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WP_Query Object ( [query] => Array ( [category_name] => lake-and-pond-management ) [query_vars] => Array ( [category_name] => lake-and-pond-management [error] => [m] => [p] => 0 [post_parent] => [subpost] => [subpost_id] => [attachment] => [attachment_id] => 0 [name] => [pagename] => [page_id] => 0 [second] => [minute] => [hour] => [day] => 0 [monthnum] => 0 [year] => 0 [w] => 0 [tag] => [cat] => 37 [tag_id] => [author] => [author_name] => [feed] => [tb] => [paged] => 1 [meta_key] => [meta_value] => [preview] => [s] => [sentence] => [title] => [fields] => all [menu_order] => [embed] => [category__in] => Array ( [0] => 29 ) [category__not_in] => Array ( ) [category__and] => Array ( ) [post__in] => Array ( ) [post__not_in] => Array ( ) [post_name__in] => Array ( ) [tag__in] => Array ( ) [tag__not_in] => Array ( ) [tag__and] => Array ( ) [tag_slug__in] => Array ( ) [tag_slug__and] => Array ( ) [post_parent__in] => Array ( ) [post_parent__not_in] => Array ( ) [author__in] => Array ( ) [author__not_in] => Array ( ) [search_columns] => Array ( ) [ignore_sticky_posts] => [suppress_filters] => [cache_results] => 1 [update_post_term_cache] => 1 [update_menu_item_cache] => [lazy_load_term_meta] => 1 [update_post_meta_cache] => 1 [post_type] => [posts_per_page] => 10 [nopaging] => [comments_per_page] => 5 [no_found_rows] => [order] => DESC ) [tax_query] => WP_Tax_Query Object ( [queries] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [taxonomy] => category [terms] => Array ( [0] => lake-and-pond-management ) [field] => slug [operator] => IN [include_children] => 1 ) [1] => Array ( [taxonomy] => category [terms] => Array ( [0] => 29 ) [field] => term_id [operator] => IN [include_children] => ) ) [relation] => AND [table_aliases:protected] => Array ( [0] => ph_term_relationships [1] => tt1 ) [queried_terms] => Array ( [category] => Array ( [terms] => Array ( [0] => lake-and-pond-management ) [field] => slug ) ) [primary_table] => ph_posts [primary_id_column] => ID ) [meta_query] => WP_Meta_Query Object ( [queries] => Array ( ) [relation] => [meta_table] => [meta_id_column] => [primary_table] => [primary_id_column] => [table_aliases:protected] => Array ( ) [clauses:protected] => Array ( ) [has_or_relation:protected] => ) [date_query] => [queried_object] => WP_Term Object ( [term_id] => 37 [name] => Lake and Pond Management [slug] => lake-and-pond-management [term_group] => 0 [term_taxonomy_id] => 37 [taxonomy] => category [description] => Good to Know considerations for lake and pond management. 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[cat_name] => Lake and Pond Management [category_nicename] => lake-and-pond-management [category_parent] => 0 ) [queried_object_id] => 37 [request] => SELECT SQL_CALC_FOUND_ROWS ph_posts.ID FROM ph_posts LEFT JOIN ph_term_relationships ON (ph_posts.ID = ph_term_relationships.object_id) LEFT JOIN ph_term_relationships AS tt1 ON (ph_posts.ID = tt1.object_id) WHERE 1=1 AND ( ph_term_relationships.term_taxonomy_id IN (37) AND tt1.term_taxonomy_id IN (29) ) AND ((ph_posts.post_type = 'post' AND (ph_posts.post_status = 'publish' OR ph_posts.post_status = 'acf-disabled'))) GROUP BY ph_posts.ID ORDER BY ph_posts.menu_order, ph_posts.post_date DESC LIMIT 0, 10 [posts] => Array ( [0] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 19285 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2026-03-12 14:33:49 [post_date_gmt] => 2026-03-12 14:33:49 [post_content] => Dr. Fred Lubnow, Princeton Hydro's Senior Technical Director of Ecological Services, and Jenn Rogers, Executive Director of Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space (FoHVOS), were recently featured on the Native Plants, Healthy Planet podcast to discuss the collaborative, first‑of‑its‑kind initiative to monitor Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) in the Delaware River Watershed using drones, spatial analysis, and community science. The Delaware River is a lifeline for more than 14 million people, a refuge for wildlife, and a defining natural feature of the region. In recent years, HABs, once confined mostly to lakes and ponds, have expanded into streams and rivers and appearing in colder months. Understanding why this shift is happening, and how to predict it, is essential for protecting water quality, public health, and ecological resilience within the Delaware River watershed and watersheds nationwide. The podcast, hosted by Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick of Pinelands Nursey, highlights the urgency of addressing HABs and the innovative, cross‑sector partnership driving this work forward. Listen now: Harmful Algal Blooms with Dr. Fred Lubnow and Jenn Rogers. Stewardship and Community Leadership from FoHVOS Jenn Rogers, Executive Director of FoHVOS, brings two decades of conservation leadership to the partnership. Her background spans naturalist education, ecological stewardship, and the development of large-scale restoration and public engagement programs. During her fourteen years with the Mercer County Park Commission, she helped establish both the Environmental Education and Stewardship Departments and oversaw the care of more than ten thousand acres of parkland. Jenn has spent her career building programs that connect people to the landscapes around them. Her commitment to community-driven conservation make her a key partner in a project that relies on both scientific rigor and public participation. Her perspective highlights how land use, watershed health, and community stewardship are deeply interconnected. Expertise Shaping the Future of HAB Research Dr. Fred Lubnow serves as Princeton Hydro’s Senior Technical Director of Ecological Services and brings more than 30 years of experience in limnology, watershed restoration, and community and ecosystem ecology. His career has focused on understanding how freshwater systems respond to nutrient loading, hydrologic change, and long-term environmental pressures. He has designed and led numerous lake and watershed restoration projects, developed USEPA Nine-Element and TMDL-driven watershed plans, and created field-based cyanobacteria and cyanotoxin monitoring programs that are now used across the region. Fred’s expertise in the taxonomy, ecology, and management of algae, particularly cyanobacteria, has made him a leading voice in the study of HABs. He currently serves on New Jersey’s HABs Advisory Team, where he helps interpret water quality data and advises on mitigation strategies. His scientific leadership guides the technical design and implementation of the Delaware River HAB monitoring initiative. A Collaborative Approach to Understanding HABs Now entering its second year, the Delaware River HAB monitoring initiative is expanding both its scientific scope and its community engagement efforts. Building on the foundation established in 2025, the project team is conducting multi‑season drone flights, enhanced satellite‑based surveys, and targeted on‑the‑water sampling along 73 miles of the Delaware River and 24 connected waterbodies. These efforts are designed to strengthen the project’s ability to detect and forecast HABs under a wide range of seasonal and environmental conditions. [gallery link="none" columns="2" ids="19329,19330"] Year two also introduces several tools and activities intended to support broader participation and more efficient data collection. This includes the launch of a new ArcSurvey123 mobile data platform to support real‑time volunteer water quality submissions, as well as expanded training opportunities for community members interested in assisting with field sampling. Data collected through these efforts will contribute to the development of advanced algorithms capable of forecasting HAB occurrence at multiple spatial scales. Funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation's (NFWF) Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund (DWCF), in partnership with U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the project continues to be supported by a diverse network of partners across New Jersey and Pennsylvania, including The City University of New York's (CUNY) New York City College of Technology (City Tech), Trenton Water Works, Mercer County Park Commission, The College of New Jersey, Aqua-PA, Philadelphia Water Department, Bucks County Conservation District, Turner Designs, and US Army Corps of Engineers - Philadelphia District's Blue Marsh Lake. Together, these organizations contribute technical expertise, watershed knowledge, and crucial on‑the‑ground support. This collaborative approach remains central to the initiative’s success and long‑term objective: establishing a scalable HAB‑forecasting framework that can ultimately be applied to additional watersheds across the United States. For a deeper look at the research, partnerships, and shared commitment behind this initiative, listen to the full Native Plants, Healthy Planet podcast presented by Pinelands Nursery. Click here to learn more about the Pinelands Nursery and explore the full library of Native Plants, Healthy Planet podcasts. If you're interested in getting involved in the Delaware River HAB research initiative, the program is currently seeking volunteers for water sampling along the Delaware and select waterbodies. Contact FoHVOS Conservation Biologist Kaitlin Muccio at: kmuccio@fohvos.org for more details. [post_title] => LISTEN: Native Plants, Healthy Planet Podcast Highlights HAB Science & Stewardship [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => listen-native-plants-healthy-planet-podcast-highlights-hab-science-stewardship [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2026-03-13 20:28:53 [post_modified_gmt] => 2026-03-13 20:28:53 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?p=19285 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [1] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 18888 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2025-12-16 16:04:21 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-12-16 16:04:21 [post_content] => 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: [gallery columns="2" link="none" size="medium" ids="18899,18900"] “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. [gallery link="none" size="medium" ids="18896,18895,18894,18897,18891,18892"] 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. [gallery link="file" columns="2" ids="18781,18902"] 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. [post_title] => Innovative Drone-Based Research Study to Predict HABs in the Delaware River Watershed [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => innovative-drone-based-research-study-to-predict-habs-in-the-delaware-river-watershed [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2026-02-09 14:20:36 [post_modified_gmt] => 2026-02-09 14:20:36 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?p=18888 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [2] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 18636 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2025-11-10 17:09:04 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-11-10 17:09:04 [post_content] => The Lake Hopatcong Commission, in partnership with Roxbury Township and Princeton Hydro, and with support from the Lake Hopatcong Foundation, has been awarded a $367,000 Water Quality Restoration Grant from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) for the Lake Hopatcong Watershed Basin Enhancement Project. The project will retrofit an existing stormwater detention basin with a series of green stormwater infrastructure improvements designed to slow, capture, and naturally treat stormwater runoff. The basin project, located between King Road and Mount Arlington Boulevard in Roxbury Township, was identified in the 2021 Upper Musconetcong River Implementation Plan (WIP) as a priority project to reduce non-point source pollution and improve water quality before stormwater enters the lake at King Cove. "Roxbury is truly thankful for the Lake Hopatcong Commission. Lake Hopatcong is such a valuable resource and the commission’s work alongside Princeton Hydro has preserved a natural treasure," said Shawn Potillo, Mayor of Roxbury. "We are grateful to the NJDEP for their support and award of this grant. This water basin project in Roxbury will help continue the commission’s purpose of keeping the lake a beautiful place to swim, boat, relax, and call home." A range of improvements will be incorporated including planting native vegetation and managing invasive species to stabilize soils, support wildlife, and naturally filter pollutants before they reach the lake. Erosion and sediment control measures will further protect the area by reducing stormwater scouring and preventing bank degradation. In addition to on-the-ground restoration, the project emphasizes public education and outreach to promote best management practices and ongoing watershed stewardship among residents and local partners. Project success will be evaluated through water quality monitoring conducted before and after construction, providing measurable data on the project’s effectiveness in improving water quality. “Lake Hopatcong’s fight against harmful algal blooms requires a united front, where many projects, like retrofitting stormwater basins to capture nutrients before they go into the lake, collectively make a big impact,” said Dr. Fred Lubnow, Senior Technical Director of Ecological Services at Princeton Hydro. “Thanks to the leadership of the Lake Hopatcong Commission and the Lake Hopatcong Foundation, this collaborative approach is driving real progress toward cleaner water, healthier ecosystems, and a more resilient future for New Jersey’s largest lake.” The basin enhancement project is funded through NJDEP’s Water Quality Restoration Grant Program, which is supported by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under Clean Water Act Section 319(h). Along with the state grant, the project includes a $200,000 local match from the Commission, Roxbury Township, and the Lake Hopatcong Foundation, and builds on a $98,000 planning grant awarded by the New Jersey Highlands Council in 2024 that helped prepare the project for implementation and future grant opportunities. “This project represents an important step forward in improving Lake Hopatcong’s water quality and reducing pollutants that contribute to harmful algal blooms,” said Ron Smith, Chairman of the Lake Hopatcong Commission. “We’re grateful to NJDEP, Roxbury Township, Princeton Hydro, the Foundation and the Highlands Council for their continued partnership in protecting this vital resource.” [caption id="attachment_18637" align="aligncenter" width="1380"] Photo by the Lake Hopatcong Commission[/caption] The Lake Hopatcong Commission is an independent state agency created in, but not of, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. LHC is recognized as a steward of the lake and watershed. The 11-member Board of State and local appointees include representatives of the four municipalities and two counties surrounding Lake Hopatcong. LHC is responsible for fulfilling the obligations of the Lake Hopatcong Protection Act, to safeguard Lake Hopatcong as a natural, scenic, and recreational resource. To learn more, click here to visit lakehopatcongcommission.org. For over 30 years, Princeton Hydro has been proud to work alongside the Lake Hopatcong Commission and Lake Hopatcong Foundation in support of the lake’s health and resilience. Through these partnerships, and with the support of numerous funding agencies, a wide range of projects have been implemented to reduce pollutant loads, manage stormwater runoff, address invasive species and harmful algal blooms, and enhance habitat quality—helping to protect both the lake and the communities that depend on it. To learn more about our collaborative efforts, click here. [post_title] => Lake Hopatcong Commission Awarded $367,000 NJDEP Grant for Water Quality Improvements in Roxbury Township [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => lake-hopatcong-commission-awarded-367000-njdep-grant-for-water-quality-improvements-in-roxbury-township [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-11-10 17:09:04 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-11-10 17:09:04 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?p=18636 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [3] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 18586 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2025-11-06 00:15:54 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-11-06 00:15:54 [post_content] => 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: 1. The Watershed Institute – Watershed-Based Planning for Assunpink Creek 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. 2. Lake Hopatcong Commission – Watershed-Based Stormwater BMPs 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. 3. Cozy Lake, Jefferson Township – Addressing Emerging Contaminants 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. 4. Rockaway Township – Watershed-Based Green Infrastructure 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. 5. Green Trust Alliance – Green Infrastructure and Community Engagement 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. [post_title] => NJDEP Awards $8M for Water Quality Restoration Projects [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => njdep-319h-grants-2025 [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-11-07 01:20:58 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-11-07 01:20:58 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?p=18586 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [4] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 18149 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2025-09-04 13:26:49 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-09-04 13:26:49 [post_content] => Princeton Hydro's Director of Aquatics, Michael Hartshorne, recently traveled to Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, to present at the Southern African Society for Aquatic Scientists (SASAqS) Congress 2025. Hosted by the Institute of Natural Resources (INS) and the University of KwaZulu-Natal, the annual event convened researchers, industry professionals, government officials, and students from around the world to advance aquatic science by linking research with real-world practice. Over the course of five days, participants shared insights on critical global and regional issues, including water pollution, water security, biodiversity conservation, climate change adaptation, and community-based resource management. The program featured an array of interdisciplinary presentations spanning hydrology, freshwater ecology, and policy, while also creating space for collaboration and connection through interactive workshops, poster sessions and exhibits, networking events, and a gala dinner and awards ceremony. On the closing day, field trips brought attendees out into the surrounding landscape, offering a tangible backdrop to the themes explored throughout the conference. Michael's Presentation on Harmful Algal Blooms On the opening day of the SASAqS Congress 2025 program, Michael addressed the full conference audience with a presentation titled “Novel Techniques for the Monitoring of Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) in Lakes and Rivers of the United States,” which focused on innovative approaches for detecting and managing HABs, a growing worldwide concern driven by nutrient pollution and climate change. Michael illustrated how innovative research can inform practical management strategies while encouraging global collaboration. HABs are intensifying in frequency, scale, and severity worldwide, presenting challenges for drinking water supplies, recreational lakes, and river ecosystems. Michael’s presentation showcased a suite of monitoring tools, from handheld phycocyanin and phycoerythrin meters, to drones with multispectral lenses, to advanced techniques such as qPCR (quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction), microscopy, and akinete cell monitoring. Through case studies from lakes, reservoirs, and river systems in New Jersey, Virginia, and Pennsylvania, he highlighted the strengths and limitations of each method, emphasizing the importance of tailoring monitoring strategies to the unique conditions of each waterbody. Michael also discussed management interventions and highlighted how emerging technologies can support more adaptive, science-driven management of HABs. [gallery link="none" size="large" columns="2" ids="18171,18172"] “It was an honor to participate in this year’s event and learn alongside so many dedicated professionals who are working to protect and restore aquatic ecosystems,” said Michael. “The international exchange of ideas and techniques is critical in helping us all address the increasingly complex challenges facing our water resources.” [caption id="attachment_18151" align="aligncenter" width="553"] Michael Hartshorne with Dr. Matthew Burnett, Principal Scientist at the Institute of Natural Resources and member of the SASAqS 2025 local organizing committee.[/caption] In the Field: Aquatic Science in Action The conference concluded with optional field trips that gave participants a chance to view South Africa’s aquatic systems and management challenges firsthand. Each excursion highlighted a different aspect of aquatic science in practice:
Dr. Fred Lubnow, Princeton Hydro's Senior Technical Director of Ecological Services, and Jenn Rogers, Executive Director of Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space (FoHVOS), were recently featured on the Native Plants, Healthy Planet podcast to discuss the collaborative, first‑of‑its‑kind initiative to monitor Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) in the Delaware River Watershed using drones, spatial analysis, and community science.
The Delaware River is a lifeline for more than 14 million people, a refuge for wildlife, and a defining natural feature of the region. In recent years, HABs, once confined mostly to lakes and ponds, have expanded into streams and rivers and appearing in colder months. Understanding why this shift is happening, and how to predict it, is essential for protecting water quality, public health, and ecological resilience within the Delaware River watershed and watersheds nationwide.
The podcast, hosted by Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick of Pinelands Nursey, highlights the urgency of addressing HABs and the innovative, cross‑sector partnership driving this work forward. Listen now: Harmful Algal Blooms with Dr. Fred Lubnow and Jenn Rogers.
Jenn Rogers, Executive Director of FoHVOS, brings two decades of conservation leadership to the partnership. Her background spans naturalist education, ecological stewardship, and the development of large-scale restoration and public engagement programs. During her fourteen years with the Mercer County Park Commission, she helped establish both the Environmental Education and Stewardship Departments and oversaw the care of more than ten thousand acres of parkland.
Jenn has spent her career building programs that connect people to the landscapes around them. Her commitment to community-driven conservation make her a key partner in a project that relies on both scientific rigor and public participation. Her perspective highlights how land use, watershed health, and community stewardship are deeply interconnected.
Dr. Fred Lubnow serves as Princeton Hydro’s Senior Technical Director of Ecological Services and brings more than 30 years of experience in limnology, watershed restoration, and community and ecosystem ecology. His career has focused on understanding how freshwater systems respond to nutrient loading, hydrologic change, and long-term environmental pressures. He has designed and led numerous lake and watershed restoration projects, developed USEPA Nine-Element and TMDL-driven watershed plans, and created field-based cyanobacteria and cyanotoxin monitoring programs that are now used across the region.
Fred’s expertise in the taxonomy, ecology, and management of algae, particularly cyanobacteria, has made him a leading voice in the study of HABs. He currently serves on New Jersey’s HABs Advisory Team, where he helps interpret water quality data and advises on mitigation strategies. His scientific leadership guides the technical design and implementation of the Delaware River HAB monitoring initiative.
Now entering its second year, the Delaware River HAB monitoring initiative is expanding both its scientific scope and its community engagement efforts. Building on the foundation established in 2025, the project team is conducting multi‑season drone flights, enhanced satellite‑based surveys, and targeted on‑the‑water sampling along 73 miles of the Delaware River and 24 connected waterbodies. These efforts are designed to strengthen the project’s ability to detect and forecast HABs under a wide range of seasonal and environmental conditions.
Year two also introduces several tools and activities intended to support broader participation and more efficient data collection. This includes the launch of a new ArcSurvey123 mobile data platform to support real‑time volunteer water quality submissions, as well as expanded training opportunities for community members interested in assisting with field sampling. Data collected through these efforts will contribute to the development of advanced algorithms capable of forecasting HAB occurrence at multiple spatial scales.
Funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation's (NFWF) Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund (DWCF), in partnership with U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the project continues to be supported by a diverse network of partners across New Jersey and Pennsylvania, including The City University of New York's (CUNY) New York City College of Technology (City Tech), Trenton Water Works, Mercer County Park Commission, The College of New Jersey, Aqua-PA, Philadelphia Water Department, Bucks County Conservation District, Turner Designs, and US Army Corps of Engineers - Philadelphia District's Blue Marsh Lake. Together, these organizations contribute technical expertise, watershed knowledge, and crucial on‑the‑ground support. This collaborative approach remains central to the initiative’s success and long‑term objective: establishing a scalable HAB‑forecasting framework that can ultimately be applied to additional watersheds across the United States.
For a deeper look at the research, partnerships, and shared commitment behind this initiative, listen to the full Native Plants, Healthy Planet podcast presented by Pinelands Nursery. Click here to learn more about the Pinelands Nursery and explore the full library of Native Plants, Healthy Planet podcasts. If you're interested in getting involved in the Delaware River HAB research initiative, the program is currently seeking volunteers for water sampling along the Delaware and select waterbodies. Contact FoHVOS Conservation Biologist Kaitlin Muccio at: kmuccio@fohvos.org for more details.
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.
The Lake Hopatcong Commission, in partnership with Roxbury Township and Princeton Hydro, and with support from the Lake Hopatcong Foundation, has been awarded a $367,000 Water Quality Restoration Grant from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) for the Lake Hopatcong Watershed Basin Enhancement Project.
The project will retrofit an existing stormwater detention basin with a series of green stormwater infrastructure improvements designed to slow, capture, and naturally treat stormwater runoff. The basin project, located between King Road and Mount Arlington Boulevard in Roxbury Township, was identified in the 2021 Upper Musconetcong River Implementation Plan (WIP) as a priority project to reduce non-point source pollution and improve water quality before stormwater enters the lake at King Cove.
"Roxbury is truly thankful for the Lake Hopatcong Commission. Lake Hopatcong is such a valuable resource and the commission’s work alongside Princeton Hydro has preserved a natural treasure," said Shawn Potillo, Mayor of Roxbury. "We are grateful to the NJDEP for their support and award of this grant. This water basin project in Roxbury will help continue the commission’s purpose of keeping the lake a beautiful place to swim, boat, relax, and call home."
A range of improvements will be incorporated including planting native vegetation and managing invasive species to stabilize soils, support wildlife, and naturally filter pollutants before they reach the lake. Erosion and sediment control measures will further protect the area by reducing stormwater scouring and preventing bank degradation.
In addition to on-the-ground restoration, the project emphasizes public education and outreach to promote best management practices and ongoing watershed stewardship among residents and local partners. Project success will be evaluated through water quality monitoring conducted before and after construction, providing measurable data on the project’s effectiveness in improving water quality.
“Lake Hopatcong’s fight against harmful algal blooms requires a united front, where many projects, like retrofitting stormwater basins to capture nutrients before they go into the lake, collectively make a big impact,” said Dr. Fred Lubnow, Senior Technical Director of Ecological Services at Princeton Hydro. “Thanks to the leadership of the Lake Hopatcong Commission and the Lake Hopatcong Foundation, this collaborative approach is driving real progress toward cleaner water, healthier ecosystems, and a more resilient future for New Jersey’s largest lake.”
The basin enhancement project is funded through NJDEP’s Water Quality Restoration Grant Program, which is supported by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under Clean Water Act Section 319(h). Along with the state grant, the project includes a $200,000 local match from the Commission, Roxbury Township, and the Lake Hopatcong Foundation, and builds on a $98,000 planning grant awarded by the New Jersey Highlands Council in 2024 that helped prepare the project for implementation and future grant opportunities.
“This project represents an important step forward in improving Lake Hopatcong’s water quality and reducing pollutants that contribute to harmful algal blooms,” said Ron Smith, Chairman of the Lake Hopatcong Commission. “We’re grateful to NJDEP, Roxbury Township, Princeton Hydro, the Foundation and the Highlands Council for their continued partnership in protecting this vital resource.”
The Lake Hopatcong Commission is an independent state agency created in, but not of, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. LHC is recognized as a steward of the lake and watershed. The 11-member Board of State and local appointees include representatives of the four municipalities and two counties surrounding Lake Hopatcong. LHC is responsible for fulfilling the obligations of the Lake Hopatcong Protection Act, to safeguard Lake Hopatcong as a natural, scenic, and recreational resource. To learn more, click here to visit lakehopatcongcommission.org.
For over 30 years, Princeton Hydro has been proud to work alongside the Lake Hopatcong Commission and Lake Hopatcong Foundation in support of the lake’s health and resilience. Through these partnerships, and with the support of numerous funding agencies, a wide range of projects have been implemented to reduce pollutant loads, manage stormwater runoff, address invasive species and harmful algal blooms, and enhance habitat quality—helping to protect both the lake and the communities that depend on it. To learn more about our collaborative efforts, click here.
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.
Princeton Hydro's Director of Aquatics, Michael Hartshorne, recently traveled to Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, to present at the Southern African Society for Aquatic Scientists (SASAqS) Congress 2025. Hosted by the Institute of Natural Resources (INS) and the University of KwaZulu-Natal, the annual event convened researchers, industry professionals, government officials, and students from around the world to advance aquatic science by linking research with real-world practice.
Over the course of five days, participants shared insights on critical global and regional issues, including water pollution, water security, biodiversity conservation, climate change adaptation, and community-based resource management. The program featured an array of interdisciplinary presentations spanning hydrology, freshwater ecology, and policy, while also creating space for collaboration and connection through interactive workshops, poster sessions and exhibits, networking events, and a gala dinner and awards ceremony. On the closing day, field trips brought attendees out into the surrounding landscape, offering a tangible backdrop to the themes explored throughout the conference.
On the opening day of the SASAqS Congress 2025 program, Michael addressed the full conference audience with a presentation titled “Novel Techniques for the Monitoring of Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) in Lakes and Rivers of the United States,” which focused on innovative approaches for detecting and managing HABs, a growing worldwide concern driven by nutrient pollution and climate change. Michael illustrated how innovative research can inform practical management strategies while encouraging global collaboration.
HABs are intensifying in frequency, scale, and severity worldwide, presenting challenges for drinking water supplies, recreational lakes, and river ecosystems. Michael’s presentation showcased a suite of monitoring tools, from handheld phycocyanin and phycoerythrin meters, to drones with multispectral lenses, to advanced techniques such as qPCR (quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction), microscopy, and akinete cell monitoring. Through case studies from lakes, reservoirs, and river systems in New Jersey, Virginia, and Pennsylvania, he highlighted the strengths and limitations of each method, emphasizing the importance of tailoring monitoring strategies to the unique conditions of each waterbody. Michael also discussed management interventions and highlighted how emerging technologies can support more adaptive, science-driven management of HABs.
“It was an honor to participate in this year’s event and learn alongside so many dedicated professionals who are working to protect and restore aquatic ecosystems,” said Michael. “The international exchange of ideas and techniques is critical in helping us all address the increasingly complex challenges facing our water resources.”
The conference concluded with optional field trips that gave participants a chance to view South Africa’s aquatic systems and management challenges firsthand. Each excursion highlighted a different aspect of aquatic science in practice:
UKZN Zebrafish Research Facility: On the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Pietermaritzburg campus, this outing introduced participants to the zebrafish as a model organism for studying genetics, development, and aquatic toxicology. The tour provided a window into laboratory-based aquatic science and its applications to regional and global challenges.
Lions River Monitoring Demonstration: Hosted by GroundTruth, this field trip took a group to Lions River to observe live demonstrations of water quality and quantity monitoring using advanced tools such as UAVs (drones), USVs (unmanned survey boats), and a suite of citizen science methods, including MiniSASS, clarity tubes, and velocity planks. The excursion showcased how high-tech innovation and community-driven monitoring can complement one another in managing freshwater resources.
Outside of the conference, Michael took the opportunity to explore the diverse beauty and culture of South Africa. At Betty's Bay, a small town on the Western Cape he enjoyed coffee while taking in sweeping coastal views; walked scenic trails; spotted a few Hyraxes and Chacma baboons; and observed the African penguin (Spheniscus demersus) at the Stony Point colony. He also viewed the Cape Rockjumper (Chaetops frenatus), a ground-dwelling bird endemic to the mountain Fynbos, at nearby Rooi-Els.
He visited Karkloof Nature Reserve in the KwaZulu-Natal province, a rural agricultural area which has implemented conservation efforts for the once endangered, but still threated, Wattled Crane (Grus carunculate).
Michael’s participation in SASAqS Congress 2025 reflects Princeton Hydro’s ongoing commitment to advancing aquatic science and collaborating with experts around the world. By sharing practical monitoring and management strategies for HABs, his contributions added to a rich global dialogue on how science can inform sustainable solutions.
Since joining Princeton Hydro in 2006, Michael has led numerous lake, stream, and watershed studies focused on water quality, restoration, and sustainable management. His expertise includes applied limnology, ecological restoration, TMDL (total maximum daily load) development, and biological surveys. Michael is skilled in designing and implementing monitoring programs that integrate technical rigor with community engagement, ensuring effective outcomes for both ecosystems and stakeholders. To learn more about Michael, click here.
The Institute of Natural Resources promotes the sustainable use of natural resources to benefit both the environment and society. Click here to learn more. To learn more about The University of KwaZulu-Natal a teaching and research-led university with multiple campuses across South Africa, click here.
Earlier this year, Princeton Hydro President Geoffrey M. Goll, PE traveled to Durban, South Africa, to participate in a symposium focused on “Dam Management and Restoration of River Connectivity.” Click here to read the blog about his journey.
Welcome to the latest edition of our Client Spotlight blog series, which provides an inside look at our collaboration, teamwork, and accomplishments with one of our client partners.
In this special edition, we’re shining the spotlight on the Town of Mina and Findley Lake Watershed Foundation (FLWF), two organizations working closely together to protect and preserve Findley Lake in Chautauqua County, New York. This charming 300-acre lake is a cherished focal point for recreation, tourism, and community pride, and safeguarding it is a shared responsibility. The Town of Mina and FLWF, a volunteer-led nonprofit, have built a strong partnership dedicated to maintaining the lake’s health and ensuring its long-term sustainability.
We kicked-off the conversation with a question for Rebecca:
Rebecca continues: “As part of our 2024 Comprehensive Plan, the Town of Mina identified four core community values that guide our decision-making, with our top priority being Findley Lake!
The lake is the heart of our community. Ensuring it remains clean, beautiful, and accessible for recreation and overall enjoyment is essential to our identity. That’s why we work so closely with FLWF. During the comprehensive planning process, FLWF developed a Lake Management Plan, which now guides our environmental efforts.
Our second core value is economic development. Findley Lake is experiencing an exciting period of growth, with several initiatives underway, including a new warehouse distribution center, growing retail presence, and revitalization in the downtown area. It’s truly a renaissance moment for our community.
Third, we’re deeply committed to preserving and enhancing our community character. We value our rural lifestyle and are working to improve it with expanded trails, new boardwalks, and safer, more accessible green spaces for all to enjoy. And, our fourth core value centers on strengthening local government, becoming more efficient, effective, and responsive to the needs of our residents. We want people to feel heard, supported, and engaged in the future of our town.”
“FLWF was established in 2002, but our roots go back much further. Before that, our work was carried out by the Findley Lake Property Owners Association, which formed in the late 1940s after the lake was no longer needed as a power source for milling operations.
At that time, the lake and dam were donated by Larry Schwartz to a group of local, stewardship-minded residents. That group did the best they could with limited resources and knowledge. But as science, lake management practices, and environmental awareness progressed, so did our approach.
By transitioning to a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2002, we were able to access grant funding and expand our work significantly. Since then, we’ve purchased weed harvesters, partnered with Princeton Hydro for lake studies, and supported major infrastructure projects like the new sewer system currently in development to address septic-related pollution.
We’ve also taken steps to reduce streambank erosion and manage phosphorus loading that affects lake oxygen levels. Our board is strong and diverse—we have dedicated members with the expertise needed to keep moving the organization and the lake forward. At our core, FLWF is committed to maintaining, enhancing, and improving the quality of Findley Lake and its watershed through science-based action and collaboration.”
Rebecca continues: “We’ve made significant strides in advancing the health of our local environment, thanks in part to support from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). We’ve completed three DEC-funded studies that are guiding our next steps.
One study focused on culverts throughout the watershed with the goal of improving water flow and reducing flood risk. Every culvert was assessed to identify those that need repair or replacement. Another study analyzed stormwater runoff, identifying ten key inflow areas to Findley Lake where erosion and sedimentation pose potential threats. Each site was evaluated and prioritized, and we’ve since secured a DEC grant to address the highest-priority site. And, the third study explored in-lake nutrient control strategies, which laid the groundwork for our current partnership with Princeton Hydro on nutrient management efforts.
Beyond lake-focused work, we’re also committed to enhancing community access to nature. We’ve received support from Chautauqua County for efforts that will benefit both the environment and quality of life for residents and visitors alike.”
“We first partnered with Princeton Hydro a few years ago when our board recognized the need for expert guidance on lake management. While we have a strong, professional board, we lacked the specialized knowledge in lake ecology and water quality science to move forward confidently with major decisions.
After researching several firms, we chose to bring Princeton Hydro on board to help us better understand nutrient dynamics in the lake. One of our key concerns was the persistent late-summer algae blooms, which we later learned were linked to phosphorus being released from the lake’s sediments.
Princeton Hydro conducted an in-lake nutrient study that clearly explained this internal loading process and helped us chart a path forward. Building on that work, we’re now working with the Princeton Hydro team on a bathymetric and sediment analysis to guide our next step, which will be to install an aeration system to reduce phosphorus release and improve water quality.
Princeton Hydro’s expertise has been instrumental in making complex science understandable and actionable, which has helped us take meaningful steps toward restoring the health of Findley Lake.”
Following Rebecca’s remarks, Ed adds: “I’d just like to echo what Rebecca said—the Princeton Hydro team we worked with this Spring was truly a pleasure to collaborate with. Their depth of knowledge was impressive, but just as important was their ability to communicate complex concepts in a way that was clear and easy for our board to understand. That kind of approachability made a big difference. It was a great experience working with them.”
“We’re always grateful for donations, they fuel much of what we do. But beyond financial support, one of the most valuable ways people can contribute is by sharing their experiences and ideas.
There are countless lakes and watershed organizations out there facing similar challenges, and many have come up with innovative, cost-effective solutions. We’re always eager to learn from others; whether it's a new technology, a successful restoration approach, or a creative funding strategy. Collaboration and information-sharing are incredibly powerful tools in watershed management. If you’ve worked on a similar issue or simply have ideas that could help, we’d love to hear from you. The more we connect and learn from each other, the better we can protect and improve Findley Lake for generations to come.”
Following Ed’s comments, Rebecca adds: “One of the things that makes the Town of Mina so special is the strong culture of volunteerism. We’re fortunate to have many residents, often individuals who’ve had professional careers elsewhere, who bring their skills, energy, and passion to our community.
Even though we’re a small town, we benefit from a wide network of nonprofit organizations and local initiatives. For example, the Findley Lake Nature Center is actively working on trail development, and there are many other opportunities for people to get involved in stewardship, whether it’s helping maintain green spaces, supporting water quality efforts, or sharing expertise on local projects.
What’s especially unique about our community is how welcoming we are. Newcomers don’t have to wait decades to feel at home here—they’re embraced right away, and their ideas are valued. That openness has really enhanced our ability to protect Findley Lake and strengthen the town as a whole.”
In the video below, Ed reflects on the strong sense of community in the Town of Mina and the local support that fuels the ongoing efforts to protect and preserve Findley Lake:
After Ed’s remarks, Rebecca shares a few additional reflections: “One particularly meaningful designation we’ve received is from New York State, which has identified us as one of only two rural NORCs (Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities) out of 43 statewide. This designation recognizes our vibrant population of older adults and has allowed us to pursue new forms of support and services. We’re currently looking into developing a pocket neighborhood to help seniors remain in the community, where they continue to be active, involved, and deeply valued.
And here’s a fun fact that speaks to the energy of Findley Lake: it serves as the practice site for the women’s rowing team from Mercyhurst University, who happen to be the reigning national champions. Pretty cool, right?”
Yes, Rebecca, we think that’s very cool!
A heartfelt thank you to Rebecca and Ed for their partnership and for taking the time to speak with us to share their passion for protecting Findley Lake and strengthening the Town of Mina. Their leadership and collaboration exemplify the power of community-driven stewardship.
To learn more about their work and how you can get involved, we encourage you to visit the Town of Mina’s website and FLWF at findleylakewf.org.
Click here to read the previous edition of our Client Spotlight Series featuring Farmington River Watershed Association Executive Director Aimee Petras.
Earlier this month, lake advocates, environmental professionals, researchers, and community leaders gathered for the 42nd Annual New York State Federation of Lake Associations (NYSFOLA) Conference. Held at the Fort William Henry Hotel and Conference Center, overlooking beautiful Lake George, the event brought together individuals from across the region to reexamine longstanding lake and watershed challenges through the lens of innovation, collaboration, and science.
With this year’s theme, “Back to the Future: Old Lake Issues and New Solutions,” the conference emphasized how new policies, technologies, and strategies can be applied to address persistent water quality issues. The two-day program featured a robust lineup of educational sessions, workshops, an exhibitor hall, and networking opportunities, all designed to inspire fresh ideas and collective action.
The conference kicked-off with a keynote from Greg Michel, Executive Director of Onondaga Earth Corps, a youth and community development organization headquartered in Syracuse, New York that engages young adults in environmental service projects. Michel and his team inspired attendees with stories of empowering the next generation of conservationists while tackling real-world ecological needs.
As a proud sponsor, event exhibitor, and long-time member of NYSFOLA, Princeton Hydro led two educational workshops, both focused on bringing data-driven insights and practical funding strategies to lake communities.
Chris L. Mikolajczyk, CLM, Senior Manager of Aquatics shared insights from the most recent EPA’s National Lakes Assessment (NLA), which offers a statistically valid snapshot of lake health across the US. Using data from the NLA’s recurring five-year surveys, he illustrated how the findings help identify ecological conditions, long-term trends, and stressors impacting our lakes.
While the Clean Lakes Program (Section 314 of the Clean Water Act) once provided federal funding for in-lake restoration, it hasn’t been funded since 1995. Chris emphasized how large-scale assessments like the NLA can still play a crucial role in shaping effective lake management strategies and strengthening funding proposals. He spotlighted current funding opportunities from the New Jersey Highlands Council, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Environmental Research and Development Center. Through real-world case studies, he illustrated how data-driven planning can translate into on-the-ground results for lake restoration and protection.
Dr. Fred Lubnow, Senior Technical Director of Ecological Services, tackled internal phosphorus loading—a growing concern for lakes already struggling with nutrient enrichment and harmful algal blooms (HABs). Unlike external sources of pollution, internal loading arises from within the lake itself, particularly in sediment layers that continue to release nutrients long after the original source has been addressed.
Fred provided detailed case studies from lakes across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, including Lake Mohawk and Lake Hopatcong in New Jersey, Harveys Lake in Pennsylvania, and Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia. He demonstrated how targeted in-lake and watershed strategies, when backed by proper assessment and data, can successfully reduce internal phosphorus levels and improve long-term lake health.
Thank you to NYSFOLA for another outstanding conference and the opportunity to support the mission of protecting New York’s lakes. Princeton Hydro is proud to be part of this dynamic community advancing innovative, science-based solutions. We enjoyed the engaging conversations, insightful presentations, and opportunities to collaborate with lake professionals from across the region — and we had a blast at trivia night!
On April 9, experts and stakeholders from across the country gathered virtually for the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s (NJDEP) 6th Annual Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Summit. Held via Microsoft Teams and free to attend, this year’s summit embraced the theme “Kicking the HAB-it Together: Collaborating to Get Ahead of HABs”—a fitting reflection of the event’s focus on moving away from crisis-driven responses and toward proactive, long-term solutions for managing HABs.
The summit brought together a diverse audience of local, state, and federal government representatives, environmental commissions, watershed associations, nonprofits, academic researchers, lake management professionals, and community members united by a shared goal: to better understand, prevent, and manage the impacts of HABs. With presentations spanning public health, policy, science, and on-the-ground solutions, the program set the stage for a day of insightful discussion and knowledge-sharing.
The day kicked off with opening remarks and presentations from NJDEP representatives and the Montgomery Township Health Department, who provided updates on state-level HAB response efforts and local public health perspectives. The morning session also featured a technical keynote address from Dr. Wayne Carmichael, Professor Emeritus at Wright State University and a nationally recognized pioneer in HAB research. Dr. Carmichael offered a comprehensive national overview of the current HAB landscape, emerging threats, and the evolving science behind bloom detection, health risk assessment, and mitigation strategies. His presentation underscored the importance of cross-sector collaboration in tackling this growing environmental challenge.
In the afternoon, the focus shifted to collaboration and preparedness. A panel discussion titled “Getting Ahead of the Crisis: Prevention vs. Response” included a range of voices, including NJDEP leadership, municipal representatives, and advocacy groups like The Watershed Institute. Panelists discussed how coordinated efforts, regulatory tools, and community engagement can help prevent the conditions that lead to HABs, rather than merely responding after blooms occur.
The final portion of the summit highlighted innovative management strategies. Presentations covered topics like choosing practical solutions for HABs and restoration case studies. Princeton Hydro’s own Pat Rose, Aquatics Project Manager and Environmental Scientist, was among the expert speakers. Pat presented on a cutting-edge research and development initiative funded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC). His talk explored both proactive and reactive treatment strategies designed to control near-shore HABs at Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey's largest lake, in a cost-effective and sustainable manner.
If you weren’t able to attend the summit live, don’t worry—you can now watch the full recording on the NJDEP YouTube channel:
HABs are rapid, large overgrowths of cyanobacteria. Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, aren’t actually algae, they are prokaryotes, single-celled aquatic organisms that are closely related to bacteria and can photosynthesize like algae. These microorganisms are a natural part of aquatic ecosystems, but, under the right conditions (e.g., heavy rains followed by hot, sunny days), these organisms can rapidly increase to form HABs. Climate change is leading to more frequent, more intense rainstorms that drive run-off pollutants into waterways, coupled with more hot days that increase the water temperature, creating the ideal environment for HABs to proliferate. In recent years, HABs have begun to appear in more places, earlier in the summer.
The New Jersey Governor’s HABs Initiative was launched in 2019 after lakes throughout NJ (and the entire Continental U.S.) suffered from HAB outbreaks, which caused local and county health agencies to close off all beaches and issue advisories. These unprecedented conditions had significant negative impacts on lake-related ecological, recreational, and economic resources. The Governor’s initiative designated $13 million in funding to local communities for HABs reduction/prevention; established the HABs expert team, which includes Princeton Hydro Senior Technical Director, Ecological Services Dr. Fred Lubnow; and coordinated annual HABs summits in order to encourage continued community education and discussion.
To learn more about HABs, view educational resources, or report a HAB sighting, visit the NJDEP Division of Water Monitoring and Standards HABs website.
At Princeton Hydro, we take pride in fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth. Today, we're delighted to celebrate the accomplishments of two team members whose recent certifications exemplify this commitment. Their achievements not only reflect individual dedication but also enhance our firm’s collective ability to innovate and deliver exceptional environmental solutions.
Scott Churm, Senior Director of Field Services, recently became a PRO Certified EutroSORB® Specialist—a designation granted by SePRO Corporation to professionals trained in the implementation of EutroSORB Water Quality Technologies for phosphorus control in lakes and ponds.
EutroSORB® is a cutting-edge technology designed to reduce phosphorus levels, curtail eutrophication, and restore the health of aquatic ecosystems. To earn this certification, Scott completed specialized training and passed a comprehensive exam, demonstrating his advanced knowledge in evaluating water quality issues and prescribing targeted, effective solutions.
Since joining Princeton Hydro in 2006, Scott has led our pond and lake management services with unmatched expertise. From identifying invasive aquatic species to overseeing long-term management plans, his work spans hundreds of sites and over 1,000 acres. He’s a licensed pesticide applicator in five states and has implemented a wide range of techniques, from hydro-raking and weed harvesting to aeration system installations and biological controls, to support the health and balance of aquatic environments.
With this new certification, Scott adds another tool to his already expansive toolbox, further reinforcing our team’s ability to restore and preserve water bodies across the region.
Matthew Pappas, a Geotechnical Engineer at Princeton Hydro, recently earned the prestigious CCS® credential from the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI). This certification demonstrates advanced proficiency in specification (spec) writing, construction documentation, and product research—critical skills that improve project delivery and communication across all phases of construction.
To become CCS-certified, candidates must pass a rigorous exam that evaluates their understanding of contracts, technical documentation, and spec development best practices. With this achievement, Matthew joins a select group of professionals recognized for their ability to clearly and effectively communicate design intent, construction materials, and performance standards.
Since joining Princeton Hydro in 2019, Matthew has worked across disciplines, supporting our geotechnical practice and green infrastructure initiatives. His responsibilities span from field investigations and laboratory testing to slope stability and sediment modeling to spec drafting and cost estimating. He’s also earned several technical responsibilities, including serving as the firm's Radiation Safety Officer and receiving training in concrete field testing.
Matthew's initiative and adaptability have made him a valuable asset to our team, and his CCS certification further exemplifies his dedication to technical excellence and lifelong learning.
Congratulations to Scott and Matthew on their well-earned achievements! To learn more about the Princeton Hydro team, click here.
Welcome to the latest edition of our “A Day in the Life” blog series! Today, we’re diving into the world of lake management, biological sampling, and watershed restoration with Patrick Rose, an Environmental Scientist and Project Manager in Princeton Hydro’s Aquatics Division.
Since joining Princeton Hydro in 2019, Pat has played a key role in a range of aquatic projects, from water quality monitoring to fisheries management. His expertise spans in-lake and watershed management, including cyanobacteria monitoring, invasive species control, and statistical analysis of water quality and biological data. Pat has contributed to major initiatives such as developing Nine Element Watershed Implementation Plans for two of New Jersey’s largest lakes, crafting cyanotoxin mitigation strategies, and conducting lake phosphorus assessments to guide restoration efforts.
His journey into aquatics began with a transformative summer course at Lake Atitlán in Guatemala, which ignited his passion for watershed science. After earning both an undergraduate degree in Environmental Science and a graduate degree in Lake Management from SUNY Oneonta, he spent a year with AmeriCorps in Knoxville, Tennessee, working on water quality initiatives with high school students and government agencies. He later completed a co-op managing aquatic invasive plants in the Pacific Northwest before joining Princeton Hydro as an intern in 2016, transitioning to a full-time role in 2019.
Now, let’s step into Pat’s boots (or waders) and see what a typical day in the field looks like, starting with the essential preparations before heading out on the water.
Pat’s days are as varied as the ecosystems he studies. When fieldwork is on the schedule, his morning starts early, often before sunrise. The first step is checking the weather forecast to anticipate any conditions that could impact the day’s work.
Next, he heads to the Princeton Hydro field office, where the team’s trucks, boats, and specialized aquatics equipment, such as the Truxor DM, Marsh Master 2MX-KC-FH, and Airboat, are stored. Before hitting the road, Pat and his team conduct a thorough inventory, gathering all necessary tools and performing critical equipment checks and calibrations.
“It’s important to ensure that all of the equipment is accounted for and in good working order before leaving for the project site because the site can be a few hours away,” Pat explains. “We calibrate our water quality meters every morning to ensure that all of our measurements are accurate.”
Even for routine monitoring projects at familiar sites, planning is essential. Some projects require full-day or multi-day sampling efforts, especially when testing large waterbodies at multiple locations. A well-structured plan helps keep the process efficient while allowing flexibility for unexpected challenges. As part of the Health and Safety Plan (HASP), the team also reviews emergency protocols, including identifying key points of contact and the nearest hospital in case of an emergency.
If the project involves a boat, the team double-checks all required safety gear, including life jackets, fire extinguishers, flares, air horns, and first aid kits. They also bring protective gloves, especially when working in areas where harmful algal blooms (HABs) are suspected. To prevent the spread of invasive species, they follow strict decontamination protocols, washing boats at the end of each field day.
With the gear packed, safety checks complete, and a solid plan in place, it’s time to hit the water and begin the day’s fieldwork.
Once Pat and the project team arrive at the site, they prepare the boat for launch and conduct a final safety check before heading out on the water.
While they may have specific sampling locations identified in advance, the team remains vigilant for any additional signs of water quality issues, such as HABs, invasive aquatic weeds, or other ecological disturbances. They also take note of positive indicators of a healthy ecosystem, including native fish species, beneficial aquatic plants, and diverse wildlife activity.
Decisions about field measurements at each location are guided by the client’s directives, an approved lake management plan, and any known or suspected water quality challenges the team is working to mitigate.
One of the primary tools Pat relies on is the multiprobe water quality meter, which allows him to efficiently measure key water quality parameters, including temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, and specific conductivity. This instrument provides real-time data, enabling the team to assess conditions on-site and make informed decisions about sampling and management strategies.
In addition to using the multiprobe, the team collects water samples for laboratory analysis, testing for conductivity, turbidity, nutrient levels, and, in some cases, fecal coliform bacteria. Shoreline assessments are also a crucial part of monitoring efforts. Pat and his team walk the banks to document erosion, bank stability, and native plant growth, recording their observations through field notes and photo documentation.
With data collection complete, the next step is analyzing the results and translating the findings into actionable insights.
One of the projects Pat is most involved with is the trout habitat monitoring study at Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey’s largest lake. The lake’s trout fishery is a major recreational attraction, drawing anglers from across the region and contributing to the local economy. However, an analysis of 30 years of water quality data revealed a concerning trend—rising surface water temperatures, which can negatively impact trout habitat and survival rates.
In response to these concerns, the Lake Hopatcong Commission (LHC) Trout Committee was formed in 2021. Working in collaboration with the Lake Hopatcong Foundation and the Knee-Deep Club, the committee launched a three-year trout tagging study to evaluate the lake’s ability to support a sustainable trout population. Princeton Hydro is responsible for all technical aspects of the study, including data collection, analysis, and reporting, with funding provided by the New Jersey Highlands Council.
To understand how habitat conditions fluctuate during peak summer stress periods, Pat and his team conducted weekly sampling in July and August at both deep-water stations and nearshore areas. “We take GPS measurements at every site around the shoreline where we measure temperature and dissolved oxygen,” Pat explains. “Then, we send the locations to our GIS team so they can create detailed habitat maps.”
The study focuses on two key elements:
By collecting and analyzing this data, the study provides critical insights into how trout habitat is changing and what can be done to protect and enhance suitable conditions for this important fishery. Click here to read more about the Lake Hopatcong Trout Habitat and Tagging Study.
Managing aquatic projects isn’t just about addressing challenges—it’s about bringing people together to protect and enhance vital ecosystems. Successful water quality restoration efforts thrive on collaboration, education, and community engagement.
“Lakes serve many purposes, and different groups value different aspects,” Pat explains. “Fishermen often want sufficient aquatic vegetation for a healthy fishery, while boaters and swimmers typically prefer little to no vegetation. The best way to ensure a balanced approach is to involve all stakeholders in the conversation.”
At Lake Hopatcong, Pat and his team work closely with the Lake Hopatcong Commission, Lake Hopatcong Foundation, local government entities, volunteers, and community members. Regular communication and engagement efforts ensure that project goals reflect the needs of the entire community. By fostering open dialogue, gathering feedback, and sharing scientific insights, they aim to inspire stewardship and long-term investment in the lake’s health.
As Pat continues to make meaningful contributions to Princeton Hydro’s mission, he remains dedicated to expanding his expertise and leadership in lake and watershed management. He thrives on the balance between technical fieldwork, client collaboration, and mentorship, and he’s always eager to take on new challenges in aquatic science.
For students interested in the field, Pat emphasizes the value of hands-on experience: “Take as many courses as you can in aquatics and related fields,” he advises. “Seek out internships, research opportunities, or assist graduate students and professors. Real-world experience is invaluable.”
With passionate professionals like Pat leading the way, the future of lake management and watershed restoration is in good hands.
Click here to read the previous "Day in the Life" blog series edition featuring Tara Srinivasan, Environmental Scientist and GIS Analyst, and stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes stories from our talented team!
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