C) in July. The highest monthly average temperature for the county was 78.8 °F (26.0 °C) in July 2020; the lowest
909-585: A total of 2,958.5 miles (4,761.2 km) of roadways, of which 2,164.2 miles (3,482.9 km) are maintained by the municipality, 615.5 miles (990.6 km) by Ocean County and 140.19 miles (225.61 km) by the New Jersey Department of Transportation and 38.59 miles (62.10 km) by the New Jersey Turnpike Authority . Ocean County has various major roads that pass through. Those routes are listed below: New Jersey Pine Barrens The New Jersey Pine Barrens , also known as
1010-402: A whole and the Toms River section of Dover ... had an excess of childhood brain and central nervous system (CNS) cancer relative to the entire State". The NJDOH reviewed the entire county but found Toms River, which was then known as Dover Township, was "the only statistically significantly elevated town in the county". As a result of the findings, the NJDOH ordered a case–control study of
1111-449: Is Lakewood Township , with an estimated 139,866 residents as of 2023, while Jackson Township covers 100.62 square miles (260.6 km ), the largest total area of any municipality in the county. Ocean County is located 50 miles (80 km) east of Philadelphia , 70 miles (110 km) south of New York City , and 25 miles (40 km) north of Atlantic City , making it a prime vacation destination for residents of these cities during
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#17327729826361212-582: Is a county located in the U.S. state of New Jersey and the southernmost county in the New York metropolitan area . The county borders the Atlantic Ocean on the east and in terms of total area is the state's largest county. Its county seat is Toms River . The county is part of the Jersey Shore and is considered part of the Central Jersey region of the state, though it was not among
1313-654: Is also home to several state parks : ShoreTown Ballpark located in Lakewood, opened in 2001 with 6,588 reserved seats and is home of the Jersey Shore BlueClaws , the High-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies . The Asbury Park Press and The Press of Atlantic City are daily newspapers that cover Ocean County. Micromedia Publications publishes six weekly local newspapers in
1414-784: Is also home to the county's only Roman Catholic high school, Monsignor Donovan High School , operated by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Trenton , which also has six elementary schools located in the county. In addition to multiple public high schools , the county has an extensive vocational high school program, known as the Ocean County Vocational Technical School district. In addition to its campuses in Brick , Toms River, Waretown , and Jackson , it contains three magnet schools : Ocean County has an extensive shoreline stretching along
1515-526: Is governed by a Board of County Commissioners comprised of five members who are elected on an at-large basis in partisan elections and serving staggered three-year terms of office, with either one or two seats coming up for election each year as part of the November general election. At an annual reorganization held in the beginning of January, the board chooses a Director and a deputy director from among its members. In 2016, freeholders were paid $ 30,000 and
1616-533: Is in Toms River and was founded in 1964. Georgian Court University in Lakewood Township is a private Roman Catholic Sisters of Mercy college, which opened in 1908 on the former winter estate of millionaire George Jay Gould I , son of railroad tycoon Jay Gould . Lakewood is also home to Beth Medrash Govoha , a Haredi yeshiva with 5,000 students, making it one of the largest yeshivas in
1717-521: Is in possession of S. H. Shreve, Esq., Toms River.) Indian Tom, it is stated on seemingly good authority, resided on Dillon's Island, near the mouth of Toms River, during the Revolution. As the name ."Toms River," is found about fifty years before (1727,) it throws some doubt upon the statement that the name was derived from him. In 1992, during the town's 225th anniversary, the township government and local historians officially recognized Thomas Luker as
1818-674: Is represented by Chris Smith ( R , Manchester Township ). The 33 municipalities of Ocean County are covered by four legislative districts. Greg Myhre (R) Paul Kanitra (R) Robert D. Clifton (R) Avi Schnall ( D ) Ocean County is the most Republican county in New Jersey, a state that characteristically votes Democratic. In its history, it has failed to support a Republican for president only three times. As of 2024, all of its state legislators, County commissioners, and countywide constitutional officers are Republicans. The last Democratic presidential candidate to win Ocean County
1919-420: The Atlantic Ocean , including the Jersey Shore communities and oceanfront boardwalk resorts of Seaside Heights and Point Pleasant Beach . Six Flags Great Adventure , America's largest Six Flags theme park, was home to the world's tallest and formerly fastest roller coaster, Kingda Ka , which closed in November 2024. The park also contains Six Flags Hurricane Harbor , New Jersey's largest water park , and
2020-549: The County Clerk and County Surrogate (both elected for five-year terms of office) and the County Sheriff (elected for a three-year term). Constitutional officers elected on a countywide basis are: Constitutional officers elected on a countywide basis are: No Democrat has won a countywide office since 1989. The Ocean County Prosecutor is Bradley D. Billhimer, who was nominated by Governor Phil Murphy . Billhimer
2121-648: The Maurice and the Great Egg Harbor . John McPhee 's 1967 book The Pine Barrens focuses on the history and ecology of the region. Between 170–200 million years ago, the Atlantic coastal plain began to form. The Barrens formed in the southernmost and newest land area in New Jersey 1.8 to 65 million years ago, during the Tertiary era. Over millions of years, the rising and falling of
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#17327729826362222-683: The Pinelands or simply the Pines , is the largest remaining example of the Atlantic coastal pine barrens ecosystem, stretching across more than seven counties of New Jersey . Two other large, contiguous examples of this ecosystem remain in the northeastern United States : the Long Island Central Pine Barrens and the Massachusetts Coastal Pine Barrens . The name pine barrens refers to
2323-896: The Pinelands National Reserve (the nation's first National Reserve) to preserve its ecology. A decade later, it was designated by the United Nations as an International Biosphere Reserve . Development in the Pinelands National Reserve is strictly controlled by an independent state/federal agency, the New Jersey Pinelands Commission . The Pinelands Reserve contains the Wharton , Brendan T. Byrne (formerly Lebanon), Penn , and Bass River state forests. The reserve also includes two National Wild and Scenic Rivers :
2424-501: The cedar , oak , and pitch trees, as well as local tar and turpentine. The first sawmills and gristmills opened around 1700, leading to the first European settlements in the Pinelands. During the colonial era, the Pine Barrens was the location of various industries. In 1740, charcoal operations began in the Pine Barrens, and the first iron furnace opened in 1765. Bog iron was mined from bogs, streams, and waterways, and
2525-514: The headwaters of the Toms River are in the New Jersey Pine Barrens . The lower five miles (8.0 km) of the river is a broad tidal estuary that is navigable within the community of Toms River . The river empties into the western side of Barnegat Bay , with mid-channel depths of 3.5 to 5 feet (1.1 to 1.5 m). At 124 sq mi (320 km), the Toms River subwatershed is the largest drainage area of any river in
2626-432: The 193,186 ballots cast by the county's 371,066 registered voters, yielding a 52.1% turnout. In the 2013 gubernatorial election , Republican Chris Christie received 75.7% of the vote here (125,781 ballots cast), ahead of Democrat Barbara Buono with 22.8% (37,930 votes), In the 2017 gubernatorial election , Republican Kim Guadagno received 98,135 (62.1%) of the vote, and Democrat Phil Murphy received 56,682 (35.8%) of
2727-625: The 2,200-acre (890 ha) Safari Off Road Adventure , the largest drive-thru animal safari outside of Africa. Approximately 40 miles (64 km) of barrier beaches form the Barnegat and Little Egg Harbor Bays, offering ample watersports. It also is home of the Tuckerton Seaport , a 40-acre (160,000 m ) maritime history village in Tuckerton . In addition to being the northeast gateway to New Jersey's Pine Barrens , Ocean County
2828-534: The 576,567 enumerated at the 2010 census , which in turn reflected an increase of 65,651 (+12.8%) from the 510,916 counted in the 2000 census . Since 2010, Ocean County's population has been growing faster than the United States as a whole. The United States Census Bureau 's Population Estimates Program estimated a 2023 population of 659,197, an increase of 21,968 (+3.4%) from the 2020 decennial census. Ocean County’s most populous and fastest-growing place
2929-775: The Americas was founded Brotherton in 1758, in what is now Indian Mills in Shamong Township . On October 6, 1778 during the American Revolutionary War , 400 British troops under Patrick Ferguson fought an American force under Casimir Pulaski at the Battle of Chestnut Neck before burning several local buildings. In 1799, the first glassworks opened in Port Elizabeth, and by that time, whaling operations had stopped. The first cotton mill in
3030-598: The Atlantic Ocean. In 1980, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) issued an order requiring the removal of approximately 15,000 drums from an on-site landfill dump and to initiate groundwater monitoring throughout the 1,400 acres (5.7 km) property, which included portions of the Pine Barrens and coastal wetlands. That same year, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) completed
3131-523: The Barnegat Bay watershed. It includes 11 municipalities in Ocean County and portions of southwestern Monmouth County . The lowest sections of the river provide convenient locations for marinas and yacht clubs, and bases for fishing and crabbing. Canoeing and kayaking are also popular on the river, which can be paddled for 21.7 miles (34.9 km) from Don Connor Boulevard, below County Route 528 to Barnegat Bay. The Toms River has appeared on maps of
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3232-461: The NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife, including the rare eastern timber rattlesnakes ( Crotalus horridus ) and bald eagles . A threatened species of frog, the Pine Barrens tree frog , has a disjunct population there. American black bears are finding their way back into the Pine Barrens after a history of hunting and trapping had driven them out. Believed to have been extirpated from
3333-436: The Ocean County government services without the need for residents to travel to the county seat located about 20 miles (32 km) to the north. The 2nd and 4th Congressional Districts cover the county. For the 118th United States Congress , New Jersey's 2nd congressional district is represented by Jeff Van Drew ( R , Dennis Township ). For the 118th United States Congress , New Jersey's 4th congressional district
3434-596: The Pine Barrens and its aquifer by urban sprawl . State authorities in the region discussed plans to construct a jetport and associated city in the Pine Barrens to alleviate congestion at other major regional airports of the Mid-Atlantic. The low cost of land and lower incidence of fog in the area made the plan appealing. Congress created the New Jersey Pinelands National Reserve , the country's first National Reserve, to protect
3535-413: The Pine Barrens are primarily related to agriculture and tourism. New Jersey produces the third-highest number of cranberries in the country, mostly cultivated in the areas around Chatsworth, including Whitesbog. The first cultivated blueberries were developed in the Pine Barrens in 1916 through the work of Elizabeth White of Whitesbog, and blueberry farms are nearly as common as cranberry bogs in
3636-399: The Pine Barrens opened in 1810 at Retreat . Cultivated cranberry bogs begin in the 1830s, and in 1832, the first paper mill opened in the region. In 1854, the first railroad across the Pinelands opened, connecting Camden and the newly-established Atlantic City . Railroads soon connected the various small towns that existed across the Pine Barrens. In 1869, the bog iron industry ended in
3737-449: The Pine Barrens' industrial past. Ghost towns —remnants of villages built around these former industries—can still be found at various locations. Batsto Village has been restored to its mid-19th century state as a state historic site. The Pine Barrens were home to many rural, backwoods families. For years, residents of the rural area were called " Pineys " by outsiders, as a derogatory term. Today many Pinelands residents are proud of both
3838-476: The Pine Barrens, after the discovery that iron ore could be mined more cheaply in Pennsylvania . Other industries such as paper mills, sawmills, and gristmills rose and fell throughout the years, catering chiefly to local markets. Smaller industries such as charcoal-making and glassmaking also were developed, meeting with varying degrees of success. Over time, however, the forest reclaimed almost all traces of
3939-439: The Pine Barrens. The region hosts more than 20 species of wild berries, including wild raisin , red chokeberry , highbush blueberry , huckleberry , bearberry , and cranberry. The forest communities are strongly influenced by fire, varying from dwarf pine forests less than 4 feet (120 cm) tall where fires are frequent, to pine forests, to oak forests where fires are rare. Dark swamps of Atlantic white cedar grow along
4040-594: The Pine Barrens. While fires constitute a danger to property and inhabitants, preservationists argue that eliminating forest fires would cause the Pine Barrens to become dominated by oak trees. A few areas which had previously consisted of scrub and pitch pine have become dominated by oak trees because of intervention after settlement to reduce the frequency of forest fires. The Pine Barrens is home to at least 39 species of mammals , over 300 species of birds, 59 reptile and amphibian species, and 91 fish species. At least 43 species are considered threatened and endangered by
4141-594: The Pine Plains for many centuries, or millennia." Around 10,000 years ago, the ancestors of the Lenape people first inhabited the Pine Barrens. The fire regime before European settlement is poorly understood. Scholars know that the Lenape tribes burned the woods in the spring and fall to reduce underbrush, and improve plant yields and hunting conditions. The Pine Barrens, with its sandy soil, did not attract
Toms River - Misplaced Pages Continue
4242-408: The Pinelands (the northern pinelands receive the most snowfall, on average). Summers are typically hot and humid, and winters are typically cold, and fall/spring are milder transition seasons. Frost can be seen in fall, spring, and winter. In the Pine Barrens, frost occurs earlier in the fall and later in the spring than the surrounding areas due to the sandy soil. The average annual precipitation in
4343-419: The Pinelands is from 42 to 46 inches (1,100 to 1,200 mm), but year-to-year precipitation varies greatly. Thunderstorms are frequent in the warmer months, along with strong winds and heavy rains from these storms. The Pine Barrens is home to at least 850 species of plants, of which 92 are considered threatened and endangered. Several species of orchidss , including the pink lady's slipper , are native to
4444-464: The Tom in the river's name. During the celebration, a footbridge spanning the river in downtown Huddy Park was named in his honor. In the mid-to-late 20th century, the Toms River river and surrounding township experienced several contamination incidents that lead to the addition of at least two major areas to the United States Environmental Protection Agency 's (EPA) list of Superfund sites. Beginning in
4545-599: The Toms River is tidal with a direct feed into Barnegat Bay and a substantial subwatershed area, it is prone to flooding, particularly at the mouth. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) tracks and reports on significant flood events, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) tracks daily tide levels. The official USGS flood stage for the river is considered water levels at and above 12 feet (3.7 m), and major flood events occur at and above 14 feet (4.3 m). From March 12–15, 2010,
4646-548: The Toms River was recorded on August 29, 2011, at 13.62 ft (4.15 m). The previous record was 12.5 ft (3.8 m), set on September 23, 1938, after the 1938 New England hurricane . The river also saw significant water levels in November 2018 (11.74 ft (3.58 m)), October 2005 (11.64 ft (3.55 m)), and May 1984 (11.71 ft (3.57 m)). 39°59′12″N 74°13′25″W / 39.986625°N 74.223637°W / 39.986625; -74.223637 Ocean County, New Jersey Ocean County
4747-570: The US for a second time, making landfall near the Little Egg Inlet , about 25 miles (40 km) south of the Toms River's mouth. Irene was the first hurricane to make landfall in New Jersey since 1903. The storm surge that followed, combined with the rainfall from the hurricane and the wet conditions in the weeks prior, led to record USGS gage readings for over 40% of all stations with at least 20 years of data. The highest-recorded flood crest of
4848-451: The act are Atlantic , Burlington , Camden , Cape May , Cumberland , Gloucester and Ocean . The Pine Barrens comprise a major part of the Atlantic coastal pine barrens ecoregion . Although natural fires have occurred, evidence shows that most fires in the region are of human origin. The Pine Barrens of New Jersey are in the transition zone between humid subtropical and humid continental climates . The Pine Barrens, however, have
4949-467: The addition of Little Egg Harbor Township which was annexed from Burlington County on March 30, 1891. It derives its name from the Atlantic Ocean that it borders. The most populous municipality in the county is the rapidly growing Lakewood Township , with 135,158 residents in 2020, its highest decennial count ever and an increase of 42,315 (+45.6%) from its 2010 census count of 92,843; while Jackson Township covers 100.62 square miles (260.6 km ),
5050-405: The age of 18 living with them, 56.40% were married couples living together, 9.20% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.20% were non-families. 27.00% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.50% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.51 and the average family size was 3.06. In the county, 23.30% of the population
5151-455: The aid of GPS transmitters in order to determine habitat ranges and preferences. A scent-post survey in 1995 proved bobcat presence in four northern counties. There have been reliable sightings of the bobcat in nine additional (mostly southern) counties, including those encompassing large swathes of the Pine Barrens and others skirting it, namely: Atlantic , Burlington , Cape May , Cumberland , Ocean , and Salem counties. Industries in
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#17327729826365252-417: The area to examine and identify risks factors. The results of this study were made available in January 2003; according to the primary hypothesis, the cancer rates were related to the "environmental exposure pathways" reported over the previous 30 years. The study reported: "No consistent patterns of association were seen between the environmental factors of primary interest and any of the cancer groupings during
5353-666: The area under the National Parks and Recreation Act of 1978. The surviving Medford office of Dr. James Still , the 19th century "Black Doctor of the Pines", was purchased for preservation by the State of New Jersey in 2006. Today it is the Dr. James Still Historic Office Site and Education Center. The reserve contains Wharton State Forest , Brendan T. Byrne State Forest , Bass River State Forest , and Penn State Forest . The Pinelands
5454-444: The area's sandy, acidic, nutrient-poor soil. Although European settlers could not cultivate their familiar crops there, the unique ecology of the Pine Barrens supports a diverse spectrum of plant life, including orchids and carnivorous plants . The area is also notable for its populations of rare pygmy pitch pines and other plant species that depend on the frequent fires of the Pine Barrens to reproduce. The sand that composes much of
5555-479: The area's soil is referred to by the locals as sugar sand . The Pine Barrens remains mostly rural and undisturbed despite its proximity to the sprawling metropolitan cities of Philadelphia and New York City , in the center of the very densely populated Boston-Washington Corridor on the Eastern Seaboard . The heavily traveled Garden State Parkway and Atlantic City Expressway traverse sections of
5656-403: The coastline deposited minerals underground, culminating with the end of the last ice age about 12,000 years ago, when plants and trees began growing in what is now New Jersey . Forest fires have been a common occurrence since before habitation by humans. Fire has played a major ecological role in the Pinelands, and the ecotypes "suggest that short fire intervals may have been typical in
5757-403: The contents, which included "blend of resin and oil", "tar pitch", and "lab waste solvent". Evidence of the waste being dumped was found on the property, in the form of trenches that had not existed before the land was rented. The full drums were leaching their contents into the soil and the nearby water table . The Reichs sued Fernicola and Union Carbide, and in 1972, the court ordered an end to
5858-448: The county is at sea level along the county's lengthy Atlantic Ocean and Barnegat Bay coastlines. Ocean County's area comprises 31.3% water. The coastal county along the Atlantic Ocean has a humid subtropical climate ( Cfa and including the coast). In recent years, average temperatures in the county seat of Toms River have ranged from a low of 24 °F (−4 °C) in January to a high of 85 °F (29 °C) in July, although
5959-420: The county was $ 23,054. About 4.8% of families and 7.0% of the population were below the poverty line , including 10.0% of those under age 18 and 5.6% of those age 65 or over. As of the 2000 Census, Mantoloking was the wealthiest community in the state of New Jersey with a per capita money income of $ 114,017 as of 1999. The Bureau of Economic Analysis calculated that the county's gross domestic product
6060-538: The county's 2010 Census population, 63.2% were registered to vote, including 82.6% of those ages 18 and over. In the 2008 presidential election , Republican John McCain received 58.4% of the vote here (160,677 cast), ahead of Democrat Barack Obama with 40.1% (110,189 votes) among the 276,544 ballots cast by the county's 380,712 registered voters, for a turnout of 72.6%. The Republican vote totals and overall turnout were significantly down in 2012 due to damage and displacement caused by Hurricane Sandy just days before
6161-682: The county. The population density was 803 inhabitants per square mile (310/km ). There were 248,711 housing units at an average density of 151/km (390/sq mi). The racial makeup of the county was 93.05% White , 2.99% Black or African American , 0.14% Native American , 1.28% Asian , 0.02% Pacific Islander , 1.24% from other races , and 1.29% from two or more races. 5.02% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. Among those who listed their ancestry, 25.3% were of Italian , 23.6% Irish , 18.7% German , 8.8% Polish and 8.5% English ancestry according to Census 2000. There were 200,402 households, out of which 28.10% had children under
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#17327729826366262-583: The county; their seventh covers Howell Township, New Jersey in Monmouth County, New Jersey . 92.7 WOBM provides news, traffic and weather updates. WOBM-FM radio started broadcasting from the Bayville section of Berkeley Township in March 1968. The station relocated to studios in Toms River in 2013. 91.9 WBNJ provides local news, PSAs and events; as well as weather updates. The county had
6363-451: The data from 1996 to 2000 was available from the SCR. A 2014 Pulitzer Prize -winning book, Toms River: A Story of Science and Salvation , examined the cancer cluster in detail. Recent public-private coalitions to restore the river and to preserve the wetland areas near its source in the Pinelands, as well as the EPA stage assessments, have resulted in an increase in water quality. Because
6464-611: The department's website, the following milestones have been met so far: The EPA ordered the site to undergo five reviews, each to be performed every five years. The first sitewide review was conducted in September 2003, and the final review is estimated to be completed in June 2025. In August 1971, the Reich family leased a large portion of their 3-acre (1.2 ha) farm off Route 9 to independent waste hauler Nicholas Fernicola. The lease
6565-441: The dumping and the removal of the drums and contaminated soil. In early 1974, residents commented on an unusual smell and taste of their well water. The NJEPA inspected the site and found the groundwater was heavily contaminated with organic compounds , such as phenol and toluene . The Reich Farm site was included on the EPA's National Priorities List (NPL) in September 1983. After over two decades of remediation and testing, it
6666-511: The early 1900s, Ciba-Geigy Chemical Corporation established a site in Dover Township—now Toms River Township—where it manufactured pigments and dyes. The manufacturing process created a large amount of sludge and toxic waste, which was initially disposed of in unlined pits located on-site. In the 1960s, the company built a 10-mile (16 km)-long pipeline to disposing of nearly two billion gallons of wastewater into
6767-407: The eastern and southern Pine Barrens, respectively. The Pine Barrens territory helps recharge the 17-trillion-US-gallon (64-billion-cubic-metre) Kirkwood–Cohansey aquifer , containing some of the purest water in the United States. As a result of all these factors, in 1978, Congress passed legislation to designate 1.1 million acres (4,500 km ; 1,700 sq mi) of the Pine Barrens as
6868-519: The election. In 2016 and 2020 , it was New Jersey's most Republican county, and in 2020, it was the only one to give Donald Trump more than 60% of the vote; in fact, Trump won all but two municipalities in Ocean County in 2020. In the 2009 gubernatorial election , Republican Chris Christie received 65.6% of the vote here (124,238 ballots cast), ahead of Democrat Jon Corzine with 28.4% (53,761 votes), Independent Chris Daggett with 4.8% (9,068 votes) and other candidates with 1.2% (1,955 votes), among
6969-479: The four counties explicitly listed as included in Central Jersey as part of legislation signed into law in 2023. Since 2020, Ocean County has been the fastest-growing county in New Jersey, with a population of 637,229 recorded at the 2020 United States census , its highest decennial count ever and ranking the county as the state's sixth-most populous county , with an increase of 60,662 (+10.5%) from
7070-508: The freeholder director was paid an annual salary of $ 31,000. This remained unchanged in 2018 As of 2024 , Ocean County's Commissioners are (with terms for chair and vice-chair ending every December 31): Pursuant to Article VII Section II of the New Jersey State Constitution , each county in New Jersey is required to have three elected administrative officials known as "constitutional officers." These officers are
7171-547: The ghost of the "Black Doctor", the ghost of Captain Kidd , the " Black Dog ", and various other ghosts, as well as folklore associated with the Blue Hole and other so-called "blue holes" in the Pine Barrens. The New Jersey Pinelands National Reserve contains approximately 1.1 million acres (4,500 km ) of land, and occupies 22% of New Jersey's land area, including territory of much of seven counties. Counties affected by
7272-399: The largest total area of any municipality in Ocean County. According to the U.S. Census Bureau , as of the 2020 Census, the county had a total area of 914.84 square miles (2,369.4 km ), making it the largest county in New Jersey in terms of total area (ahead of Burlington County ), of which 628.29 square miles (1,627.3 km ) was land (68.7%) and 286.55 square miles (742.2 km )
7373-467: The name Goose Creek. Subsequent maps would use the name Toms River. The origin of the name Toms River is unknown but there are several theories. According to historical author Edwin Salter , these are: A map or sketch made in 1740 of Mosquito Cove and mouth of Toms River (probably by Surveyor Lawrence), has marked on it "Barnegatt [sic] Tom's Wigwam," located upon north point of Mosquito Cove. (This map
7474-634: The name and the land on which they live. In the early 20th century, a family identified in a case study by the pseudonym, the Kallikaks , were presented as an example of genetic inferiority by eugenicists . Today, scholars understand that the facts in the Kallikaks study were misrepresented, including photographs altered to make the family members appear more backward. On July 12, 1928, the Mexican aviator and national hero Emilio Carranza crashed and
7575-413: The population were under the age of 18, 7.5% from 18 to 24, 22.2% from 25 to 44, 25.9% from 45 to 64, and 21% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42.6 years. For every 100 females, the population had 92 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 88.3 males. As of the 2000 United States census there were 510,916 people, 200,402 households, and 137,876 families residing in
7676-420: The population. Of the 221,111 households, 26.7% had children under the age of 18; 53.9% were married couples living together; 9.8% had a female householder with no husband present and 32.5% were non-families. Of all households, 27.8% were made up of individuals and 16.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.58 and the average family size was 3.16. 23.4% of
7777-491: The postnatal exposure period" and "No consistent patterns of association were seen between the other environmental factors and any of the cancer groupings evaluated". The report acknowledged the findings could be easily biased due to the small sample size, and recommended the continuation of clean-up efforts at the Reich Farm and Ciba-Geigy sites. It was also recommended an additional five-year incidence evaluation be made once
7878-768: The region since the New Netherland colony, although it has not always been named. The earliest-known written reference to it is from 1687. Into the late 1700s, it was most-often referred to as Goose Creek or Goose Neck Creek. Post-colonial cartographers switched between 'Goose Creek—as seen on Thomas Jefferys' 1776 map and Aaron Arrowsmith 's 1804 map— and Toms Creek, as in Mathew Carey 's 1795 State Map of New Jersey. The cartographers Henry Charles Carey and Isaac Lea attempted to address any confusion by choosing "Goose or Toms Cr." in their 1814 map. In 1822, Carey and Lea co-published another map that entirely removed
7979-409: The same month Hurricane Irene hit the New Jersey coast; the lowest was .25 in (0.64 cm) recorded in October 1963. The 2020 United States census counted 637,229 people and 237,729 households in the county. The population density was 1,014.2 inhabitants per square mile (391.6/km ). There were 295,648 housing units at an average density of 470.6 per square mile (181.7/km ). The racial makeup
8080-412: The state by 1970 due to destruction of its territory and human encroachment, the bobcat gained legal protection in 1972. It is classified as a game species with a closed season; in 1991 it was added to the list of endangered species in New Jersey. Between 1978 and 1982, the state introduced 24 bobcats from Maine into the northern portion of the state. Since 1996, they have been monitored by biologists with
8181-640: The summer. As with the entire Jersey Shore , summer traffic routinely clogs local roadways throughout the season. Over 31% of Ocean County's total area is water. Ocean County is part of the New York metropolitan area. The county is also home to many tourist attractions frequented by Philadelphia metropolitan area residents, including the beachfront communities of Seaside Heights , Long Beach Island , and Point Pleasant Beach , and Six Flags Great Adventure , an amusement park in Jackson Township that
8282-621: The total population. The 2010 United States census counted 576,567 people, 221,111 households, and 149,250 families in the county. The population density was 917 inhabitants per square mile (354/km ). There were 278,052 housing units at an average density of 442.2 per square mile (170.7/km ). The racial makeup was 90.98% (524,577) White , 3.15% (18,164) Black or African American , 0.17% (966) Native American , 1.75% (10,081) Asian , 0.02% (129) Pacific Islander , 2.46% (14,165) from other races , and 1.47% (8,485) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents of any race were 8.29% (47,783) of
8383-655: The trees for a discount. During the 17th century, the area that is now New Jersey was explored and settled by the Swedish and Dutch , who developed whaling and fishing settlements mainly along the Delaware River. The English claimed the area as of 1606 under their London Company , and the Dutch abandoned their claim to the English in 1664. The first shipbuilding operations began in the Pine Barrens in 1688, utilizing
8484-402: The vote. In the 2021 gubernatorial election , Republican Jack Ciattarelli received 67.5% of the vote (145,756 ballots cast) to Democrat Phil Murphy's 31.8% (68,615 votes). Ocean County has been the most Republican in the last three gubernatorial elections. Ocean County College is the two-year community college for Ocean County, one of a network of 19 county colleges statewide. The school
8585-555: The waterways. Forest fires play an important role in regulating the growth of plants in the Pine Barrens. Frequent light fires tend to reduce the amount of undergrowth and promote the growth of mature trees. Forest fires have contributed to the dominance of pitch pine in the Pine Barrens. They can resist and recover quickly from fire by resprouting directly through their bark (something very unusual for pines) and frequent killing fires keep an area covered with small sprouts. Their serotinous pine cones open only after having been heated by
8686-543: The world and the largest outside the State of Israel . Stockton University has a campus located in Manahawkin offering undergraduate and graduate colleges of the arts, sciences and professional studies of the New Jersey state system of higher education. School districts in the county include: New Jersey's largest suburban school district, Toms River Regional Schools , is located in Ocean County. Toms River
8787-481: Was Bill Clinton in 1996 , who carried the county with a 46% plurality of the vote. The last Democrat to win a majority in the county was Lyndon Johnson in 1964. As of October 1, 2021, there were a total of 458,230 registered voters in Ocean County, of whom 171,085 (37.3%) were registered as Republicans , 102,005 (22.3%) were registered as Democrats and 179,085 (39.1%) were registered as unaffiliated . There were 6,055 voters (1.3%) registered to other parties. Among
8888-620: Was $ 23.8 billion in 2022, which ranked 12th of 21 in the state. This was a 4.1% increase from the prior year, the 5th largest percent change in the state. The 2022 GDP numbers reflected the second year in a row of positive growth for the county, after 2020 saw a -0.4% change from 2019. Ocean County is home to the Ocean County Mall in Toms River, featuring a gross leasable area of 898,000 square feet (83,400 m ). The now-closed Sears site will be replaced with 100,000 square feet (9,300 m ) of retail space. Ocean County
8989-518: Was 17.2 °F (−8.2 °C) in February 1934. Average monthly precipitation ranged from 3.30 inches (84 mm) in February to 4.79 inches (122 mm) in March. Areas closer to the coast typically experience more mild winters and cooler summers due to the Atlantic Ocean's influence. The highest total monthly precipitation recorded for the county was 15.67 in (39.8 cm) in August 2011,
9090-457: Was 92.2% (587,525) White , 3.9% (24,852) Black or African American , 0.3% (1,912) Native American , 2.1% (13,382) Asian , 0.1% (637) Pacific Islander , and 1.5% (9,558) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents of any race were 10.2% (64,997) of the population. The average household size was 2.62. 24.6% of the population were under the age of 18, 52.6% from 18 to 64, and 22.8% were 65 years of age or older. Females made up 51.3% of
9191-648: Was designated a U.S. Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1983 and an International Biosphere Reserve in 1988. Howard P. Boyd was instrumental in working to preserve the Pine Barrens and educate visitors. He died in December 2011, within the Protection Area of the Pinelands National Reserve . The Pine Barrens gave rise to the legend of the Jersey Devil, said to have been born in 1735 to a local woman named Mrs. Leeds in an area known as Leeds Point . It
9292-542: Was killed in Tabernacle, New Jersey , while returning from a historic goodwill flight from Mexico City to the United States. Flying back from Long Island, he encountered a thunderstorm and crashed in Burlington County . A 12 ft (3.6 m) monument identifies the location of the crash. Despite rapid urbanization of surrounding areas, the Pine Barrens remained largely untouched because its sandy soil
9393-457: Was removed from the Superfund list in June 2021. The site was ordered to undergo five reviews to be conducted every five years by the EPA. The first sitewide review was performed in September 2003, and the final review was estimated to be completed between September and November 2023. The Ciba-Geigy and Reich Farms sites resulted in the contamination of an overlapping area of groundwater during
9494-546: Was said that he was her 13th child and, because of the unlucky number, he was cursed. Another story says that the mother gave birth to a hideous monster that attacked her and her nurses, before flying up and out of the chimney and disappearing into the Barrens. The Devil is said to roam the Pine Barrens, with many sharing stories of encounters with the Devil during dark nights in the Pinelands. Pine Barrens folklore also includes
9595-785: Was sworn in by New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal on October 12, 2018. Ocean County constitutes Vicinage 14 of the New Jersey Superior Court and is seated at the Ocean County Courthouse Complex in Toms River; the Assignment Judge for Vicinage 14 is Marlene Lynch Ford. Ocean County operates the Ocean County Southern Service Center in Manahawkin. This center offers access to all of
9696-635: Was the home to the world's tallest and second-fastest roller coaster , Kingda Ka . Ocean County is a gateway to New Jersey's Pine Barrens , one of the largest protected land areas on the East Coast . Prior to its creation, Ocean County was almost entirely within Shrewsbury township in Monmouth county, With the exception of Tuckerton , and Little Egg Harbor. Ocean County was established on February 15, 1850, from portions of Monmouth County , with
9797-486: Was to allow Fernicola to temporarily store used 55-US-gallon (210 L) drums on the property, located approximately 1,000 ft (300 m) from an intermittent stream draining into the Toms River. In December 1971, the Reichs discovered nearly 4,500 waste-filled drums from Union Carbide 's Bound Brook, New Jersey , plant, the source of which they identified by the labels on many of the drums. The labels also indicated
9898-476: Was under the age of 18, 6.60% was from 18 to 24, 26.00% from 25 to 44, 21.90% from 45 to 64, and 22.20% was 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.40 males. The median income for a household in the county was $ 46,443, and the median income for a family was $ 56,420. Males had a median income of $ 44,822 versus $ 30,717 for females. The per capita income for
9999-410: Was unsuitable for growing most crops. Its iron and charcoal deposits did not compete with more readily accessible deposits elsewhere. In 1969, the Pine Barrens averaged a density of 15 inhabitants per square mile (5.8/km ), compared with 1,000 inhabitants per square mile (390/km ) in the lands bordering it. With rising environmental concerns at the time, people became alerted to the possible destruction of
10100-551: Was water (31.3%). Much of the county is flat and coastal, with an extensive shoreline and many beaches along the Jersey Shore , including Barnegat Light , Beach Haven , Harvey Cedars , Lavallette , Mantoloking , Seaside Heights , Seaside Park , Ship Bottom , and Surf City . The highest point is one of three unnamed hills (one in Jackson Township , the other two in Plumsted Township ) that reach at least 230 feet (70 m) in elevation. The lowest elevation in
10201-947: Was worked in about 35 furnaces including Batsto , Lake Atsion , Hampton Furnace in Shamong , Hanover Furnace in Pemberton , Ferrago in Lacey , and several other locations. Iron from these early furnaces was instrumental in supplying the American military with weapons and camp tools during the American Revolution , the War of 1812 , and the Second Barbary War . For example, Commodore Stephen Decatur Jr. sailed to Algiers armed with 24-pound cannons that had been cast at Hanover in 1814. The first Indian reservation in
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