Insights from the Delaware River Watershed Forum

October 01, 2024| Advocacy, Environment, Events

By: Kyle Richter

Last week, the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed (CDRW) held its 12th annual Delaware River Watershed Forum along the banks of the Lehigh River in Bethlehem, PA. The event brought together environmental leaders, policymakers, advocates, and community members committed to safeguarding the Delaware River Watershed. Each year, the forum serves as a platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and discussion on pressing environmental issues. Its primary goal is to foster partnerships and develop strategies to preserve and enhance the watershed's health, which provides drinking water for over 13 million people and sustains critical ecosystems. The forum highlights innovative solutions, celebrates successful conservation efforts, and promotes collective action for the long-term sustainability of the Delaware River Watershed.

In addition to being New Jersey’s Largest Lake, Lake Hopatcong is the headwater to the Musconetcong River, which flows 42 miles southwest from our lake, ultimately meeting the Delaware River in Riegelsville, NJ. When we all work together and take action to protect and care for Lake Hopatcong, it not only positively affects the people and wildlife in our watershed but an entire downstream ecosystem. Since 2021, the Lake Hopatcong Foundation has been a member of the CDRW steering committee, and currently co-chairs the committee, helping to provide direction and support for their initiatives.

This year, I had the honor of presenting a session alongside colleagues from New Jersey Future and Princeton Hydro. Our session “Free Decision-making Tools for Effective Community Engagement and Progressive Stormwater Management” focused on sharing resources to help communities assess their water-related risks and identify effective solutions. These tools included the New Jersey Water Risk and Equity Map, the New Jersey Stormwater Retrofit Best Management Practices Guide, and a restoration strategy toolkit for addressing problematic road-stream crossings.

During the presentation, I highlighted several key initiatives happening around Lake Hopatcong, such as the regenerative stormwater conveyance system at Witten Park, the Socks for Docks program, several floating wetland island installations, and the incorporation of biochar in stormwater treatment devices across all four municipalities, and how local support at all levels from the individual person to our local governments,  have helped spearhead so many great projects to help improve water quality in Lake Hopatcong. 

Other sessions I attended highlighted the importance of a united effort between local communities, environmental organizations, and government agencies to conserve the Delaware River Watershed. I gained valuable insights into successful initiatives, such as water quality monitoring and invasive species management. Additionally, I learned how educational outreach can play a pivotal role in fostering community engagement and driving conservation efforts.

The CDRW’s Annual Forum serves as a reminder of the power of collaboration and collective action in addressing environmental challenges. By sharing knowledge, innovative tools, and successful projects like those around Lake Hopatcong, we can continue to make strides toward protecting and improving the health of our waterways.