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Municipal ordinances, when thoughtfully drafted and effectively implemented, are among the most powerful tools for protecting watersheds, managing stormwater, preserving forests and wetlands, and reducing flood risk. While the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) provides baseline regulatory standards, these requirements function only as minimum thresholds. Under New Jersey’s home rule framework and the Municipal Land Use Law (MLUL), municipalities have broad authority to shape development patterns and use zoning, environmental ordinances, and master planning to adopt standards aligned with their community’s environmental constraints and development demands.
How municipalities put this authority into practice framed a recent webinar hosted by The Watershed Institute: “Municipal Ordinances: Key to Environmental Protection.”
Moderated by Michael Pisauro, Esq., Policy Director for The Watershed Institute, the webinar brought together three experienced practitioners to explore how municipalities can leverage local ordinances to strengthen environmental protection and community resilience:
Each presenter approached the issue from a different, complementary lens: science, land use law, and regulatory practice.
Mark began the webinar with an overview of New Jersey’s natural green infrastructure (forests, floodplains, riparian corridors, wetlands, and meadows) and its role in supporting stormwater management. Engineered systems are most effective when the surrounding natural landscapes can absorb, slow, and filter runoff. He stressed that municipalities shape the fate of these natural systems through their zoning and development decisions, making local ordinances essential to watershed health.
Mark examined how decades of land alteration, including stream channelization and straightening, impervious surface expansion, and floodplain encroachment, have dramatically changed stream systems across the state. As runoff volume increases, so does the frequency and duration of bankfull flows, which widen channels, erode banks, and transport sediment. A key indicator of watershed imbalance is floodplain disconnection: in healthy systems, streams access their floodplains during frequent storm events, dissipating energy and reducing downstream impacts. In many developed watersheds, streams remain confined within incised channels except during major storms, worsening erosion and downstream flooding.
Mark directly connected these environmental realities to municipal decision-making. Municipal ordinances play a critical role in maintaining and restoring the natural systems that support stormwater management, water quality, and community resilience. Municipalities can shape new development and use redevelopment projects as opportunities to repair historic environmental damage.
He highlighted municipal tools that strengthen watershed function, including well-crafted stream corridor ordinances, updated Environmental Resource Inventories (ERIs), master plan policies that prioritize open space preservation, and watershed improvement strategies that integrate ecological restoration with engineered BMPs.
Michele centered her presentation on a key message: the legal tools are already there for municipalities to guide growth responsibly, but they must be applied proactively and with precision.
She addressed a common assumption heard at planning board hearings: “If it’s zoned for it, it must be appropriate.” That assumption, she explained, is not always grounded in environmental analysis. Zoning districts set permitted uses and density ranges, but often without carefully accounting for wetlands, floodplains, sensitive habit, or limited infrastructure capacity.
For years, municipalities operated under the belief that the MLUL’s uniformity clause required identical development yield across parcels within a zone. However, the New Jersey Supreme Court's decision in "Rumson Estates, Inc v. Mayor Council of Borough of Fair Haven" (2003) clarified that municipalities may calibrate density based on the physical characteristics of a property. Environmentally constrained parcels don't need to support the same development intensity as unconstrained sites.
Michele also emphasized the importance of updating land-use definitions. Outdated definitions can inadvertently allow impacts far beyond what the original ordinance intended. Warehouse standards are a clear example: many were written decades ago and don't account for today's 24/7 high‑cube logistics operations with heavy truck traffic. She noted that timing of these updates is also critical. Under the MLUL’s “time of application” rule, existing zoning is locked-in once an application is filed, meaning municipalities must revise their ordinances before developers submit proposals.
Master plans also play a critical role. A well-designed plan evaluates full build-out potential, accounts for infrastructure and resource limitations, and directs growth away from sensitive areas. She urged municipalities to anticipate emerging high‑impact uses, such as data centers, and set appropriate standards in advance.
Michael G. Sinkevich outlined the legal framework that empowers municipalities to regulate environmental impacts and enforce local standards. He demonstrated how federal law, state regulations, and municipal authority intersect, especially in zoning and stormwater management, to create a strong foundation for local environmental protection.
Municipal authority to adopt environmental protections comes from two main sources: First is the zoning power granted under the MLUL, which allows towns to guide development in ways that protect public health, safety, and welfare. The MLUL also outlines what zoning ordinances may regulate, such as building density. The second source is municipal "police power," which permits towns to adopt environmental regulations, as long as they're consistent with state law, when needed to protect people, property, and general welfare. Together, these authorities give municipalities flexibility to craft and enforce environmental safeguards.
He highlighted tree protection ordinances as a clear example of validated municipal authority: In "New Jersey Shore Builders Association v. Township of Jackson" (2009), the New Jersey Supreme Court upheld Jackson Township’s ordinance that required developers to replace removed trees or pay into a dedicated planting fund, formally recognizing the critical role trees play in stormwater management and climate resilience.
Michael also reviewed MS4 permit requirements, which obligate municipalities to manage stormwater across public and private development. Beyond the permit itself, he emphasized that municipal land use boards have an independent responsibility to ensure compliance with state stormwater rules and cannot simply defer to NJDEP. To support municipalities in meeting these obligations, he highlighted several useful resources, including The Watershed Institute, New Jersey Future, Sustainable Jersey, ANJEC, and NJDEP.
Whether you serve on a governing body, land use board, or environmental commission, or work as an engineer, planner, or attorney, the full webinar offers practical insight into how local ordinances shape environmental outcomes. Community members and neighborhood advocates will also find the discussion clear, accessible, and directly relevant to how development decisions affect their town.
Watch the full webinar here:
The Watershed Institute regularly hosts workshops on stormwater management, watershed protection, and climate resilience. Click here to explore their extensive library of recorded webinars and sign-up for the next one.
On February 12, Princeton Hydro Senior Wildlife Biologist Mike McGraw, CSE, QAWB, ACE joined Bird Town Pennsylvania for a virtual Zoom workshop titled “A Wholistic Approach to Managing Residential and Park Scale Habitats for Rare and Common Bird Species.” The talk brought together ecological science, practical land‑stewardship guidance, and a powerful call to reimagine how communities support thriving bird populations across Pennsylvania and beyond.
Bird Town PA’s Education Committee hosted the webinar as part of its ongoing effort to connect residents, landowners, and municipal leaders with science‑based strategies that enhance local biodiversity. Their mission, centered on community education, habitat conservation, and sustainable landscaping, aligned seamlessly with the themes Mike explored throughout the presentation.
To help extend the reach of this insightful discussion, we’ve collected highlights from the workshop and invite you to watch the full presentation:
Mike’s presentation provided a comprehensive look at the ecological principles behind bird behavior, the habitat features that sustain both common and rare species, and the steps landowners and municipalities can take to strengthen biodiversity within residential and park‑scale landscapes. He wove together life‑history science, soil and plant ecology, practical stewardship strategies, and community‑based conservation approaches to illustrate how thoughtful land management can meaningfully support bird populations across Pennsylvania.
He emphasized that all wildlife depends on very specific combinations of biotic and abiotic conditions, meaning that changes in habitat structure, vegetation, soils, and climate directly influence which species can persist in a landscape.
To illustrate this, Mike walked attendees through:
By examining real examples of species and their migratory behaviors, Mike demonstrated how the presence (or absence) of certain bird species can serve as a diagnostic indicator of habitat function and ecosystem health, revealing signs of environmental stress, habitat fragmentation, and the impacts of climate change.
Mike outlined the fundamental elements birds need to thrive, including food, water, shelter, mates, and protected nesting or rearing spaces, and demonstrated how providing these through intentional plant selection, structural habitat diversity, and management practices rooted in natural processes results in predictable increases in wildlife use.
He paired these concepts with a practical decision‑making framework for landowners and municipalities, encouraging them to understand soils as living systems, increase plant diversity, and use ecological tools such as USDA zones and native plant lists to guide planning. Mike also highlighted the important role residential and municipal landscapes can play in supporting rare and declining bird species, offering real‑world examples and resources to help translate ecological principles into effective habitat improvements.
Access to nature is a fundamental right, and every community has the power to help shape a healthier ecological future. With this message in mind, Mike outlined a variety of ways residents and municipalities can support bird species of greatest conservation need, including implementing building standards that incorporate bird-safe features, expanding education on responsible pet practices such as keeping cats indoors, ensuring feeding stations remain clean, and adding decals to windows around the home to prevent bird strikes. He emphasized the importance of expanding and enhancing public parks and green spaces, particularly in underserved areas, and supporting programs that foster stronger connections between people and the natural world.
Mike McGraw is a Certified Senior Ecologist and Wildlife Biologist with more than 20 years of experience conducting ecological assessments, wildlife surveys, and conservation-focused research across the United States and Canada. His work spans ecological restoration, regenerative agriculture research, and master planning for large landscapes. He teaches Avifaunal Ecology at the University of Pennsylvania and serves on several municipal and land trust committees. Some of Mike’s research on regenerative agriculture has been documented in film.
The webinar was hosted by the Bird Town PA Education Committee of Bird Town Pennsylvania, LLC. Bird Town PA partners with communities to promote sustainable practices, habitat conservation, and public education aimed at supporting Pennsylvania’s bird species. Through workshops, citizen science initiatives, and municipal programs, they empower people to make informed decisions that benefit both wildlife and human well-being. Learn more at birdtownpa.org.
Princeton Hydro is proud to announce that our work with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) at South Cape May Meadows Preserve has been honored with the New Jersey Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (NJASLA) Honor Award in the Landscape Architectural Design: Site Design category.
The award recognizes the Boardwalk Trail, a newly created half‑mile universally accessible route that offers visitors an immersive experience through one of the region’s most ecologically significant landscapes. Commissioned by TNC, the project was envisioned to provide inclusive public access and environmental education while safeguarding a fragile ecosystem that serves as a vital stopover along the Atlantic Flyway.
Award winners were celebrated during the NJASLA design Awards Program at Harrah's in Atlantic City. Landscape Architect Cory Speroff, PLA, ASLA, CBLP of Princeton Hydro, who served as both lead designer and project manager, accepted the award.
The South Cape May Meadows Boardwalk Trail sits within a 200-acre freshwater wetland estuary complex, a site historically restored by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to function as a natural sponge—filtering runoff, storing stormwater, and supporting amphibians, aquatic plants, and migratory birds. Nestled between historic Cape May, Cape May Point, and the Delaware Bay-Atlantic Ocean shoreline, the preserve is framed by protective dunes and a rich mosaic of sensitive habitat.
Designing a public trail within such a dynamic wetland required a careful balance of human experience and habitat preservation. The project’s goal: create an inviting, educational, and fully accessible route without disturbing critical hydrology, soils, or wildlife.
Wetlands present a unique set of constraints, including seasonal water fluctuations, soft soils, sensitive habitat, and tight regulatory requirements. Traditional construction methods and materials risked unnecessary disturbance and long‑term maintenance issues, making innovation essential.
To minimize impacts, the design team utilized helical pile foundations installed with lightweight equipment. This allowed the boardwalk to be constructed from the top down, significantly reducing ground disturbance. Material selections, such as recycled plastic deck boards, anodized aluminum structural components, and stainless‑steel fasteners, were chosen for their durability and resilience in the harsh coastal environment.
The result is a low‑impact, elevated boardwalk that blends seamlessly into the landscape, allowing visitors to experience the wetland’s seasonal rhythms while deepening their understanding of its ecosystems, preserving ecological function, and ultimately serving as a model for sustainable recreation in sensitive environments.
The NJASLA Design Awards Program "highlights exemplary works of landscape architecture and brings recognition to organizations and individuals who demonstrate superior skill in the practice and study of landscape architecture." Each year, the NJASLA Design Awards Program is juried by a sibling ASLA chapter; this year’s jury consisted of selected members of the Arizona ASLA Chapter, who evaluated submissions based on design excellence, innovation, and alignment with professional standards.
This year’s NJASLA Design Awards program featured 17 entries, with only nine receiving awards: one Chapter award, three Honor awards, and five Merit awards. Entrants must be full or associate ASLA members, and submissions are evaluated on strict criteria that reflect the organization’s mission to elevate professional standards and expand public awareness of landscape architecture. In addition to being showcased during the awards celebration, award winners will be featured in upcoming NJASLA newsletters, on the chapter website, and in event displays promoting excellence in landscape architecture across New Jersey.
To learn more about NJASLA and this year's award-winning projects, go here. To learn more about the South Cape May Meadows Preserve and our work with TNC to create a space where people of all abilities can enjoy nature, reflect, and find peace, go here.
More than a century after the Paulina Lake Dam first altered the Paulins Kill River, the site now tells a very different story. A recent return visit confirms what restoration practitioners know well: when barriers are removed, rivers heal. Today, the Paulins Kill flows freely through the former Paulina Lake Dam site, reconnecting habitats that had been fragmented for generations.
The Paulina Lake Dam stood for nearly 130 years in Blairstown Township, Warren County, NJ. Constructed in the late 1800s to generate hydropower, it had long outlived its original purpose. Like many aging dams across the country, it remained in place despite no longer serving a critical function, while continuing to disrupt river processes and pose growing safety risks.
As reported in CentralJersey.com’s recent feature “The fall of dams and rise of rivers,” the majority of New Jersey’s approximately 1,700 regulated dams were built in the 19th and early 20th centuries to power mills that no longer exist. Fewer than a dozen still serve an essential purpose today. Many persist due to nostalgia, misunderstanding, or uncertainty around removal—despite blocking fish passage, trapping sediment, warming water temperatures, exacerbating flooding, and increasing the risk of failure.
The removal of Paulina Lake Dam was led by The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in partnership with Blairstown Township, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Riverlogic–Renova Joint Venture, and Princeton Hydro. The Office of Natural Resources Revenue awarded a grant to TNC to fund a substantial portion of the removal through the Paulins Kill and Pequest Watershed Natural Resource Restoration Grant Program.
The project advanced through carefully sequenced phases, beginning with controlled notching in late 2023, followed by full demolition and sediment management in 2024, and transitioning into final adaptive management and habitat enhancement in 2025.
The ecological response has been swift and visible.
With the dam removed, more than 7.6 miles of mainstem and tributary habitat have been reconnected at the Paulina Lake site alone. The removal of the Paulina Lake Dam represents one important element of a longer-term, watershed-scale restoration initiative launched in 2013 to restore connectivity and ecological function along the Paulins Kill River. As the downstream most dam on the river, its removal builds upon earlier restoration milestones achieved through the removal of four dams: the Columbia Lake Main and Remnant Dams in 2019, the County Line Dam in 2021, and now the Paulina Lake Dam, progressively reconnecting approximately 45 miles of mainstem and tributary habitat.
Since 2016, The Nature Conservancy has also implemented a 10-year Measures and Monitoring Program to track ecological response and conservation outcomes, providing clear evidence that coordinated, science-based restoration can support a healthier, more resilient river system.
The river channel is actively stabilizing, riffle and run sequences are re-forming, and previously inundated areas are beginning to revegetate. Cooler water temperatures and the restoration of sediment transport processes are enabling the Paulins Kill to function more consistently with a cold, free‑flowing, coarse‑substrate stream system.
This recovery is already benefiting aquatic life. As Beth Styler Barry, Director of Freshwater Programs for The Nature Conservancy in New Jersey, noted in the CentralJersey.com article, “We’re already seeing American shad above the dams that were removed. We’re seeing sea lamprey and American eel. It used to be that only the biggest eels could make it upstream. Now we’re seeing all age classes.”
By reconnecting upstream and downstream populations that had been isolated for generations, the project has also restored connectivity for rare freshwater mussels, including the endangered dwarf wedgemussel (Alasmidonta heterodon) and triangle floater (Alasmidonta undulata).
“All of the organisms in a river like the Paulins Kill evolved to live in a cool, flowing, rocky-bottom stream,” Styler Barry told CentralJersey.com. “When you restore flow, the river begins to heal itself.”
A newly released project video captures this transformation in a way that still images and written updates cannot.
Drawing on aerial footage collected by The Nature Conservancy’s Volunteer Drone Team prior to demolition and by Princeton Hydro throughout and after construction, the video documents the full arc of the Paulina Lake Dam removal from initial notching through full demolition and into the restored conditions visible today. The footage provides a comprehensive look at dam removal in practice, illustrating how careful sequencing, sediment management, and adaptive design allow rivers to recover rapidly once barriers are removed.
Beyond ecological gains, the removal of Paulina Lake Dam has significantly improved public safety and community resilience. In CentralJersey.com, Geoffrey M. Goll, PE, President of Princeton Hydro, emphasized the long-term risks associated with aging dams. “If you don’t take care of them, they’ll come out on their own—and that’s a much bigger problem. Once dams are properly removed, people start to see the value of a free-flowing river.”
Many dams were never designed to withstand today’s hydrologic conditions. With climate change driving more frequent and intense rainfall events, proactive removal reduces flood risk, eliminates inspection and maintenance liabilities, and allows rivers to function as more resilient, self-sustaining systems. At the Paulina Lake site, removal has also improved recreational access and restored a more natural landscape for the community.
While the Paulins Kill now flows freely through the former Paulina Lake Dam site, final project phases focus on adaptive management, targeted bank stabilization, habitat feature enhancement, and native tree planting to support long term ecological resilience. As the river continues to adjust and evolve, the Paulina Lake Dam site stands as a clear example of what is possible when outdated infrastructure is thoughtfully removed and natural systems are given the opportunity to recover.
Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space (FoHVOS), in partnership with Princeton Hydro, has launched a groundbreaking initiative, “Monitoring Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) in the Delaware River Watershed Using Drones and Spatial Analysis,” to improve understanding and forecasting of HABs throughout the Delaware River Watershed. Funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), in partnership with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, through the Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund (DWCF), the project leverages drone technology and advanced data modeling to identify environmental conditions that contribute to HAB formation and aims to develop tools and methodologies for early detection and management.
For this innovative research project, FoHVOS, a 501(c)3 and accredited Land Trust located in Hopewell Township, NJ, has teamed with Princeton Hydro. Princeton Hydro conceptualized and designed the initiative and is leading the technical implementation, including field survey design, drone operations, data analysis, and volunteer training.
“The Delaware River is central to Hopewell Valley’s identity. It shapes our way of life, supplies drinking water to 14.2 million people, shelters wildlife like the endangered Atlantic sturgeon, and offers abundant outdoor recreation,” said Jennifer Rogers, Executive Director of FoHVOS. “HABs were once confined to ponds and lakes, but since 2018, they’ve appeared in colder months and spread to streams and rivers. Though land trusts traditionally focus on land, HABs show how land use directly affects water. These blooms often stem from excess nitrogen and phosphorus washed into waterways during storms. Protecting water means restoring land. Our partnership with Princeton Hydro aligns perfectly with our mission. Together, we’re working to better understand and safeguard the Delaware River and its tributaries in both NJ and PA.”
HABs, caused by nuisance growth of cyanobacteria, can have detrimental effects on water quality and are a growing environmental concern nationwide. These blooms deplete oxygen levels, release toxins, and disrupt ecosystems, potentially posing serious risks to drinking water supplies and the health of wildlife, pets, humans, and local economies. Despite advances in environmental monitoring, predicting when and where HABs will occur remains a challenge due to the complex interplay of nutrient loading, temperature, and hydrologic conditions that can lead to rapid bloom proliferation.
To address these challenges, this newly launched initiative integrates drone-based remote sensing, field sampling, and spatial data analysis to collect and interpret detailed environmental data over a two-year period. The study spans multiple monitoring sites along a 73-mile stretch of the Delaware River in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, focusing on near-shore sections and 23 associated waterbodies. The first survey event began in August 2025.
Drones equipped with multispectral imaging systems capture high-resolution spatial data that is then integrated with digital platforms to link remote-sensing with the drone data and on-the-water collected data. The field-based water quality measurements are being collected by a team of trained community volunteers who are using phycocyanin fluorometer meters to measure concentrations of the photosynthetic pigment phycocyanin, which is produced primarily by cyanobacteria. Volunteers enter the data into a customized ArcGIS mobile-friendly survey. These combined datasets will be used to develop and validate predictive algorithms for both planktonic and benthic HABs under varying seasonal and hydrologic conditions.
The following photos depict the RGB (Visual) and corresponding Thermal image from the monitoring flights over Spring Lake in New Jersey:
“This research project represents a major step forward in how we study and manage harmful algal blooms at the watershed scale,” said Dr. Fred Lubnow, Project Lead and Senior Technical Director of Ecological Services at Princeton Hydro. “By integrating satellite data, drone imagery, and on-the-water sampling, we’re developing predictive tools that will enable us take a proactive approach to mitigate HABs, improve response time, and better support our ecosystem health.”
Project partners include New York City College of Technology – The City University of New York, which donated the drone and is supporting remote sensing and data integration; Trenton Water Works, Mercer County Park Commission, and The College of New Jersey which are providing monitoring sites and contributing volunteers for water quality data collection in New Jersey; Aqua-PA and the Philadelphia Water Department, which are providing monitoring sites and volunteers to collect watershed data in Pennsylvania; the Bucks County Conservation District, which is coordinating volunteer data collection; and Turner Designs, whose advanced phycocyanin sensors are being used to calibrate and validate drone-based monitoring data.
In the photos below, volunteers are being trained by Princeton Hydro staff on how to use phycocyanin fluorometers and Secchi disks to gather water quality data and log their findings.
This $1M project is funded through a $488,400 NFWF DWCF grant as part of the NFWF’s Research, Monitoring, & Evaluation Grant category and $513,700 in matching funds from project partners. This grant category aims to support high-performing science that is inclusive, adaptive, and innovative, with the potential to transform the Delaware River Watershed’s future through improved conservation, restoration, and public engagement.
Once complete, the project will produce a comprehensive report summarizing methods, analyses, and data-driven recommendations for practical, low-cost HAB monitoring and mitigation strategies that can be replicated across the Delaware River Watershed and beyond. Crucially, the report will identify tributaries and sources contributing to riverine HABs, enabling targeted restoration of the most affected lands and waters. Data collection will continue through Fall 2025, resume in Spring/Summer 2026, and culminate in a final report expected in 2027.
FoHVOS is a 501(c)3 nonprofit land trust dedicated to conserving the natural resources of the Hopewell Valley region and beyond. Through land preservation, ecological restoration, community engagement, and science-driven initiatives, FoHVOS works to protect and enhance open spaces for future generations. Learn more at www.fohvos.org.
Princeton Hydro is committed to improving our ecosystems, quality of life, and communities for the better. The firm was formed in 1998 with the specific mission of providing integrated ecological and engineering consulting services. Offering expertise in natural resource management, water resources engineering, geotechnical design and investigation, and regulatory compliance, their staff provide a full suite of environmental services throughout the Northeast for the public and private sectors. Project Lead, Dr. Fred Lubnow, is an expert in HAB management and has worked with dozens of lake associations and government agencies to restore lakes, manage watersheds, reduce pollutant loading, address invasive aquatic plants, and mitigate nuisance HABs. To learn more about Princeton Hydro's work to mitigate harmful algal blooms, go here.
Duke Farms, a Center of the Doris Duke Foundation, is a 2,700-acre landscape in Hillsborough, NJ, dedicated to restoring ecosystems, demonstrating sustainable land management, and inspiring environmental leadership. Once the privately-owned estate of J.B. and Doris Duke, the property now welcomes more than 150,000 visitors annually who come to experience its diverse habitats, miles of public trails, and innovative conservation programs.
Situated within the Raritan River Watershed and bordered by a mosaic of rural and suburban development, Duke Farms functions as a living laboratory for nature-based solutions in complex, fragmented landscapes. Its forests, meadows, waterways, and working lands offer an unparalleled setting to advance climate-positive strategies, including restorative land management and decarbonization initiatives, while maintaining an unwavering commitment to protecting wildlife and enriching biodiversity.
For more than 20 years, Princeton Hydro has partnered with Duke Farms to restore, monitor, and manage its interconnected lakes and ponds. In 2001, we developed a comprehensive Lake Management Plan to address water quality challenges, promote ecological balance, and ensure these systems could support both wildlife and public use. Since then, we have provided ongoing updates to align management strategies with the ecological objectives of the Duke Farms Foundation. Over time, the Foundation has expanded public access for education and recreation, highlighting the distinctions between shallow, artificial impoundments and natural lakes while implementing innovative, nature-based techniques for algae and aquatic plant control. Today, Duke Farms’ 11 lakes and ponds, eight of which were included in the original plan, remain central to the property’s water resources and continue to play a vital role in overall ecological health, stewardship programming, and public recreation opportunities.
Great Falls Cove at Duke Farms. Photo by Princeton Hydro Aquatic Ecologist Katie Walston-Frederick.
The original Lake Management Plan integrated routine water quality monitoring, hydrologic and pollutant-load modeling, adaptive aquatic plant management, and targeted interventions to restore ecological balance. Key components included invasive species control, such as Common Carp removal to support native fish populations, and a comprehensive algae and aquatic plant program that included aeration and aquascaping. This multifaceted approach established the foundation for long-term recovery across the lake system.
As Duke Farms expanded public access and strengthened its educational mission, management strategies evolved to emphasize innovative, low-impact techniques for shallow, human-made impoundments. Recent advancements implemented by Princeton Hydro include:
The most recent plan update incorporates techniques that were unavailable when the original plan was developed:
In 2012, Princeton Hydro conducted a detailed hydrologic analysis of Duke Farms’ interconnected lake system to evaluate water management strategies. Historically, water from the Raritan River was pumped into the lakes to maintain water levels. While reliable, this practice introduced elevated nutrients and sediments in the property’s lakes and ponds, degrading water quality and fueling nuisance algal blooms.
The study synthesized pump and discharge records, long-term climate and hydrologic data, and monthly water budgets, and included experimental pumping scenarios to assess alternatives. Results were transformative: under normal conditions, supplemental pumping could be reduced by more than 95%, and even during drought, by about 70%, without compromising lake levels. Based on these findings, Duke Farms adopted a low-volume, seasonal pumping strategy and transitioned to a higher-quality groundwater source, which significantly reduced nutrient loading, improved water clarity, and lowered energy consumption.
Ongoing monitoring remains a cornerstone of the Duke Farms–Princeton Hydro partnership. For each waterbody, the team conducts in-situ data collection, laboratory analyses, visual and observational evaluations, and detailed reporting. Data from continuous monitoring demonstrates sustained improvements in dissolved oxygen, water quality, and overall lake/pond health. This continuous feedback loop informs adaptive management decisions and allows Duke Farms to measure the ecological success of its restoration efforts.
We are proud to partner with Duke Farms in advancing the health and resilience of its water resources, a commitment that not only protects the lakes and ponds on the property but also delivers positive ecological benefits throughout the Raritan River watershed. Click here to learn more about our lake management work in the region. To explore Duke Farms, plan a visit to its beautiful property, sign up for educational programs, or discover ways to get involved in its conservation initiatives, visit Duke Farms’ website.
We’re excited to announce Senior Wildlife Biologist and Ecologist Mike McGraw, CSE, QAWB, ACE is a co-author of a newly published study in Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, a leading journal in agroecological research. The paper, “Is regenerative agriculture for the birds? Outcomes are practice and species specific,” offers fresh insight into how regenerative farming practices affect the abundance and diversity of bird species across working landscapes in the Northern Great Plains of the US and Canada.
The full paper is available for free via an open-access link until January 13. We encourage everyone interested in wildlife conservation, regenerative agriculture, or avian ecology to take advantage of this limited-time access. Click here to read it now.
Regenerative agriculture is often heralded as a win-win for soil health, productivity, and biodiversity, but how exactly do these practices affect bird communities? Birds are highly sensitive to agricultural change, and many North American species have experienced significant declines due to intensification of farming practices. The newly published study takes a closer, science-driven look at whether regenerative approaches can help reverse these trends.
Drawing on extensive point counts, distance sampling, and acoustic recording units across agricultural landscapes, the research team examined nine common regenerative practices, including cover cropping, integrating livestock, eliminating tillage, and enhancing field margins. Rather than assuming a blanket benefit, the study asked a nuanced question: Which birds benefit from which practices, and why?
This work helps refine what regenerative agriculture can contribute to working-lands conservation and provides actionable, species-specific insights for farmers, land managers, and conservation practitioners.
Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment is a leading interdisciplinary journal that publishes high-impact research at the intersection of agroecology, land management, and environmental science. The journal focuses on how agricultural systems function, how they influence the environment, and how environmental change shapes those systems in return. Research featured in this publication is known for being data-rich, hypothesis-driven, and globally relevant.
This publication represents a collaborative effort among a team of researchers dedicated to understanding how regenerative agriculture shapes biodiversity in working landscapes. The authors contributed expertise in avian ecology, agricultural management, statistical analysis, and landscape science, bringing a multi-disciplinary lens to this important study.
Mike J. McGraw, CSE, QAWB, ACE, is a Senior Project Manager, Regulatory and Wildlife and Senior Wildlife Biologist and Ecologist, Regulatory and Wildlife with Princeton Hydro. He has over 20 years of experience designing and conducting ecological assessments and wildlife surveys across the United States and Canada. His work spans compliance-based assessments, regenerative agriculture research, long-term ecological monitoring, and conservation-focused outreach. Mike also teaches Avifaunal Ecology in the MES program at the University of Pennsylvania and serves on several municipal and land trust committees.
In addition to Mike, the paper was co-authored by the following contributors:
This publication reflects years of fieldwork, analysis, and collaboration—an accomplishment the entire Princeton Hydro team is proud to celebrate. Though Mike’s work has been published previously, this marks the first time his work appears in print under the Princeton Hydro affiliation, making it a particularly meaningful milestone for all of us.
In addition to his peer-reviewed work, Mike’s contributions to regenerative agriculture research are featured in “Roots So Deep,” a four-part documentary series about inventive farmers and maverick scientists working to solve climate change with hooves, heart, and soil.
Mike appears throughout the series, including Parts 1 & 4 which will be shown at the Newtown Theatre in Newtown, Pennsylvania, during a special Screening & Discussion event taking place on January 21 at 7pm. Following the film, Mike will join the post-screening panel to take part in the audience Q&A.
Don’t miss your chance to access Mike's full article for free through January 13. Explore the study and discover the latest insights into bird conservation and the role of regenerative agriculture. Click here to dive in.
The Lower Darby Creek Area encompasses a unique blend of residential neighborhoods, commercial zones, and critical regional infrastructure, including the Philadelphia International Airport, Interstate 95, and portions of the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge. Despite its urban setting, the area supports diverse wetlands, waterways, and wildlife habitats that play an essential role in regional flood protection, resiliency, and ecological connectivity.
Flooding and habitat loss have long challenged the Lower Darby Creek Area, particularly in the communities of Eastwick in southwest Philadelphia and Tinicum Township of Delaware County, PA. Residents in these neighborhoods experience extreme flooding during storm and high tide events, and community groups have been leading local efforts to enhance resilience and reduce flood risk. The increasing effects of climate change, such as more intense storms, sea level rise, and frequent tidal flooding, are compounding challenges.
To help address these challenges, The Nature Conservancy in Pennsylvania (TNC) and the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge have commissioned Princeton Hydro to lead a two-year Urban Flood and Habitat Resilience Feasibility Study for the Lower Darby Creek Area. The study aims to identify and evaluate nature-based solutions that would help to convey, store, and infiltrate water to alleviate flooding, improve habitat for local wildlife species, and enhance community resilience.
Community engagement is a cornerstone of the Feasibility Study, ensuring that local voices help shape the region’s path toward long-term resilience. The project work began with a series of community meetings to learn from residents about the impacts of flooding and the changes they want to see in their neighborhoods. The outcome of this project will be a list of 6-10 nature-based solutions that have been prioritized by community members and that have been analyzed for feasibility and potential for flood reduction and ecological benefit. This information will be presented in a Project Roadmap for the co-developed pathway to achieve community and ecological resilience through project implementation. This guidance will empower partners and communities to secure funding, implement pilot projects, and advance long-term resilience goals.
Once the study is complete, Princeton Hydro will create an interactive ArcGIS StoryMap webpage that will allow users to take a deeper dive into the study's findings and interact with the data. Users will be able to visualize flood scenarios and potential restoration opportunities and learn more about specific project activities and the proposed solutions.
Earlier this year, project partners joined residents for Eastwick Community Day, a vibrant event celebrating neighborhood connections, local leadership, and climate resilience. Hosted by the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Sustainability, the event was supported by representatives from The Nature Conservancy in Pennsylvania, John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, and Princeton Hydro, including Director of Restoration & Resilience Christiana Pollack, CERP, CFM, GISP and Director of Aquatics Mike Hartshorne.
The gathering offered residents an opportunity to meet the organizations involved in the flood study, learn about available climate resilience resources, and share their own experiences and priorities. Alongside informational displays and project updates, attendees enjoyed a picnic lunch, family activities, and hands-on learning about nature-based solutions. It was a day that captured the spirit of collaboration driving this initiative.
The Lower Darby Creek initiative builds on Princeton Hydro’s earlier Eastwick Flood Resilience Study, expanding from a neighborhood-focused analysis to a watershed-scale approach. In 2016, in partnership with the University of Pennsylvania, the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, Keystone Conservation Trust, Audubon Pennsylvania, and the William Penn Foundation, Princeton Hydro conducted an analysis of Eastwick, the flood impacts created by the Lower Darby Creek, and the viability of several potential flood mitigation strategies. The study sought to answer questions commonly asked by community members related to flooding conditions, with the main question being: What impact does the landfill have on area flooding? Princeton Hydro developed a 2-D hydrologic and hydraulic model to understand how varying restoration techniques, including removal of the Clearview Landfill, expansion of the existing tidal freshwater wetland, removal of bridge infrastructure, and rerouting storm flows, would alter flooding in the Eastwick neighborhood.
Findings from that study provided key data and analytical frameworks that now inform the Lower Darby Creek Area Feasibility Study. Expanding beyond the boundaries of Eastwick, the comprehensive Lower Darby Creek Area study takes a watershed-scale view, exploring how interconnected systems, including upstream hydrology, tidal influences, and habitat networks, can be managed holistically.
Resilience is not achieved in isolation; it thrives through collaboration. The success of the Lower Darby Creek Area Feasibility Study and related restoration projects depends on a network of partners committed to shared goals. By aligning expertise, resources, and local knowledge, these partnerships create a foundation for long-term climate adaptation and ecological health. To learn more about the Nature Conservancy in Pennsylvania, click here. To learn more about the City of Philadelphia Office of Sustainability Flood Resilience Strategy for Eastwick, go here. And, click here to learn more about the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge in Tinicum.
Princeton Hydro is also collaborating with the Refuge to restore the Refuge’s Turkey Foot area. Working with Enviroscapes and Merestone Consultants, our team designed and implemented habitat enhancement and hydrologic restoration projects to improve water quality, restore native wetland vegetation, and expand habitat for fish and wildlife. If you’re interested in learning more about this project, check out our blog: Ecological Restoration in John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge.
Princeton Hydro was proud to participate in the New Jersey Association for Floodplain Management (NJAFM) 20th Annual Conference and Exhibition, held this fall in Atlantic City, NJ. Celebrating two decades of collaboration and innovation within the floodplain management community, the conference brought together more than 500 practitioners, researchers, agency staff, and industry leaders from across the Northeast.
As the region’s premier floodplain management event, the NJAFM conference serves as a hub for sharing cutting-edge tools, best practices, and real-world strategies that help communities reduce flood risk, adapt to changing climate conditions, and build long-term resilience. Over the course of two days, participants attended educational sessions, hands-on training, and networking events centered on the theme: “NJAFM at 20 Years: Celebrate the Past, Focus on the Future.”
Princeton Hydro was excited to return as a conference sponsor, exhibitor, and session presenter.
Floodplain management is a multidisciplinary practice that integrates planning, engineering, ecological science, and public policy to reduce flood risk while preserving the natural functions of riverine and coastal systems. At its core, it involves understanding how water moves across a landscape, identifying areas vulnerable to flooding, and implementing measures that protect people, infrastructure, and ecosystems.
Floodplains provide a range of essential functions. Hydrologically, they convey, store, and infiltrate water during storm events, supporting natural flood attenuation, erosion control, and groundwater recharge. Ecologically, they contribute to biodiversity by providing habitat, migration corridors, and spawning areas for fish and wildlife. From a community perspective, well-managed floodplains can offer recreational value, improve water quality, and enhance the aesthetic and economic vitality of local neighborhoods.
Modern floodplain management relies on both structural and non-structural approaches. Structural measures may include engineered solutions such as levees, floodwalls, culvert improvements, or stormwater system upgrades. Non-structural tools often involve land-use planning, flood-resilient building standards, conservation of open space, and community engagement programs that help residents understand risk and adopt best practices.
Princeton Hydro works with municipalities, state agencies, nonprofit organizations, and watershed groups to develop and implement comprehensive floodplain management strategies across the region, emphasizing strategies that balance flood risk reduction with ecological enhancement, ensuring that floodplain management supports both resilient communities and healthy, functioning watersheds.
Pictured above: before and after photos from the Floodplain Restoration and Urban Wetland Creation project in Bloomfield Township, New Jersey. By removing a little over four acres of upland historic fill in this densely developed area and converting it into 4.2 acres of a functioning floodplain wetland, the project restored valuable ecological functions, enhances wetland and riparian zone habitat, and increases flood storage capacity for urban stormwater runoff.
Our team led two workshops at the NJAFM 20th Annual Conference:
Christiana Pollack, CERP, CFM, GISP, Princeton Hydro’s Director of Restoration and Resilience, presented on strategies to address chronic flooding and climate-driven impacts in Eastwick and Tinicum Township, Philadelphia. Her talk highlighted a two-year technical assessment commissioned by The Nature Conservancy in Pennsylvania and the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, and led by Princeton Hydro. The project combines integrated field data collection, advanced hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, and rigorous alternatives analysis to evaluate nature-based solutions. These include wetland creation or enhancement, stream and floodplain reconnection, and stormwater management retrofits, with the ultimate goal of restoring natural hydrologic function, reducing flood risk, and strengthening habitat and community resilience. Read more about the project here.
Elizabeth Treadway of WSP USA and Dr. Clay Emerson, PhD, PE, CFM, Senior Technical Director of Engineering at Princeton Hydro, led a session on the practical, legal, and financial considerations of establishing a stormwater utility, an increasingly vital tool for sustainable infrastructure funding. Participants learned:
The session also addressed common challenges such as aging infrastructure, rapid development, and the growing frequency of severe storm events driven by climate change. Stormwater feasibility studies were highlighted as a key resource for evaluating costs and benefits before moving forward.
Managing stormwater effectively is essential for resilient infrastructure and community safety. Click here to learn about a Stormwater Utility Investigation & Feasibility Study we conducted for the Town of Hammonton, New Jersey.
Throughout the conference, our team was able to connect with planners, municipal officials, engineers, and local leaders at our exhibitor booth. These conversations offered valuable opportunities to discuss project experiences, share resources, and learn from others working to advance resilience across New Jersey.
Princeton Hydro is proud to be part of this community and remains committed to advancing science-based, equitable, and sustainable approaches to reducing flood risk. We look forward to continuing our partnership with NJAFM and supporting clients and communities in building a safer, more resilient future.
The Borough of Mountain Lakes has received grant funding from the New Jersey Highlands Council to develop a comprehensive Lake and Watershed Management Plan for nine lakes within the Borough. To lead this effort, the Borough engaged Princeton Hydro, a leader in ecological and engineering consulting. The initiative will focus on characterizing hydrologic and nutrient dynamics within the Borough’s lake systems and watersheds to guide targeted water quality improvement and management strategies.
“Mountain Lakes takes great pride in our lakes, which play an important role in defining our community. Through our partnership with the Highlands Council and Princeton Hydro, we’re taking a proactive, data-driven approach to protecting both the environmental and recreational value of our lakes and waterways, with the goal of preserving these vital natural resources for generations to come,” said Borough of Mountain Lakes Manager Mitchell Stern.
A selection process was undertaken by the Borough of Mountain Lakes, Princeton Hydro, and the New Jersey Highlands Council to define the scope of this Lake and Watershed Management Program. In accordance with Policy 1L2 and Objective 1L2a of the NJHC Regional Master Plan, which establish lake management tiers and prioritize lakes greater than 10 acres for protection and management, nine lakes were selected for the study: Birchwood Lake, Crystal Lake, Wildwood Lake, Sunset Lake, Mountain Lake, Shadow Pond, Olive Pond, Grundens Pond, and Cove Pond. These lakes represent the waterbodies in the Borough and were chosen to ensure the program focuses on areas with the greatest potential impact on water quality, watershed function, and community value.
Princeton Hydro’s work will include watershed modeling, hydrologic and pollutant load analyses, and in-lake and watershed-based water quality monitoring. Once the data is analyzed, Princeton Hydro will develop a General Assessment Report that identifies the primary drivers of eutrophication and outlines a prioritized set of management strategies to effectively reduce nutrient loading and enhance long-term lake health.
“The regional, science-based approach to lake and watershed management has proven to be a powerful tool for municipalities in the Highlands Region,” said Christopher Mikolajczyk, CLM, Senior Manager of Aquatics at Princeton Hydro, Certified Lake Manager, and lead designer for this initiative. “We’re excited to collaborate with Mountain Lakes to help identify cost-effective, data-driven strategies that will enhance water quality throughout the watershed and help safeguard these treasured natural resources.”
The New Jersey Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council (Highlands Council) is a regional planning agency that partners with municipalities and counties in the Highlands Region to promote proactive watershed protection. Established under the New Jersey Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act of 2004, the Council has funded numerous water-quality-related planning initiatives.
Historically, municipalities and private lake associations have managed water quality issues independently. However, taking a coordinated, watershed-based approach enables communities to more effectively address pollution sources, improve water quality, and prevent the spread of invasive species and harmful algal blooms.
Mountain Lakes joins several other Highlands region municipalities that have received Highlands council funding to implement similar lake and watershed management initiatives. In 2019, the Borough of Ringwood became the first municipality in New Jerey to adopt a regional, public-private approach to lake management, partnering with four lake associations across six lakes. Since the completion of the Ringwood plan, NJDEP has funded recommendations from the plan. This model has since inspired additional projects, including watershed assessments for West Milford Township, Rockaway Township, Byram Township, Vernon Township, and Somerset County Parks Commission. Princeton Hydro worked with each agency to develop the respective scope of work to secure grant funding from the Highlands Council.
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) recently announced $8 million in Water Quality Restoration Grants to support projects that reduce nonpoint source pollution, mitigate harmful algal blooms, restore riparian areas, and enhance watershed and climate resilience. Funded through Section 319(h) of the federal Clean Water Act and administered by the DEP's Watershed and Land Management Program, these grants were awarded to municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and academic institutions across the state.
Princeton Hydro is proud to be a partner on five of the 17 funded projects. Our contributions vary by project and encompass activities such as engineering design, water quality assessment, watershed-based planning, and technical support for implementing stormwater and habitat restoration measures. Let's take a deeper look at these collaborative efforts:
The Watershed Institute received $205K in 319(h) grant funding to develop a watershed-based plan for the Assunpink Creek watershed, located within the Raritan River Basin. This watershed spans 11 municipalities across two counties, where varied landscapes and demographics share common challenges such as localized flooding, stormwater management, and water quality degradation, highlighting the need for a coordinated, watershed-wide, science-driven approach.
The plan will evaluate pollution sources and identify large-scale restoration opportunities, including green infrastructure and riparian buffer restoration, to improve water quality and reduce flooding. It will also assess the cost, feasibility, and pollutant reduction potential of proposed measures to ensure practical implementation. Princeton Hydro supported the Institute in developing the grant proposal and planning framework, leveraging our expertise in watershed-based planning to prioritize nature-based solutions that address both water quality and climate resilience. This initiative represents a critical step toward regional collaboration, enabling upstream and downstream communities to work together on strategies that strengthen watershed health, protect public safety, and build long-term resilience.
The Lake Hopatcong Commission (LHC) was awarded $366K to retrofit an existing stormwater detention basin between King Road and Mount Arlington Boulevard in Roxbury Township. This retrofit is part of a larger Watershed Implementation Plan that Princeton Hydro developed in collaboration with LHC, which prioritizes nutrient reduction and stormwater management strategies across the Lake Hopatcong watershed. Over the past several years, LHC has actively implemented multiple elements of this plan to address harmful algal blooms (HABs) and improve water quality.
For this project, Princeton Hydro is providing engineering design and technical oversight to transform the existing basin into a green stormwater infrastructure system that slows, captures, and naturally treats runoff before it enters King Cove. The design incorporates native vegetation, invasive species management, and erosion control measures to stabilize soils and filter pollutants, reducing nutrient loading, which is one key driver of HABs. Public outreach and pre- and post-construction water quality monitoring will ensure performance tracking and measurable improvements. This basin retrofit represents a critical step in a coordinated, science-based approach to restoring ecological health and water quality in New Jersey’s largest lake.
Jefferson Township received $350K in grant funding to develop an Emerging Contaminants Management Plan for Cozy Lake, focusing on cyanotoxins and HABs. Cozy Lake is a 28-acre waterbody within a 1,152-acre sub-watershed that includes both forested (60%) and developed (29%) land. The lake is fed by the Rockaway River at its northern end and a smaller southeastern inlet, with outflow through a dam on the western edge.
The shoreline is primarily residential lawn with minimal emergent wetlands, and several inlets and rock-lined drainage ditches exhibit erosion and lack slope protection, contributing to sediment loading. Princeton Hydro provided early technical input to shape this innovative project with the creation of a comprehensive Jefferson Township Lake and Watershed Restoration and Protection Plan. As part of the plan, Princeton Hydro made recommendations for Cozy Lake, which included enhancing shoreline buffers with native vegetation and installing living shorelines at select properties to stabilize soils, filter stormwater and reduce nutrient loading, improve habitat quality, and enhance community access. These measures, combined with in-lake monitoring and proactive management strategies, will help mitigate HABs and protect ecological and public health.
Rockaway Township received $399K in grant funding to implement elements of its Watershed Implementation Plan, focusing on green infrastructure stormwater management and nutrient reduction to improve water quality. The project will retrofit the municipal complex by converting a rock-lined drainage swale into a vegetated swale with a bioretention basin, designed to filter stormwater runoff and reduce nonpoint source pollutants entering Fox’s Pond and Fox Brook.
Princeton Hydro played a key role in developing the Watershed Implementation Plan, which encompasses 11 private lakes within the Rockaway River watershed, prioritizing critical locations for intervention and designing cost-effective green infrastructure BMPs. This regional approach aligns with strategies recommended by NJDEP and the Highlands Council. The plan included a comprehensive watershed-based assessment to identify and quantify factors contributing to eutrophication, evaluate management measures, estimate costs, and establish an implementation schedule. Princeton Hydro authored the final report, which guided the Township in applying for the Section 319(h) grant and now informs the design and construction of green stormwater infrastructure that will deliver measurable water quality improvements while supporting ecological restoration goals.
Green Trust Alliance (GTA), a nationally accredited land trust and public charity dedicated to accelerating large-scale conservation, received $1.39 million in NJDEP funding to implement green infrastructure improvements at Pinelands Regional High School in Tuckerton, New Jersey. This initiative targets the Tuckerton Creek watershed, which drains into Tuckerton Creek and ultimately flows into Barnegat Bay—a critical estuary spanning 33 municipalities in Ocean County and four in Monmouth County. The retrofit will transform the school’s stormwater detention basin into a multi-functional system that mimics natural hydrology, enhances flow control, and improves water quality locally and in the larger Barnegat Bay watershed.
Working with GTA and GreenVest, Princeton Hydro is serving as the design engineer, applying nature-based engineering and ecological restoration techniques to intercept, evapotranspire, and infiltrate stormwater runoff at its source. In addition to its technical objectives, the effort includes a strong community engagement component and an educational platform for students. By bringing green infrastructure into the school environment, the initiative provides hands-on experience with water resources, stormwater management, and ecological engineering, help to build STEM skills while fostering a deeper connection to the surrounding landscape and an understanding of how natural systems work together to support environmental and community health.
Princeton Hydro also assisted several of these partners in developing successful NJDEP Section 319(h) grant applications, providing technical documentation, conceptual designs, and pollutant load reduction estimates to strengthen the proposals.
To date, the Murphy Administration has awarded more than $33M in Water Quality Restoration grants to improve the health of waterways in all corners of the state. Click here to read about all the 2025 grant funding recipients and their innovative projects.
As NJDEP Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette noted in the department's press release, “Enhancing the ecological health of our lakes, rivers, streams and coastal waters has long been a priority of the Murphy Administration. The Department of Environmental Protection is pleased to award these grants that will help our partners advance a variety of strategies to improve the health of these waterways and enhance the quality of life in our communities.”
We are proud to play a continued role in advancing that mission: helping communities implement practical, data-driven solutions that make a measurable difference for New Jersey’s waterways and the people who depend on them. Click here to learn more about our work to protect natural habitat and restore water quality throughout the New Jersey.
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