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What is the Upper Raritan Watershed?
The Upper Raritan Watershed is a natural geographic region defined by the drainage basin of the North Branch of the Raritan River and its tributaries. This 194 square mile area contains 23 municipalities within Somerset, Hunterdon and Morris counties. The watershed provides clean drinking water for millions of New Jersey residents and offers areas of extraordinary natural beauty, wildlife habitat, agriculture, and notable historic and cultural resources.
The Upper Raritan Watershed Association (URWA)
In 1959, a group of forward-thinking conservationists formed the Upper Raritan Watershed Association (URWA), a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization to protect and preserve the natural resources of the Upper Raritan watershed region. The Association has worked to increase environmental awareness and has seen that changes in the countryside and municipalities are guided by sound and reasonable environmental principles.
URWA's Mission Statement
URWA's mission is to ensure the protection of the natural resources of the Upper Raritan Watershed through education, advocacy, land preservation and stewardship.
Vision Statement
Citizens throughout the region are well informed and engaged in efforts to sustain the health and integrity of natural systems and resources of the watershed. URWA is committed to making this vision a reality.
What We Do
- Advocate for sound environmental planning throughout the watershed region
- Provide detailed environmental analysis and expertise
- Serve as a "watchdog", reacting to environmental threats
- Participate in coalitions to promote regional planning and policies
- Protect critical habitat and natural resources through a land preservation program
- Conduct stewardship activities and manage land reserves
- Monitor watershed streams and analyze water quality
- Provide education and outreach to citizens and municipal officials
- Educate children through a natural science program
