Regarded by many as the "Heart of the Highlands" the lands surrounding the Pequannock River and Wanaque River provide critical water supplies to millions of New Jersey citizens and serve as a refuge for sensitive wildlife from otters and eagles to bears and bobcats. Yet these vital river systems are in jeopardy. From the rugged headwaters on Hamburg Mountain to the rich flood plains of eastern Morris County, they are at the forefront of suburban sprawl, facing spiraling demands for land and water. Throughout our history the Pequannock River Coalition has met these demands with a blend of expertise and enthusiasm.
Knowledge is crucial: At PRC we believe an informed public is the best defense of our natural resources. To ensure this we developed an award-winning water monitoring program, so stringent we are licensed as a laboratory. We were the first NJ group to complete a Watershed-based Implementation Plan to address our most serious water quality problems. We created the Natural Resource Inventory for the Borough of Riverdale, the Township of Pequannock, and the Borough of Butler. PRC has conducted a groundbreaking study of water use and its impact on our streams and rivers. Our youth education program, River In The Classroom has also won awards and is preparing the next generation of our watershed stewards. No group has done more to educate the public, keep them informed, and advocate for good land and water use decisions.
ADVOCATES
Advisors
Proposals
Protecting key lands: We are constantly identifying important lands and working for their protection.
Our Pequannock River Greenway continues to increase with several open space purchases in the last few years.
We are also expanding sensible use of our public lands with ventures such as our new water trail, or our new willow nursery on the Glenburn property in Riverdale, used to supply future planting projects.
In addition, battles for places like Bloomingdale's Federal Hill are ongoing while our restoration efforts continue to improve our lands and waters from Vernon to Pompton Lakes.
Successful watershed protection requires the involvement of many people. That means you make it happen! Our greatest strength comes from our members and volunteers.
Each year we host restoration projects, river clean ups, monitoring work, hikes, tours, and paddling events that offer opportunities to appreciate and improve our surroundings.
Through our newsletter and email alerts we keep our members posted on important issues, meetings and hearings where they can make a real difference. If you would like to do more for our natural resources we hope you will consider joining us.
Information on the Charlottesburg "Bascule" gates and their use in flood reduction.
PRC's Report and Guide for our Water Temperature Monitoring Program.
NJDEP Water Allocation and Operating Requirements for City of Newark in the Pequannock River Watershed.
City of Newark's monitoring plan to meet NJDEP permit requirements.
