As part of its ongoing mission to secure the future of the area’s natural resources, the Upper Raritan Watershed Association (URWA) is reallocating its human resources to devote more staff expertise to advocacy. David Peifer, Executive Director of URWA since 1981, will modify his role from directing day-to-day operations to serving as the Association’s Director of Advocacy and Public Policy.

“I am pleased and delighted to be able to grow professionally while applying my skills and experience to assist the Association in becoming more effective in the coming years,” said Peifer. After 24 years of managing URWA’s overall operations and spearheading its mission, Peifer will be focusing on the portion of his job that has built his reputation throughout New Jersey as an environmental “guru”. Peifer, a familiar face at planning board meetings, draws on his vast regulatory knowledge and environmental expertise to educate decision makers and citizens about sound environmental planning.

“This organization is at a critical point in its history,” said Harold Wilmerding, President. “Suburban sprawl is a constant threat to critical open space. Now is the time to protect our precious natural resources of land and especially water. Recognizing this, URWA is pleased that someone with Dave’s credentials is prepared to step to the forefront to champion the very causes which form the bedrock of our existence. The future of the communities we serve will be in good hands.”

During his tenure with the organization Peifer has been instrumental in preserving over 2,000 acres of pristine open space, of which 370 is open for public use. He personally oversaw the closure and subsequent cleanup of Combe-Fill South Landfill in Washington and Chester Townships. The toxic landfill was closed and cleaned up at the cost of $32,000,000, a shining success story of the Superfund. URWA implemented the first Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Program in the non-profit community under Peifer’s tutelage.

A graduate of Drew University, Peifer was recruited as an intern from ANJEC (Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions) in 1979.

The Upper Raritan Watershed Association (URWA) is a non-profit conservation organization which serves 23 municipalities within Morris, Somerset and Hunterdon Counties. With a professional staff of 6 and the guidance of a volunteer board of trustees, the organization’s mission is accomplished through advocacy, land preservation, education and research. The Upper Raritan Watershed is a 194 square mile, natural geographic region defined by the drainage basin of the North Branch of the Raritan River and its tributaries.

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