Key Focus Areas

The Sustainable Raritan River Initiative works with its watershed partners on key issues, originally outlined in the Sustainable Raritan River Action Plan.  Click on the links to learn more about our work and the work of our partners in these areas.

Water quality, management of stormwater and reinvestment in infrastructure – Stormwater runoff, effluent from wastewater treatment plants, historic contamination from previously operating industrial facilities, and some discharges from facilities currently in operation threaten the overall health of the watershed.  In this area we focus on educating stakeholders on the need to adopt best management practices for stormwater quality and quantity management, and for mitigating point and non-point source pollutants.

Stewardship, habitat restoration and protection – Almost 37% of the Raritan Basin has been identified as critical habitat but less than half of that has some level of protection from development.  Our effort is focused on habitat and biodiversity protection and restoration through property maintenance and management of preserved open space and important estuarine areas.

Remediation, rehabilitation and reuse of abandoned and underutilized properties – Some 1,700 contaminated sites and over 60 Superfund sites are located within one mile of the Raritan River.  We encourage remediation and reuse of contaminated sites throughout the basin and prevention of future pollution.  We also promote exchange of information about contaminated sites to educate and inform the communities where these sites are located.

Public access and recreational use of the river – Efforts in this area focus on increasing awareness and recreational use of the Raritan River trails and waterways.  Here we focus on developing new and upgrading existing access points and river-oriented trails and developing a coordinated plan for future Raritan River recreational uses.

Stewardship, habitat restoration and protection – Almost 37% of the Raritan Basin has been identified as critical habitat but less than half of that has some level of protection from development.  Our effort is focused on habitat and biodiversity protection and restoration through property maintenance and management of preserved open space and important estuarine areas.

Climate resiliency – Climate studies indicate that the effects of climate change will be detrimental to the Raritan region and may include more extreme weather including more flooding and drought.  Climate change and associated weather events will risk significant impacts on the Raritan’s natural resources, built infrastructure and populations.  Our resiliency efforts include public engagement and preparedness planning.

Sustainable redevelopment – Our efforts support the integration of sustainability strategies into land use redevelopment that protects the environment while enhancing our regional economies and communities.