Hunterdon County Commissioners approve grant application for partnership with Musconetcong Watershed Association

HUNTERDON COUNTY, NJ – The Hunterdon County Commissioners last week approved a resolution supporting the application by the Department of Planning and Land Use, for additional grant funding in the amount of $376,524.35, from the Highlands Council for completion of the Musconetcong Watershed Management Plan.

Commissioner Zachary Rich, who serves as the liaison to the Planning and Land Use Department said, “The Musconetcong Watershed Association plays a crucial role in preserving and enhancing water quality, ensuring that our rivers and freshwater resources remain clean and able to support a healthy ecosystem. This Board appreciates the ongoing dedication of the staff from the Planning and Land Use Department and their efforts at fostering a collaborative partnership with nonprofit groups.”

Hunterdon County has been working with the Musconetcong Watershed Association (MWA) and the Highlands Council on watershed concerns for several years. The MWA previously prepared an application to the Highlands Council to assess the water quality of the Musconetcong River from Bethlehem Township to the Delaware River confluence in Holland Township.

Through this two-year assessment, the MWA has generated locally informed solutions to prevent further water contamination and to restore water quality. Data was collected from surface water, groundwater drinking sources, as well as stormwater drainage. The result of this project is known as the Watershed Management Plan.

This project is considered part of the Hunterdon County Plan Conformance package, which was approved by the Highlands Council on May 20, 2021, and included grand funding for a Self Assessment Report, a Highlands Master Plan Element, and an Implementation Agenda.