Issue #15 

Spring 2007

The Basin Bulletin

Newsletter for Stakeholders of the Raritan River Basin

Prepared on behalf of the Raritan Basin Watershed Alliance

NJWSA Property Update as of March 8, 2007

The New Jersey Water Supply Authority has helped to preserve three more parcels as part of the Raritan Highland Initiative. NJWSA funds its percentage of the purchase price through a dedicated portion of our customers’ rate component and finances through the New Environmental Infrastructure Trust.

One acquisition is in the Borough of High Bridge. This 43-acre parcel contains a tributary to the South Branch of the Raritan River. NJWSA partnered with the NJ Environmental Infrastructure Trust and the Borough of High Bridge using its Green Acres Planning Incentive Funding to acquire this parcel in fee simple. The Borough of High Bridge will have management responsibility for the property.

Another acquisition in fee simple was in the Borough of Califon and the Township of Lebanon consisting of 30 acres. The South Branch of the Raritan River borders the property and includes area of flood plain totaling approximately 5-10% of the property. The remainder of the parcel is primarily wooded with moderate to steep slopes. NJWSA partnered with the Borough of Califon which used its open space tax funds and the South Branch Watershed Association which used non-profit Green Acres funding. The Borough of Califon will manage the property.

The third acquisition is in Union and Bethlehem Townships totaling 71 acres. This property is comprised of two adjacent lots bordering the two Townships. It includes a tributary to the Spruce Run and associated wetlands along the stream. The site is wooded with rolling to steep topography. NJWSA partnered with NJ Environmental Infrastructure Trust to acquire this property.

There have been twenty-two parcels representing 1,744 acres acquired to date and NJWSA would like to acknowledge its water customers, land trust and government partners who have been so vital to this preservation effort.