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!
Watershed Association Applauds Times of Trenton Stand on Environment
The Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association applauds the Times’ strong voice against the recently enacted “waiver rule” (“Lawsuit against waiver rule points out potential environmental pitfalls”). In our 63 year history, the Watershed Association has very rarely resorted to litigation, but we decided to join 26 other plaintiffs in this case out of serious concern for the rule’s potential harm to our region’s water and environment. The waiver rule provides a sweeping new authority for the state to waive compliance with more than 100 environmental regulations. Applicants can receive such waivers on the grounds that a regulation is “unduly burdensome” to “a particular project, activity, or property.” New Jersey’s environmental problems are legendary. Fortunately leaders of both political parties have enacted strong laws to help reverse the damage done to our water, air, and land over the years. We should be focusing on correcting environmental problems caused by poor planning, but instead the waiver rule creates the potential for a haphazard and arbitrary approach to environmental protection.
Jim Waltman, Hopewell. Waltman is the Executive Director of the Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association
To learn more and get involved, contact Watershed Policy Director Jennifer Coffey Jennifer Coffey.
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.
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
Events
May 19: Family Fun Walk in Kunkel Park
Join one of the Naturalists in the park before the start of Pennington Day! We will explore special nooks and crannies that invite the exploration of nature. Registration requested. Meet us at the park picnic area. Learn more!
Spotlight
Pass It On. A Bold Vision for the Watershed
The Watershed Association is taking a dramatic step forward in our long-standing effort to protect our 265-square-mile region of central New Jersey. Discover how we are working to transform the heart of our Watershed Reserve into a bold and inspiring model for all of New Jersey.Learn more ...
