Collaborating to protect our natural resources

February 27, 2021| Advocacy, Environment

By: Marty Kane

Foundation joins CDRW Steering Committee

As the headwaters for the Musconetcong River, which winds and flows southwest for more than 40 miles to the Delaware River, Lake Hopatcong is part of the nearly 13,000 square mile Delaware River Watershed. Spanning parts of New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, the watershed lies within one of the most densely populated areas of the mid-Atlantic region.

Critical to the economic well-being of the region, the Delaware River Watershed contains forests, wetlands, lakes, and a vast system of rivers that offer vital habitat for fish and wildlife, is home to more than 8 million residents, and provides drinking water to more than 13 million people. 

The Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed (CDRW) was formed to protect this remarkable natural resource from environmental threats, by uniting organizations working throughout the region to assure the entire watershed, including New Jersey’s largest lake, is properly funded, and sustainably managed to support people and wildlife. 

As a member organization of the CDRW, we were extremely gratified when the CDRW honored our request to make the support of lakes one of its five major New Jersey legislative goals for 2021. And this past week, we were thrilled to be invited to join the 16-member CDRW Steering Committee, which is comprised of local, regional, and national organizations who guide the Coalition's strategic goals and work plans, helping establish priorities and policies for the future. 

We are firm believers that through collaboration and teamwork, we can shine an even brighter light on the needs of Lake Hopatcong and other water bodies, ensuring a brighter future for the entire watershed.