Musconetcong Watershed Association
STRATEGIC PLAN 2002-2005
Adopted March 27, 2002
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SURFACE WATER QUALITY/QUANTITY
WHERE IS THE RIVER MOST VULNERABLE?
WHERE IS THE RIVER MOST PROTECTED?
ASSOCIATION BUILDING / ORGANIZATIONAL GROWTH GOALS
Musconetcong Watershed Association
STRATEGIC PLAN 2002-2005
The Musconetcong Watershed Association (MWA) is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and improving the quality of the Musconetcong River Watershed, including its natural and cultural resources, through: " Public education and awareness programs " Scientific research " Promotion of sustainable land management practices " Community involvement.
The Musconetcong River drains a 158 square mile watershed area within the New Jersey Highlands Region. For its entire length the Musconetcong River forms the boundary between Morris and Sussex Counties, and between Hunterdon and Warren Counties. The Musconetcong River begins at Lake Hopatcong - New Jersey's largest lake -- and flows 42 miles to the Delaware River at Rieglesville.
Major tributaries include Lubbers Run, Mine Brook, Hances Brook, West Portal Brook, and several smaller streams. The Musconetcong watershed contains two distinct regions. The upper Musconetcong watershed is primarily forested with significant development occurring along the shores of many of the lakes. The lower Musconetcong watershed is primarily agricultural land interspersed with several villages, and with forested areas concentrated along the ridges. Hackettstown is a major population center located within the watershed.
The Musconetcong Watershed Association (MWA) was incorporated as a nonprofit 501-c3 organization in 1992. MWA was formed by local residents who were concerned about the potential impact of development on the watershed's natural and cultural resources, and with the management of existing resources. The founders of MWA saw the need for a local-based association to promote a watershed-based approach to land management, and to engage in grassroots activities to protect and improve watershed resources. MWA's earliest efforts included volunteer water quality monitoring, educational seminars for property owners, teachers and local officials, and annual river cleanups. MWA's founders were instrumental in making the Musconetcong River valley a high priority for the New Jersey Department of Environment Protection (NJDEP) Green Acres land acquisition program during the 1990's. MWA created broad-based local support for a National Wild and Scenic River Study of the Musconetcong River. MWA authored the "Musconetcong Wild and Scenic Eligibility and Classification Report" that identified the "outstandingly remarkable river-related resources" needed to qualify the river as being eligible for inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. With a current membership base of approximately 100 families, businesses and organizations, MWA continues to be active with educational programs, river cleanups, municipal outreach, and water quality monitoring. MWA is working to secure a National Wild and Scenic River designation for the Musconetcong. The restoration of the Asbury Grist Mill and establishment of an office/environmental education center is also a major undertaking. A description of current programs appears in the appendix.
Surface water quality/quantity
Water quality continues to be the paramount issue of concern for MWA. In a very real sense, the health of the river is a direct reflection of how well we manage the landscape and conduct various activities. The Musconetcong River is widely considered to be a high quality stream in comparison to many other rivers in New Jersey. However, water quality within the mainstem river varies considerably depending upon where one looks. Some reaches of the river, such as the Point Mountain section, maintain a high level of water quality that supports native trout populations. Other reaches (notably in the urbanized Hackettstown area) have been impacted to the point where trout reproduction is not sustained.
Water quality data from NJDEP and other agencies shows that within certain sections of the river, minimum water quality standards are not met for nitrate, phosphorous, fecal coliform, and temperature (a critical parameter for trout sustaining streams). Relatively few permitted point source discharges are found along the river, and the pollution problems caused by the few "bad actors" (i.e. Diamond Hills STP and the Bloomsbury Truck Stop) are being remedied.
The NJDEP has identified nonpoint source pollution from both urban and agricultural runoff as primary water quality concerns. Quarry operations above Saxton Falls are the source of sedimentation pollution problems in the river. Urban runoff in the upper watershed has impacted the river from Hackettstown downstream to Penwell where water quality begins to recover. Agricultural runoff is the primary pollution source within the lower watershed, especially in those areas where there are inadequate stream buffers and/or runoff controls on croplands.
Fortunately, many farmers have worked to reduce erosion problems and use of chemical inputs to croplands, but some areas of the watershed are in need of improved conservation practices to reduce polluted runoff. Streambank erosion in the lower watershed is on the increase and seems to be working its way upriver. These problems may be related to increased stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces within the upper watershed (i.e. roads, parking lots, and buildings). Unacceptably high bacteria levels have been recorded in some sections of the river making swimming and other primary contact recreation a health risk. Sources for this problem include waterfowl, livestock and septic systems, although there is insufficient data to indicate which source constitutes the most significant input.
Several headwater lakes are found in the glaciated upper watershed. Lake water quality is a concern for the most developed lakeside communities. Lake Hopatcong (New Jersey's largest lake), Lake Musconetcong, Lake Lackawanna, and Cranberry Lake are just a few of the major impoundments that suffer in varying degrees from nonpoint pollution. Urban runoff, waterfowl, septic systems, and powerboats all contribute to the eutrophic conditions that cause algal blooms and copious amounts of aquatic vegetation. High bacteria levels are also a problem in some lakes. An important step that needs to be taken is completion of public sewers around Lake Hopatcong. Air deposition of mercury has led to fish consumption advisories for lakes throughout the region including those within the Musconetcong watershed.
Groundwater quality is generally thought to be good within the watershed, however there is relatively little data on groundwater for the Musconetcong (and the entire northwest region of the state). Potential groundwater concerns are nitrates, bacteria, pesticides and volatile organics. The well-drained soils of the lower Musconetcong valley favor excellent groundwater recharge, but these areas are also more susceptible to contamination from land application of pesticides, fertilizers, and other pollution sources. While groundwater resources within the limestone areas of the Musconetcong watershed are generally abundant, other areas in the watershed have experienced groundwater deficits. Groundwater withdrawals and de-watering activities associated with sand and gravel quarrying in Mt. Olive Township are suspected to be the cause of the depletion groundwater supplies. Residents across the river from the quarries in Allamuchy Township have experienced well failures in recent years. Mt. Arlington, Mt. Olive, and Hopatcong Borough also have experienced water supply problems. The water bearing characteristics of the crystalline ridges that border the Musconetcong valley are limited at best, and areas that are more urbanized (as are the aforementioned towns) are susceptible to groundwater depletion. A portion of Mansfield Township that is underlain by shale is also prone to water supply problems. MTBE, a gasoline additive and carcinogen, has been detected in residential wells in the lake region (high levels of MTBE were also measured in those lakes that allow motorized watercraft). To summarize groundwater quality in the watershed: it is thought that water quality is good, but there is no scientific evidence that this is true, and there is ample reason to be concerned given the geology and predominant land uses.
Habitat quality along much of the Musconetcong River ranges from excellent to poor. More intense land uses exist where the river corridor is relatively level. Conversely, long stretches of the river corridor that are bounded by rocky, forested steep slopes. These areas receive fewer impacts from roads, croplands or intense residential development. The highest quality habitat is found within portions of Stephens State Park, just below Beattystown, Point Mountain Preserve, and the Musconetcong Gorge area. Some dams along the upper Musconetcong and some of its tributaries (Lubbers Run) have altered the natural riverine habitat. In particular, the dams at Waterloo and Saxton Falls have created wide and shallow dam pools. The shallow impoundments create extensive wetlands and habitat for waterfowl, but also negatively impact water quality downstream of the dams. These areas tend to be choked with aquatic and semi-aquatic vegetation including invasive plants such as Eurasian Milfoil and Purple Loosestrife.
Where is the river most vulnerable? The river is most vulnerable within the Hackettstown and Mansfield portion of the river corridor. Stretches of the river within these municipalities are relatively flat agricultural lands with minimal vegetative buffers along the river. Development pressure in the region is intensifying, and certain areas are becoming increasingly vulnerable to conversion from agricultural and natural landscapes to residential and/or commercial land uses. The trend to develop land adjacent to the river is most conspicuous in the upper end of Mansfield Township.
Where is the river most protected?
The river receives a high level of protection between Byram and Hackettstown (Allamuchy/Stevens State Parks), although sand and gravel quarries in Mount Olive Township have created pollution and water supply problems between Waterloo and Saxton Falls. Below Hackettstown the river receives protection within the Point Mountain Reserve. Smaller parcels of land managed by NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife exist along the river from Hackettstown to the Delaware River. Below Asbury there are substantial areas of both state-owned lands and preserved farms. From a municipal perspective virtually the entire river corridor within Bethlehem Township is protected. Below Bloomsbury, the Musconetcong Gorge and adjacent state-owned land are the most secluded reach of the Musconetcong River valley.
The Musconetcong River was deemed eligible for inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System based on the regional and state significance of its outstanding recreational, scenic and historic resources. It is a regionally famous trout-fishing stream and is an increasingly popular destination for boaters (canoeing and kayaking). There are numerous structures and places within the Musconetcong watershed that are listed on both the New Jersey and National Historic Registers, and many others that are listed as potentially eligible. The outstanding scenic, historic and recreational qualities of the river combined are amenities enjoyed by local residents and tourists alike, and as such are important to the local economy. MWA promotes responsible recreational uses of the river and surrounding lands as most recently evidenced by publishing the Musconetcong Waterway Trail Canoe Guide. A survey of riverfront landowners identified the need for a comprehensive management plan for recreational lands within the river corridor to protect natural and historic resources as well as private property. Historic resources are an important component of the scenic qualities found within the Musconetcong River watershed. The most threatened of these resources are several bridges that have significant historic value. County bridge "improvement" programs have proposed to remove some historically significant bridges, most notably Point Mountain Road Bridge and other bridges downstream of Point Mountain.
MWA Program Goals Goal 1: Maintain and/or improve water quality within the watershed area Goal 2: Provide environmental education and awareness programs, and foster understanding about the individual and community roles in maintaining and improving environmental quality Goal 3: Promote watershed management policies and sustainable land use practices that will improve the way natural and cultural resources are protected and managed at all levels Goal 4: Encourage recreational uses that are compatible with natural resource conservation and preservation goals, and that respect private property rights.
Association Building / Organizational Growth Goals
Goal 1: Ensure that the organizational structure supports program goals
Goal 2: Ensure that the organization is financially able to achieve program goals
Goal 3: Cultivate and increase membership base while keeping current members engaged in the association goals and activities
Goal 4: Provide a site for an Association headquarters / environmental education center
Goal 5: Provide the general public with timely information about MWA's purpose, upcoming activities and accomplishments Asbury Mill Restoration
Goals In the spring of 2000, MWA assumed ownership of the Asbury Grist Mill and associated buildings. MWA produced a feasibility study funded by the Historic Preservation Trust that recommended restoration of this outstanding historic structure for future use by MWA and the surrounding community. The first step towards this vision has been taken, thanks to a $52,000 grant from the State Legislature.
Goal 1: Determine appropriate/desired use of mill property and buildings (note: Bakery Building is addressed previously under Association Goal 4)
Goal 2: Obtain sources to fund restoration projects to achieve desired use of mill property and buildings
Goal 3: Elicit support from the surrounding community including local residents and Franklin Township officials MWA Program Goals
Goal 1: Maintain and/or improve the water quality within the watershed area
Strategy 1: Improve and protect existing surface water quality
Action Steps: 1. Identify nonpoint sources of pollution 2. Maintain and restore riparian buffers 3. Identify invasive plant problem areas for potential plant removal 4. Encourage reforestation to prevent erosion 5. Monitor point source dischargers and wastewater plans 6. Upgrade water quality classifications where feasible 7. Monitor transportation planning for roads 8. Develop and maintain active partnerships with local and regional non-profit organizations active in the Musconetcong watershed, including lake management boards, land trusts, recreation groups, etc. Resources: Executive Director, Musconetcong Watershed Management Group, Trout Unlimited, North Jersey RC&D, Rutgers Extension Service, NJDEP, NJ Fish & Wildlife, US Fish & Wildlife, USGS, Upper Delaware Watershed Group, County Soil Conservation Districts, USDA/National Resource Conservation Services, lake planning boards and associations, municipal and county authorities Owner: Executive Director
Strategy 2: Monitor groundwater quality
Action Steps: 1. Address data gaps for groundwater quality 2. Sponsor groundwater-testing program for homeowners Resources: Executive Director, USGS, Upper Delaware Watershed Group, NJDEP Owner: Executive Director
Strategy 3: Develop prioritized action plan to address nonpoint source pollution
Action Steps: 1. Establish volunteer monitoring program for nonpoint source pollution (Muddy Waters) 2. Develop and implement biological monitoring program Resources: Executive Director, Upper Delaware Watershed Group, Musconetcong Watershed Management Group, NJDEP, lake planning boards and associations, volunteers Owner: Executive Director
Strategy 4: Sponsor river clean-ups
Action Steps: 1. Spring cleanup 2. Fall cleanup 3. In-stream cleanups (canoe) Resources: Staff, Trustees, Hunterdon County Municipal Utilities Authority, Volunteers Owner: Administrative Assistant
Strategy 5: Identify and preserve lands in the river corridor and watershed to protect water quality
Action Steps: 1. Identify landowners 2. Educate landowners on sources of information regarding land preservation 3. Support state, county and local preservation efforts Resources: Executive Director, Trustees, Land Trust, Heritage Conservancy Owner: Executive Director
Goal 2: Provide environmental education and increase awareness and greater understanding of the individual and community roles in maintaining / improving water quality
Strategy 1: Work to ensure that local school programs educate students about watershed resources and issues specific to the Musconetcong watershed and surrounding region.
Action Steps: 1. Present teacher in-service workshops on educational programs provided by MWA 2. Develop educational programs/materials as needed. 3. Contact schools/teachers regarding availability of MWA educational programs 4. Develop cooperative efforts with "overlapping" watershed associations and school districts Resources: Staff, Volunteers Owner: Administrative Assistant
Strategy 2: Provide workshops / seminars
Action Steps: 1. Presentations to municipal officials - watershed protection ordinances and zoning 2. Presentations to builders / developers - Smart Growth issues Resources: Staff, Rutgers Extension Service, NJDEP Owner: Executive Director
Strategy 3: Make use of news media to educate the public on watershed issues
Action Steps: 1. Write editorials, letters to the editor 2. Press releases, public service announcements 3. Develop and maintain up-to-date contact list 4. Aggressively seek "live" coverage where appropriate Resources: Staff, Trustees, Volunteers Owner: Executive Director
Strategy 4: Educate private landowners about land management options that protect and enhance wildlife habitat and water quality
Action Steps: 1. Newsletter special inserts and other educational materials 2. Increase personal contacts with landowners 3. Organize field demonstrations Resources: Executive Director, NRCS, Rutgers Extension Service, County Soil Conservation Districts, NJDEP Owner: Executive Director
Goal 3: Promote watershed management policies and practices that will improve the way the river is protected and managed at all levels
Strategy 1: Support the process for adoption of a National Wild and Scenic Rivers designation for the river
Action Steps: 1. Complete the Musconetcong River Management Plan 2. Obtain public support of plan through public presentations and meetings 3. Make personal contacts with municipal officials 4. Obtain agreements from watershed municipalities 5. Obtain congressional support 6. Identify and prioritize River Management Plan elements for implementation 7. Provide leadership for the Musconetcong Advisory Committee to ensure implementation of River Management Plan elements Resources: Staff and Trustees, Musconetcong Advisory Committee, National Park Service, Heritage Conservancy Owner: Executive Director
Strategy 2: Provide input into the state-sponsored Watershed Planning process for Upper Delaware Watershed (Area 1)
Action Steps: 1. Participate in planning process 2. Maintain presence at planning meetings as needed 3. Seek state certification for Musconetcong Watershed Management Group (NJDEP) Resources: Staff and Board, NJDEP Division of Watershed Management - Northwest Bureau, North Jersey RC&D, NRCS, Musconetcong Watershed Management Group, Upper Delaware Watershed Group Owner: Executive Director
Strategy 3: Work with municipalities to adopt watershed-planning principles in their master plans and ordinances
Action Steps: 1. Review municipal master plan for each municipality in watershed to ensure watershed resources are protected 2. Make recommendations to strengthen local protection of river 3. Ensure implementation of recommendations made by the Musconetcong River Management Plan Resources: Executive Director, Heritage Conservancy, Musconetcong Advisory Committee Owner: Executive Director
Goal 4: Encourage recreational use that is compatible with the preservation of natural and cultural qualities of the watershed while respecting private property
Strategy 1: Provide suitable and appropriate public access to the river corridor for recreational use
Action Steps: 1. Assess river access and public lands adjacent to the river 2. Develop management strategies for public recreational lands 3. Make recommendations to NJ Fish and Wildlife Resources: Executive Director, Heritage Conservancy Owner: Executive Director
Strategy 2: Promote water-based recreational use that raises education and awareness for watershed resources, without degrading the quality of resources
Action Steps: 1. Waterway Trail Guide (completed) 2. Press release about guide 3. Distribute Waterway Trail guide to parks and general public 4. Develop general recreational guide for river and lakes 5. Sponsor/promote canoe trips, hikes, wildflower walks, bird watching, etc. Resources: Staff, Volunteers Owner: Executive Director Association Building / Organizational Growth Goals
Goal 1: Ensure that the organizational structure supports program goals
Strategy 1: Maintain a diverse and well-balanced board of trustees
Action Steps: 1. Appoint a nominating committee to identify needs and seek new board members 2. Encourage inactive board members to contribute or seek resignation for those unable to fulfill obligations 3. Develop an information packet for new trustees Resources: Executive Committee, Staff Owner: President
Strategy 2: Assess and maintain organizational operation
Action Steps: 1. Develop annual budget / business plan 2. Review by-laws 3. Develop 3-year strategic plan 4. Review strategic plan annually and assess accomplishments towards goals Resources: Executive Committee Owner: President
Strategy 3: Establish standing and ad-hoc committees where needed
Action Steps: 1. Ensure that committees report regularly to the Board and/or Executive Committee 2. Ensure that standing committees have a regular meeting schedule 3. Ensure that major decisions and expenditures made by committees are approved by Executive Committee Resources: Executive Committee Owner: President
Strategy 4: Build consensus among MWA trustees and members on policies and issues that affect watershed resources
Action Steps: 1. Establish a policy / environmental issues committee 2. Identify issues of immediate concern 3. Develop MWA positions Resources: Trustees, Staff Owner: President Strategy 5: Staff Development Action Steps: 1. Annual review of staff 2. Support continuing education for staff Resources: Executive Committee Owner: President
Goal 2: Ensure that the organization is financially able to achieve program goals
Strategy 1: Develop and implement fund raising plan
Action Steps: 1. Appoint fund raising committee 2. Develop fund raising packet for potential major contributors 3. Develop sustainable funding and income sources Resources: Executive Committee Owner: President
Strategy 2: Develop corporate and major individual contributors
Action Steps: 1. Identify potential contributors 2. Contact potential contributors 3. Achieve contributions Resources: Trustees, Executive Director Owner: President
Strategy 3: Develop private foundation and government sources of income specific to program goals and/or operating support
Action Steps: 1. Identify grant sources 2. Develop grant proposals Resources: Staff, Trustees Owner: Executive Director Strategy 4: Organize and sponsor special fund-raising events Action Steps: 1. Ornament 2. Run for the River 3. Develop other fund-raising events Resources: Trustees, Staff, Volunteers Owner: Executive Committee
Goal 3: Cultivate and increase membership base while keeping current members engaged in the association goals and activities
Strategy 1: Maintain a yearly increase in membership
Action Steps: 1. Increase visibility of MWA activities in watershed communities 2. Direct recruitment 3. Newsletter 4. Recreational activities Resources: Staff, Trustees Owner: Executive Director
Strategy 2: Develop / recruit volunteer base
Action Steps: 1. Develop volunteer projects/programs 2. Advertise for volunteers in newsletter and press articles 3. Provide volunteer awards and recognition for volunteer service Resources: Staff Owner: Executive Director
Goal 4: Provide a site for an Association headquarters / environmental education center
Strategy 1: Renovate Bakery Building for use as office space
Action Steps: 1. Develop a Proposed Use Plan for building and surrounding land 2. Develop a budget 3. Identify funding sources Resources: Trustees, Staff, Mill Committee Owner: President
Goal 5: Provide the general public with timely information about MWA's purpose, upcoming activities and accomplishments
Strategy 1: Produce informative newsletter on a quarterly basis
Action Steps: 1. Report MWA activities, news and articles on important issues 2. Distribute via mail to members, selected land-owners, corporations, potential members and contributors 3. Distribute via drop-off at public places?? Resources: Staff, Trustees Owner: Executive Director
Strategy 2: Publicize events and activities
Action Steps: 1. Newspaper press releases 2. Flyers 3. Radio Announcements 4. Cultivate personal relationships with local reporters and news contacts Resources: Staff, Trustees Owner: Executive Director
Strategy 3: Provide MWA information on website
Action Steps: 1. Update general information at least quarterly 2. Update calendar monthly Resources: Staff, Volunteers Owner: Administrative Assistant
Goal 1: Determine appropriate/desired use of mill property and buildings (note that Bakery Building is addressed previously under Association Goal 4)
Strategy 1: Develop Proposed Use Plans for mill buildings and property
Action Steps: 1. Work with Heritage Conservancy to complete Lower Musconetcong Valley Use Plan (completed) 2. Develop Proposed Use Plan specifically for Mill Building/Lab 3. Develop budget Resources: Mill Committee, Heritage Conservancy Owner: Mill Committee Chairperson
Goal 2: Obtain sources to fund restoration projects to achieve desired use of mill property and building
Strategy 1: Determine funding sources
Action Steps: 1. Investigate Big Grant Book 2. Investigate on-line resources such as GuideStar 3. Investigate NJ Association of Grantmakers
Strategy 2: Apply for federal/state/county/township/private grant money
Action Steps: 1. Create list of internal grant source contacts 2. Obtain requirements for specific grant applications 3. Prepare and submit grant applications Resources: Mill Committee Owner: Mill Committee Chairperson
Goal 3: Elicit support from the surrounding community including local residents and Franklin Township officials
Strategy 1: Elicit project support from township
Action Steps: 1. Meet with Franklin Township officials as needed as project progresses Resources: Mill Committee Owner: Mill Committee Chairperson
Strategy 2: Elicit community support and involvement in Mill Committee
Action Steps: 1. Develop press relationships and contacts 2. Advertise Mill Committee meetings 3. Actively encourage community involvement 4. Solicit volunteers for activities such as fund-raising and labor Resources: Mill Committee Owner: Mill Committee Chairperson
Last updated August 21, 2008