Issue #13

Fall 2006

The Basin Bulletin

Newsletter for Stakeholders of the Raritan River Basin 

Prepared on behalf of the Raritan Basin Watershed Alliance

     

 

EPA TARGETED WATERSHED GRANT FOR THE RARITAN BASIN 

 River Friendly Farm Projects

Project Partners:  NJ Water Supply Authority, Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, South Branch Watershed Association, NJ Department of Environmental Protection

 

SBMWA previously developed a suite of “River Friendly” programs for major businesses, golf courses and citizens.  Through the EPA TW grant, SBWA and NJWSA are working to implement the River-Friendly programs in the South Branch and Mainstem project areas.  Through these programs, the team will work with landowners to improve water quality through:

  • Water Quality Management/Reduction of nonpoint source pollution,

  • Water Conservation,

  • Wildlife Habitat Enhancement, and

  • Education & Outreach.

The certification process is a cooperative effort between the participants and the project team (SBMWA, SBWA and NJWSA) and provides an opportunity for landowners to become local stewards.  Landowners can showcase positive environmental actions they have already taken while working with the project team to develop actions and implement new practices.

The River-Friendly Certification Programs provide the following benefits:

  • Protects natural resources and preserves and restores New Jersey’s native landscape.

  • Provides public recognition for achievements.

  • Creates healthier turf.

  • Reduces costs and golfer/worker exposure by decreasing use of fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides.

  • Lowers operating costs due to decreased use of equipment in “no-mow” zones and “no-spray” zones.

  • Decreases water use.

  • Increases natural habitat and attracts beneficial wildlife.

SBMWA, NJWSA and SBWA are working with several golf courses and business campuses in the Raritan Basin.  SBMWA recently certified two businesses and several residents as River-Friendly.

In addition, the three organizations are working to test different methods for outreach and implementation of the River-Friendly Resident Program. 

NJWSA is also working with NRCS and North Jersey RC&D to implement the River-Friendly Farm Program.  The first farm was certified in July, 2006 (link to article) and several others have applied to the program.  Visit www.njriverfriendlyfarm.org for more information on the River-Friendly Farm program.