Press Release: Annual Musconetcong River Cleanup Surpasses Previous Record-Breaking Year

250+ bags of trash and recycling collected along the river by 450+ volunteers

Asbury, New Jersey - On Saturday, April 14th, the Musconetcong Watershed Association (MWA), hosted its 26th Annual Musconetcong River Cleanup. The event kicked off at 9 AM at various locations along the Musconetcong River, which spans from Lake Hopatcong to the Delaware River. Targeted areas for cleanup included Lake Hopatcong State Park, Hackettstown Alumni Park, MWA's River Resource Center, and the Riegelsville area.

"Picking up trash might not be everyone's favorite thing to do on a sunny Saturday morning in the spring, but the enthusiasm of our crew was inspiring," said Holly Odgers, Managing Director at the Lake Hopatcong Foundation, who led the cleanup at Lake Hopatcong State Park. "From the six-year-olds from Daisy Troop #96781 to the 60-year-olds on their own, it was gratifying to see so many volunteers smiling and stepping up for the welfare of the Musconetcong River.

Volunteers received gloves, bags, granola bars, water, and t-shirts. The day was a beautiful spring day enticing over 450 volunteers to come out and lend a hand. Through our efforts and our motivated volunteers, we were able to collect approximately 250 bags of trash and recyclables and various larger trash items including children's bikes, refrigerators, office equipment, and over 20 tires.

In addition to the trash haulers who've sponsored the cleanup each year, MWA gained a new sponsor. Princeton Hydro, a water resources engineering firm who has investigated, designed and permitted 5 dam removals along the Musconetcong River was proud to support the event. They also led a cleanup team near the former Hughesville Dam site. Designed by the firm, the Hughesville Dam removal and streambank restoration enabled the return of American shad to the river for the first time documented in centuries.

"We enjoyed the beautiful, warm and sunny Saturday morning bonding with our Princeton Hydro colleagues and friends, while giving back to the Musconetcong Watershed Association," said Geoffrey Goll, President of Princeton Hydro. "Our successful partnership with MWA on multiple dam removals in critical locations has expedited the restoration and protection of the Musconetcong River."

Following the cleanup, MWA invited volunteers back to their River Resource Center for a barbecue where everyone could relax and compare hauls. This event grows every year, which allows MWA to cover more area and collect more trash.

The Musconetcong Watershed Association is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and improving the quality of the Musconetcong River and its Watershed, including its natural and cultural resources. The MWA carries out its mission through grassroots activities including educational programs in local schools, municipal government outreach, workshops and seminars for the public, stream cleanups and outdoor educational programs. To find out more, volunteer or donate, please visit www.musconetcong.org.

For Princeton Hydro's cleanup photos, visit: bit.ly/MWAcleanup.