• Latest Issues
• Project for Municipal Excellence
• Stream Clean-ups
• The Watershed Institute

Latest Issues

The Watershed Association works at the local, county and state level to ensure that our elected leaders implement the strongest possible environmental protections. We fight for responsible ordinances and policies and collaborate with government and community leaders to protect clean water and the environment. At any given time we are working on a dozen or more issues across all 26 towns in our watershed while also fighting for tough environmental protections at the state level. Here are a few of the things we’re working on – help us make a difference!

Princeton Ridge

The Watershed Association is working to preserve and protect the sensitive wildlife habitat of the Princeton Ridge, an ecologically sensitive area in Princeton Township and an important region for the protection of our water quality. Current development efforts threaten the Ridge. We’re leading the charge for creation of a Princeton Ridge Preserve with township leaders.

Read the latest news about the Ridge.

To learn more and get involved, contact Watershed Policy Specialist Joan McGee.

Sourland Mountains

Spanning five townships and parts of three counties, the Sourland Mountain region is one our watershed’s most fragile gems. To protect this important natural resource the Watershed Association has teamed up with leaders from eight government bodies to create a comprehensive plan that coordinates land use and provides guidance for preservation.

See our story in the Fall 2009 Wellspring.

To learn more and get involved, contact Policy Director Jennifer Coffey.

Reducing Pollution & Flooding

Stormwater runoff carries with it “people pollution” which flows into our waterways after it rains. If there are not enough natural lands, trees and vegetation to absorb this polluted water, then it will go into our streams and rivers. The Watershed Association is working with municipalities to adopt more stringent ordinances, including limiting pavement, protecting trees, preserving stream corridors and preserving open space. Does your town have strong ordinances?

To learn more and get involved, contact Policy Director Jennifer Coffey.

Improving Water Quality

The Watershed Association is working with state leaders to implement strong Water Quality Management Planning Rules. These rules regulate which areas of New Jersey will have sewers and septic systems, whether septic systems must be maintained, and where development and growth will be directed in our state. These Water Quality Management Planning rules are under attack and we need to work to have them implemented as soon as possible.

Read our Op/Ed

To learn more and get involved, contact Policy Director Jennifer Coffey.

Citizen’s Guides

The Watershed Association’s “Citizen’s Guides” can help citizens and municipal officials navigate through government policies and get involved with us in making a difference. Check out our list of guides available for download in our Resource Center to obtain hard copies of any of the above guides or materials, contact us or call 609-737-3735.

• Navigating Surface Waters Policies in New Jersey
• Power of Public Participation on Land Use Decisions
• Caring for Backyard Buffers
• Citizen’s Guide to Protecting Groundwater Supplies
• Improving Public Input
• Advocacy Tools for Land Use Issues
• Preserve Local Resources With a Conservatioin Plan
• Citizen’s Guide to Historic Preservation
• Guide to Municipal Stormwater Plans