Kean, Watson Coleman introduce bipartisan bill to study Upper Raritan River for Wild and Scenic designation
LEBANON BOROUGH, N.J. (Hunterdon County) — Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) and Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) have introduced the Upper Raritan River Watershed Wild and Scenic River Study Act, bipartisan legislation that would direct the National Park Service (NPS) to conduct a feasibility study evaluating the Upper Raritan River and its key tributaries for potential inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
The study would assess the eligibility and suitability of the Upper Raritan River — including the North Branch, South Branch, and Lamington/Black River tributaries — for designation under the Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers Program, which protects free-flowing rivers with exceptional natural, cultural, and recreational value. The designation would also allow for a community-led management plan to ensure long-term protection and sustainable use of the watershed.
“The Upper Raritan River is part of the lifeblood of New Jersey, helping sustain our communities, ecosystems, and local economy,” said Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. “Today’s bipartisan effort reflects our commitment to responsible conservation, local collaboration, and long-term stewardship. By advancing the Wild and Scenic River study, we can ensure the Upper Raritan and its critical tributaries remain protected and vibrant for generations to come.”
“The Upper Raritan River is a local treasure,” said Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman. “The ongoing restoration has been a success story and the river must be protected. It not only provides clean drinking water and irrigation for local farms, its waters have been a source of recreation for Central and North Jersey families. I’m grateful to Rep. Kean for his advocacy on this issue and happy to team up with him to protect this vital resource.”
The Upper Raritan River system supports diverse ecosystems, provides drinking water, sustains farmland and forestland, and offers recreation and cultural value across 38 municipalities in Hunterdon, Somerset, and Morris counties.
In December 2023, Kean formally requested that the NPS conduct an initial reconnaissance survey to assess the river’s eligibility for designation. The findings of that survey, which highlighted the river’s environmental and community importance, led to this new legislation calling for a full feasibility study.
If approved, the Upper Raritan would join the Musconetcong River, Great Egg Harbor River, Maurice River, and portions of the Delaware River as Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers in New Jersey.
The bill is endorsed by Raritan Headwaters, The Nature Conservancy, NY/NJ Baykeeper, the Watershed Institute, Sourland Conservancy, and the New Jersey Conservation Foundation.
“This bipartisan bill is a huge step forward for the Raritan River and the people who call this watershed home,” said Mara Tippett, Executive Director of Raritan Headwaters. “It sets in motion a process that brings the National Park Service together with local communities to recognize and protect this iconic New Jersey river — a source of clean water, recreation, and connection for us all.”
“We are grateful for the leadership of Representatives Tom Kean, Jr. and Bonnie Watson Coleman in championing a study of the Upper Raritan River for potential Wild and Scenic River designation,” said Barbara Brummer, The Nature Conservancy’s New Jersey State Director. “The effort honors the people and communities that have long cared for this river and is an important step toward ensuring the Raritan remains a clean, healthy and thriving resource now and for future generations.”
