Current Happenings Effecting the Watershed
NJDEP Puts Newark on Notice
Posted January 8, 2012 by Ross Kushner
PRC just received a letter from the NJDEP Division of Water Supply. First, it confirms the temperature problems we reported. Then it agrees that ‘... if Newark had taken a more proactive approach to reduce the Pequannock River temperature below Oak Ridge Reservoir, most if not all of these exceedances could have been avoided.’ That is exactly our position. Read more excerps from the NJDEP letter.
Songbirds Saved Through Logging
Posted January 5, 2012 by Ross Kushner
Use the link below to read the Daily Record story highlighting what is possible under the proposed logging bill — sensible stewardship and habitat improvement. Hats off to NJ Audubon for contributing to this project and remaining a voice of reason in the logging bill debate. PRC would love to be involved in work like this within our watershed. Read the Daily Record Article.
Articles Chronicle Logging Debate
Posted January 4, 2012 by Ross Kushner
Below are links to a pair of articles on the continuing debate over the logging bill. We are pleased but not surprised that the New Jersey Audubon Society shares our views on this bill, since they are the most level-headed and knowledgeable group on regional conservation. PRC did not set out to be controversial on this, but we have to speak from knowledge, not sentiment.
Read the rest of our comments.
Read The Record article.
Read the Suburban Trends Article.
Logging Bill Debated
Posted December 19, 2011 by Ross Kushner
PRC has been following the debate over proposed state legislation to allow logging on state lands. We are cautiously optimistic about the proposal. Read more about our view. Read the Logging Bill.
Daily Record Article Details Home Buyout Plans
Posted December 17, 2011 by Ross Kushner
An article in the December 13th Daily Record details home buyouts along the Pequannock River in Pequannock. PRC has been a strong proponent of these buyouts as the best and most permanent method of keeping people out of harm’s way. Applause to the federal government for providing the funding. Read More Read the Daily Record article.
Flood Work Permit
Posted November 29, 2011 by Ross Kushner
Yesterday we received a copy of the permit, authorizing flood control work in Riverdale, Pequannock, Pompton Lakes and Wayne. While we appreciate the state’s desire to appear as if they are accomplishing something, we continue to believe that removal of sediment and fallen trees will have a minor impact (if any) on local flooding. Read More View the Permit
News on Flooding Remedies
Posted November 23, 2011 by Ross Kushner
Following receipt of a press release from the NJDEP, we are closely monitoring the effects of their recent award of "a $350,000 grant to four towns in Morris and Passaic counties for Passaic River Basin stream and river desnagging and clearing efforts to improve the flow of water and help alleviate future flooding problems . . ." Read the entire press release and our comments.
End of the Road for Braemar Subdivision?
Posted September 29, 2011 by Ross Kushner
According to an article in the September 28th Suburban Trends, the West Milford "Planning Board effectively sent an application for a 17-home subdivision off Wooley Drive back to 2003 on Thursday." Read the Trends Article.
Update on Pequannock River Temperatures
Posted October 29, 2011 by Ross Kushner
Over the past summer there were 5 violations of the Pequannock River temperature requirements and at least 2 occasions where Newark completely failed to meet their obligation regarding the control of Pequannock River temperatures. We have been pressing the state to fine the City of Newark for this, reinforcing the fact that permit conditions need to be met, and failure has consequences.
Last week we received a response from the NJDEP. Although they are still weighing the possibility of a fine, it is disturbing to see them making excuses for Newark. Not good!
Use the links below to read the letter we received from NJDEP and our response to it.
We‘ll keep you informed as this process continues.
Read the NJDEP letter. Read our response.
End of the Road for Braemar Subdivision?
Posted September 29, 2011 by Ross Kushner
According to an article in the September 28th Suburban Trends, the West Milford "Planning Board effectively sent an application for a 17-home subdivision off Wooley Drive back to 2003 on Thursday." Read the Trends Article.