Press Release: MWA awarded $175k to improve beneficial plant life along the River
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Kyle Richter, Watershed Programs Manager Karen Doerfer, Communications Coordinator
Musconetcong Watershed Association Musconetcong Watershed Association
(O): (908) 537-7060 (O): (908) 537-7060
Two-year grant allows Association to work with small landowners to manage their property to improve local water quality in Warren, Hunterdon, and Morris counties in New Jersey
Asbury, NJ The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) recently awarded the Musconetcong Watershed Association (MWA) a two-year grant enabling them to work with small landowners to increase beneficial plant life along stream banks. MWA plans to work directly with landowners to educate on the importance of riparian plantings in an effort dubbed, “Push Bank the Lawn.”
The Push Back the Lawn initiative aims to reduce the number of properties that mow their lawn straight back to the river causing fertilizers and other contaminants to flow into the river during rainstorms. Installing riparian buffers includes planting decorative, native grasses, shrubs, trees, and other native flowering plants to capture runoff before it enters local waterways.
“Our goal is to work with local landowners to help them maintain their scenic views of the river, while also providing habitat for local wildlife and natural filtration for the river,” said Kyle Richter, Watershed Programs Manager, Musconetcong Watershed Association. “By prioritizing beneficial plantings along the river, MWA hopes to sustain and improve habitat for our native brook trout.”
MWA is focusing on the segment of the Musconetcong River that flows through Hackettstown, Warren County and Washington Township, Morris County down to Bloomsbury Borough, Hunterdon County. This section is known as one of the area’s most valuable natural resources. For the entire length of this project area the Musconetcong River is designated as a National Wild and Scenic River, receiving this designation by act of Congress in 2006.
For this project, MWA plans to work with partners from the Delaware River Watershed Initiative as well as local municipalities to install riparian buffers and teach residents how to create a visually appealing landscape that also protects clean water.
“MWA has always valued the support from partners and municipalities in our restoration work,” said Richter. “Working together, we have been able to complete large-scale restoration projects that have shown a direct benefit to the river.”
To learn more about whether your property qualifies for a free consultation, please visit www.musconetcong.org. Here, you can learn about this and other projects, programs, and events.
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Mission: The Musconetcong Watershed Association (MWA) 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.
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