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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.

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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.

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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.


Preparing Equipment and Safety Gear for a Day in the Field

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.

[gallery link="none" size="medium" columns="2" ids="17135,17131"]

“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.


On the Water: Conducting Water Quality Monitoring in the Field

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.

Watch this video where Pat demonstrates how to use a multiprobe water quality meter: [embed]https://youtu.be/6J1oV1qdh4k[/embed]

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.


Exploring Lake Hopatcong: A Case Study in Trout Habitat Monitoring

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.

[gallery columns="2" link="none" ids="17136,17132"]

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:

1. Deep-Water Sampling:
  • Pat and his team collect in-situ water quality profiles at five deep-water stations across the lake.
  • Using a calibrated multiprobe water quality meter, they take readings at 1-meter intervals from the surface to the lake bed, refining the intervals near habitat boundaries to improve accuracy.
  • Core parameters include temperature and dissolved oxygen, with additional data on specific conductance and pH.
  • These measurements help define the upper habitat limit (controlled by temperature) and the lower limit (governed by dissolved oxygen levels).
2. Nearshore & Stream Sampling:
  • Pat’s team surveys potential trout refuge areas along the shoreline, where trout might seek cooler, oxygen-rich waters in late summer.
  • Over the course of the study, they have sampled 116 locations in 2022 and 110 locations in 2023, gathering in-situ temperature and dissolved oxygen data to identify possible refuge sites.
  • They also measure these parameters in major stream inlets, assessing sources of cooler water that could support trout habitat.

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.


Building Partnerships for a Thriving Lake

[caption id="attachment_17219" align="alignright" width="444"] Floating Wetland installation at Lake Hopatcong[/caption]

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.


Looking Ahead

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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We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Fred Lubnow, Senior Technical Director of Ecological Services at Princeton Hydro, has been honored with the prestigious Peter Homack Award by the American Water Resources Association, New Jersey Section (NJ-AWRA). The award was presented during NJ-AWRA’s annual meeting in December, recognizing Fred’s outstanding contributions to the multi-disciplinary understanding and management of New Jersey’s water resources.

The Peter Homack Award, established in 1987, commemorates the late Peter Homack, a former NJ-AWRA president and distinguished New Jersey engineer. The award celebrates individuals who exemplify Homack’s legacy of advancing water resource management through collaboration and innovation.

Fred’s selection for this honor is a testament to his decades-long dedication to the restoration and protection of water resources. Since Princeton Hydro’s founding in 1998, Fred has played a pivotal role in the study and restoration of hundreds of lakes across New Jersey and the Mid-Atlantic region. His work at Lake Hopatcong, in particular, stands as a shining example of his commitment. For over 30 years, Fred has partnered with Lake Hopatcong stakeholders to implement comprehensive restoration plans, develop best management practices, and achieve milestones toward the lake’s water quality goals.

Beyond his work at Princeton Hydro, Fred has enriched the field of water resource management through education and stewardship. He teaches watershed management at Delaware Valley University and freshwater ecology at Villanova University, inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards. Fred has contributed to NJ-ARWA over the last five years through a variety of presentations on harmful algal blooms (HABs) and watershed planning. Additionally, he has held leadership roles in the North American Lake Management Society (NALMS) and the Pennsylvania Lake Management Society. Selected as a member of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s HAB Expert Team, Fred has been instrumental in shaping the HAB advisory and alert systems we rely on today. His contributions have advanced our understanding of the factors driving cyanobacterial blooms in New Jersey’s lakes, offering valuable insights to improve the prediction, prevention, and management of these blooms.

Although Fred could not attend the award ceremony in person, he joined virtually via Zoom as his colleague Michael Hartshorne, Princeton Hydro’s Director of Aquatics, accepted the award on his behalf. During Michael's acceptance speech, he said:

“I’ve worked with Fred since I started at Princeton Hydro in 2006. He’s a humble leader, a dedicated mentor, and an overall fantastic person. Fred’s enthusiasm for lake ecology, particularly algae, is truly infectious. It’s a rare skill to make others genuinely excited about such a niche topic, but Fred has a remarkable way of doing just that. Fred truly embodies the spirit of the Peter Homack Award, and it’s an honor to receive this on his behalf.”

Fred’s passion, expertise, and collaborative spirit have left an indelible mark on water resource management in New Jersey and beyond. Princeton Hydro congratulates him on this well-deserved recognition and looks forward to his continued contributions to the field.

Earlier this year, Fred wrote a piece on "Preparing for Potential Harmful Algal Blooms: An Urgent Call to Action for NJ’s Lakes and Reservoirs." Click here to read it and learn more about his work to address the challenges posed by HABs and protect the integrity of our water bodies. [gallery link="none" ids="16058,4919,2956"] [post_title] => Princeton Hydro’s Dr. Fred Lubnow Receives NJ-AWRA's Peter Homack Award [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => princeton-hydros-dr-fred-lubnow-receives-nj-awras-peter-homack-award [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-03-26 23:50:52 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-03-26 23:50:52 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?p=16054 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [4] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 11025 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2022-07-05 21:39:36 [post_date_gmt] => 2022-07-05 21:39:36 [post_content] =>

The Princeton Hydro team is proud to be participating in and sponsoring a variety of conferences, water quality workshops, and summertime community activities. In this Spotlight edition, we provide a snapshot of what's coming up and information on how to get involved:

July 15: Pennsylvania Lake Management Society's Full Moon Paddle

In celebration of Lakes Appreciation Month, you're invited to a full moon paddle/float on Blue Marsh Lake in Berks County, Pennsylvania. The event, which also includes a water quality education workshop and paddle board demonstration, is being hosted by PALMS, the staff of Blue Marsh Lake, Aqua Om Paddle, Penn State Extension Master Watershed Stewards, Berks County Conservation District, Tulpehocken Creek Watershed Association, and Berks Nature. The workshop and demo is from 5-8pm and the full moon paddle is from 8-10pm, both are free and open to people of all ages. Get more info.

July 21: Lake Hopatcong Foundation 10th Anniversary Gala & Auction

Lake Hopatcong Foundation (LHF) invites you to join its annual 10th Anniversary Gala & Auction, which aims to bring together community members who are passionate about Lake Hopatcong, to have fun and raise funds critically needed to protect the environment and enhance the experience on and around Lake Hopatcong. Guests are asked to wear hues of blue and are promised an evening of great camaraderie, food, music, an auction, and raffles.  Get more info & Register.

July 23: Trenton’s Summer Splash Bash

Are you looking for a fun way to celebrate summer with the whole family? Look no further than Trenton’s Summer Splash Bash hosted by the Trenton South Ward Neighborhood Association! This free, family-friendly event includes an all-hands-on-deck water blaster battle, live music, and much more! A proud sponsor of the bash, Princeton Hydro invites you to come by its exhibitor table to say hello. We hope to see you at Mill Hill Park on Saturday, July 23 from 1 - 5pm!


July 29: Riverfest - Musconetcong Watershed Association's 30th Anniversary Celebration

Join the Musconetcong Watershed Association (MWA) for its 30th Anniversary Celebration from 5 - 9pm at Donaldson Farms! The evening includes live music by The Emulators, five fabulous food trucks, a raffle, and tons of fun. Princeton Hydro, a proud sponsor of this event, has been working with the MWA in the areas of river restoration, dam removal, and engineering consulting since 2003. The MWA’s mission is to protect and improve the quality of the Musconetcong River and its Watershed, including its natural and cultural resources. They fulfill their mission through public education and awareness programs, river water quality monitoring, promotion of sustainable land management practices, and community involvement.

Get more info & Register.

August 1-3: National Stream Restoration Conference

The Resource Institute, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing America's natural resources by restoring streams, rivers and wetlands, is hosting the first-ever National Stream Restoration Conference. The 3-day event, themed "Sharing Visions for the Future," will be held at the Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville Tennessee. 500 stream restoration professionals are expected to attend the conference, which includes an exhibitor hall and a wide variety of education sessions, including two which are being lead by members of the Princeton Hydro team:

Get more info & Register.

August 5: 7th Annual Adirondack Lakes Alliance Symposium

The Adirondack Lakes Alliance represents lake and river associations within Adirondack Park and is dedicated to the protection and preservation of Adirondack waters. This 6M-acre region, the largest publicly protected area within the contiguous United States, includes 3k+ lakes, rivers, ponds and streams. The Alliance welcomes you to its 2022 Symposium, which is titled, “New Challenges, New Approaches." Princeton Hydro's Chris Mikolajczyk, CLM, Senior Project Manager, Aquatics, is presenting at the symposium. Get more info & Register.

August 9: The Wild World of Watersheds

Our Senior Project Manager of Aquatics Chris Mikolajczyk, CLM will be at the Starsmore Discovery Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado talking about the wild world of watersheds! Discover what makes up a healthy watershed, why water quality is important, and explore the North Cheyenne Cañon Creek for evidence of watershed health! This free program runs from 8-9pm is an adult-focused presentation. The program will take place both indoors and outdoors along North Cheyenne Cañon Creek. RSVP to Starsmore.Staff@ColoradoSprings.gov Get more info & Register.

August 12: Columbia/Greene Regional Lakes Coalition Meeting

Join NYSFOLA for its annual Columbia/Greene regional meeting at the Sleepy Hollow Lake Lodge in Athens, New York. NYSFOLA Board members Terri Mayhew and Laurel Wolfe are putting together an full day of educational and engaging workshops and panel discussions, including a presentation from Princeton Hydro Staff Scientist Jesse Smith titled, "CSLAP and customized monitoring: How additional data is helping Sleepy Hollow Lake." The day will also include lunch and boat rides on the lake. Get more info & Register.

August 24: The Fountain Creek Brewshed Alliance - Water Quality & HABs Workshop

Princeton Hydro Senior Project Manager Chris Mikolajczyk is leading a water quality and watershed management workshop in Fountain Creek, Colorado ash Metric Brewing. His educational workshop will focus primarily on understanding and identifying HABs with an emphasis on the significant health dangers harmful algal toxins pose to humans and dogs, and what folks can do to protect themselves and their pets. The event is being coordinated by The Fountain Creek Brewshed® Alliance, which is a program of the Fountain Creek Watershed Flood Control and Greenway District. The Alliance’s goal is to engage citizens in conversations and actions that will lead to water protection and enhancement.  The group consists of water resource and craft brewing industry professionals connecting Colorado communities to the shared values of healthy watersheds and locally made beer through education and events. Get more info & stay tuned for more Colorado events.

September 17: Northwest New Jersey Rivers Conference

The Northwest New Jersey partners of the four-state Delaware River Watershed Initiative presents the Fourth Annual Northwest New Jersey Rivers Conference. The focus of this year’s Conference is on Tourism and promoting a compatible tourism economy that leverages the regions incredible natural resources. Princeton Hydro is proud to sponsor this event, which aims to give participants a better understanding of the relationship between our region’s water and other natural resources and our region’s quality of life, including enhanced water quality, developing a vibrant tourism sector economy, expanding recreational opportunities, and appreciating the region’s scenic values. Get more info & Register

September 21: Science Seminar Series - What’s in Our Streams and Rivers? The Good, the Bad, the Ugly

The Stroud Water Research Center presents Episode Three of its Science Seminar Series - What's in Our Streams and Rivers? The Good, the Bad, the Ugly. This free education session, sponsored by Princeton Hydro, will be offered in-person and via Zoom. The Schuylkill River will be the focus of Episode Three. Mike Hartshorne, director of ecological services at Princeton Hydro, will share the details of the yearlong Schuylkill River community science project, which was just recently completed, and share the culminating interactive ArcGIS StoryMap, which documents the ecological status and local perceptions of the river. Get more info & Register

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:

June 18: Juneteenth Celebration Black Farmers Market

Presented by Outdoor Equity Alliance and Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space, and sponsored by Princeton Hydro, the Juneteenth Celebration Black Farmers Market, was a hugely successful event centered around the cultivation of energy and germination of ideas to help in the development of urban gardening. The OEA founded the Black Farmers Market to focus on agriculture and its importance to African American and marginalized communities. The Juneteenth celebration was held in Trenton’s Mill Hill Park, which is about 1 mile from Princeton Hydro's new headquarter office. During the event, members of the Princeton Hydro team distributed native plants that were donated by Pinelands Nursery. Get more info.

 

 
 

Stay tuned to our blog for more events!

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We are proud to announce that Princeton Hydro Aquatics Director Dr. Fred Lubnow and Founding Principal and Consultant Dr. Steve Souza have been appointed to the New Jersey HAB Expert Team as part of Governor Phil Murphy’s plan to enhance scientific expertise around water quality management and bolster the State's response to HABs. 

The 10-person team, consisting of certified lake managers and cyanobacteria experts, will provide guidance to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) on HAB prevention, treatment, and management for waterways throughout the state. The team is tasked with developing documents on best management practices; reviewing any proposed mitigation plans and technologies; reviewing water-quality data; and preparing a training workshop for NJDEP staff and stakeholders. 

HABs are rapid, large overgrowths of cyanobacteria. These microorganisms are a natural part of aquatic ecosystems, but, under the right conditions (primarily heavy rains, followed by hot, sunny days), these organisms can rapidly increase to form cyanobacteria blooms. HABs can cause significant water quality issues, produce toxins that are incredibly harmful (even deadly) to humans, animals, and aquatic organisms, and negatively impact economic health, especially for communities dependent on the income of jobs and tourism generated through their local lakes. By appointing a team that will work solely on HABs in the state, New Jersey is taking proactive steps to combat the spread.

Dr. Fred Lubnow is Princeton Hydro’s Director of Aquatic Resources. His vast expertise includes aquatic and watershed management, restoration ecology, and algae ecology. He is regionally recognized as a HABs expert as he has provided management recommendations and services for over 100 lakes and ponds in the Northeast, including Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey’s largest lake.

“I believe the knowledge and experience I have gained over the last 27 years as an environmental consultant will be useful in addressing questions and problems associated with HABs and lake management in general. I look forward to contributing any way I can in addressing issues associated with HABs and lake management in New Jersey.”


Dr. Steve Souza, whose 30-year career has been dedicated to the restoration of lakes and ponds, is a founding principal of Princeton Hydro and nationally recognized lake expert and consultant.

“Over the past decade the public has become increasingly aware of HABs and the health and ecological impacts caused by HABs. Unfortunately HABs and the problems caused by HABs are not going away;  they are only expected to get worse due to climate change related effects on storm events, increases in air and water temperature, and an expansion of the algal growing season.  It is thus important for us to learn more about what drives HABs as well as the most successful and sustainable means of avoiding, controlling and mitigating HABs. I am very excited to be part of the NJ Sea Grant HAB Expert Team. Through this very knowledgeable group of scientists, educators, and lake managers we hope to learn more about the causes of HABs and even more about what we can do to prevent or lessen their occurrence.”

  The full HAB Expert Team includes: 

All of us at Princeton Hydro are looking forward to seeing the work the expert team will undertake to improve the health, quality, and safety of New Jersey’s precious waterbodies. And, we extend a big congratulations to Fred, Steve and all other experts appointed to the team!

...

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The New Jersey Conservation Foundation held its 23rd Annual NJ Land Conservation Rally, a one-day educational conference focused on “Conservation Innovations in a Changing World.” The day included networking activities, workshops, and a keynote address given by the First Lady of New Jersey Tammy Snyder Murphy.

During the conference, Princeton Hydro, a proud sponsor of the event, lead three workshops on a variety of topics. Below, we provide a synopsis and free download of each presentation:

 
Fundraising & Marketing Strategy: “Nonprofit Storytelling A-Z: How to Transform Passive Clickers into Action Takers”

Our Communication Strategist, Dana Patterson, along with Lindsay McNamara of the National Audubon Society lead a workshop that taught participants how to use values-driven and science-congruent narratives to reach key stakeholders and supporters in the New Jersey conservation community and beyond. Dana and Lindsay demonstrated how to implement humanistic storytelling strategies and translate technical stats and science findings into interesting, relatable stories that will resonate with and activate valuable target audiences.

Download the full presentation  
Community Education & Outreach: “Floating Classroom: Successful Citizen Science on New Jersey’s Largest Lake”

Chris Mikolajczyk, CLM, our Senior Aquatic Scientist, and Donna Macalle-Holly, Grant and Program Director for Lake Hopatcong Foundation, discussed how to start an innovative citizen science project in the community. For the presentation, they showcased a recently launched and highly successful citizen-science initiative: the “Floating Classroom.” Together, the Lake Hopatcong Foundation and Princeton Hydro conceptualized, funded, and launched a custom-built 40-foot education vessel that provides community members and students an interactive, hands-on education experience to explore Lake Hopatcong while learning about freshwater ecology. This initiative has helped to engage the community in stewardship while continuing to closely monitor the lake's water quality.

Download the full presentation  
Ecology & Stewardship: “From Scum to Fish - A Journey Through the Aquatic Food Web and its Management”

Our Director of Aquatic Programs, Dr. Fred Lubnow, and our Senior Aquatic Ecologist, Dr. Jack Szczepanski, lead a workshop on the many facets that make-up a healthy freshwater ecosystem. They explored the various types of life that inhabit the aquatic environment: from algae and cyanobacteria to submerged aquatic vegetation and fish. And, they delved into each one's place in the food web, how they interact with each other, their effects on the health of the water they live in, and management techniques to tackle water quality issues associated with each.

Download the full presentation  

The NJ Land Conservation Rally conference also included presentations on topics ranging from environmental advocacy to land acquisition to urban conservation to non-profit organizational management. To view presentation hand-outs and learn more about the conference, go here.

Princeton Hydro is a proud supporter of the New Jersey Conservation Foundation, a private, nonprofit organization that relies on philanthropic support and grants from a variety of public and private organizations and individual donors. Through acquisition and stewardship, they protect strategic lands, promote strong land use policies, and forge partnerships through education and assistance programs. Since 1960, New Jersey Conservation Foundation has protected over 120,000 acres of natural areas and farmland in New Jersey – from the Highlands to the Pine Barrens to the Delaware Bay, from farms to forests to urban and suburban parks. For more information, or to become a member, go here.

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For Immediate Release: May 15, 2018

PRESS STATEMENT 

On behalf of Princeton Hydro, LLC, a leading water resources engineering and natural resource management small business firm in New Jersey, we support the passing of New Jersey’s stormwater utility creation bill, S-1073. If S-1073 is administered in a responsible manner, we believe that it will enhance water quality and reduce flooding impacts in New Jersey. Since our inception, Princeton Hydro has been a leader in innovative, cost-effective, and environmentally sound stormwater management. Long before the term "green infrastructure" was part of the design community's lexicon, our engineers were integrating stormwater management with natural systems to fulfill such diverse objectives as flood control, water quality protection, and pollutant reduction. Our staff has developed regional nonpoint source pollutant budgets for over 100 waterways. The preparation of stormwater management plans and design of stormwater management systems for pollutant reduction is an integral part of many of our projects. We have seen the benefits of allowing for stormwater utilities firsthand. In Maryland, the recently implemented watershed restoration program and MS4 efforts that require stormwater utility fees have provided a job creating-industry boom that benefits engineers, contractors, and local DPWs. At the same time, Maryland’s program is improving the water quality in the Chesapeake Bay, and stimulating the tourism and the crabbing/fishing industry. New Jersey has the very same issues with our water resources as Maryland. Just like the Chesapeake Bay, our Barnegat Bay, Raritan Bay, and Lake Hopatcong have serious issues with stormwater runoff that is degrading our water quality and quality of life.  Our stormwater infrastructure is old and falling apart, and all stormwater utilities need continual maintenance to save money in the long run. It is important to point out that this current bill is not a mandatory requirement, and would simply provide a mechanism for various levels of government (county, municipality, etc.) to collect a stormwater utility fee in order to recover runoff management costs. This bill (S-1073) should not be reviewed only in the context of cost, as this bill meets all three elements of the  triple-bottom line of sustainability; social, environmental, and financial. Allowing stormwater utilities in New Jersey will create jobs, help reduce flood impacts, enhance water quality, improve our fisheries, and preserve our water-based tourism economy. 40 states have already implemented stormwater utilities, and we believe that it is time for New Jersey to join the ranks.

###

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The Musconetcong Watershed Association (MWA) held its 26th Annual Musconetcong River Cleanup on April 14. Volunteers conducted cleanup efforts at various locations all along the Musconetcong River from its start at Lake Hopatcong down to where it meets the Delaware River. Princeton Hydro, a proud sponsor of the event, has investigated, designed and permitted five dam removals along the Musconetcong River.

Princeton Hydro led a volunteer team near the Warren Glen Dam site and former Hughesville Dam site. The team picked-up garbage along the road and riverbank, and pulled trash from the riverbed. In 2016, we designed and oversaw the Hughesville Dam removal and streambank restoration project, which enabled the return of American shad to the river for the first time in decades.

"We enjoyed the beautiful, warm, and sunny Saturday morning bonding with our Princeton Hydro colleagues and friends, while giving back to the Musconetcong Watershed Association," said Geoffery Goll, President of Princeton Hydro. "Our successful partnership with MWA on multiple dam removals in critical locations has expedited the restoration and protection of the Musconetcong River."

[gallery size="medium" link="none" ids="1761,1757,1758,1752,1756,1753,1759,1755,1754"]

MWA hosts cleanups throughout the year. If you have an idea for a volunteer cleanup day, please email info@musconetcong.org.

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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.

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