The study would examine the eligibility and suitability of the Upper Raritan River—including the North Branch, South Branch, and Lamington/Black River tributaries—for designation under the Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers Program, which safeguards free-flowing rivers with outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational values. Designation under this program would be a critical step toward empowering local communities to shape a long-term, cooperative plan for the Upper Raritan’s protection and sustainable use.

“The Upper Raritan River is a vital resource for New Jersey that sustains our ecosystems and economy, supplies our communities with clean drinking water, supports local farms, and provides recreation for families,” said Senator Booker. “This critical step reflects our common commitment to collaborative, community-led stewardship that will preserve critical river systems for the long-term benefit of New Jerseyans now and in the future.”

“When we look after a local natural resource like the Upper Raritan River, we are looking after the health and success of generations of New Jerseyans to come. From clean drinking water to a favorite place for families to visit, the impact of this watershed ripples across ecosystems and communities and I’m proud to be a part of this bipartisan effort to protect it and all it has to offer our state for years to come,” said Senator Kim.

“The Upper Raritan River is part of the lifeblood of New Jersey, helping sustain our communities, ecosystems, and local economy,” said Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. “Today’s bipartisan effort reflects our commitment to responsible conservation, local collaboration, and long-term stewardship. By advancing the Wild and Scenic River study, we can ensure the Upper Raritan and its critical tributaries remain protected and vibrant for generations to come.”

"The Upper Raritan River is a local treasure,” said Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman. “The ongoing restoration has been a success story and the river must be protected. It not only provides clean drinking water and irrigation for local farms, its waters have been a source of recreation for Central and North Jersey families. I'm grateful to Rep. Kean for his advocacy on this issue and happy to team up with him to protect this vital resource."

Background:

The Upper Raritan River system supports diverse ecosystems, provides clean drinking water, sustains farmland and forestland, and enhances recreational and cultural opportunities throughout the region. The North Branch, South Branch, and Lamington/Black River tributaries span 38 municipalities across Hunterdon, Somerset, and Morris counties of New Jersey.

An initial reconnaissance survey of the Upper Raritan River to assess its eligibility for Wild and Scenic River designation emphasized the river’s ecological and communal importance, leading to this legislation to advance a full feasibility study.

If approved, the Upper Raritan would join the Musconetcong River, Great Egg Harbor River, Maurice River, and parts of the Delaware River as Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers in New Jersey.

The Upper Raritan River Watershed Wild and Scenic River Study Act is endorsed by: Raritan Headwaters, The Nature Conservancy, NY/NJ Baykeeper, the Watershed Institute, Sourland Conservancy, the New Jersey Conservation Foundation, and Trout Unlimited (New Jersey Chapters: Ridge and Valley, Hacklebarney, Ernest Schwiebert, Jersey Shore, Fred S. Burroughs).

To read the full text of the bill, click here.