Overview
The Paulins Kill Watershed Community seeks to provide individuals, farms, and towns within the watershed and surrounding areas, with ways to protect the health and safety of our Watershed through community science projects, education, and recreational activities.
Comprised of conservation organizations within the New Jersey Highlands Focus area and members of the Delaware River Watershed Initiative, PKW collaborates to safeguard the watershed environment. This vital area provides drinking water for approximately 5.4 million people. The PKW Community plays a crucial role in uniting all stakeholders which include residents, farmers, organizations, businesses, and governing bodies.
Journey through the Paulins Kill Watershed
The Paulins Kill Watershed spans 176.85 square miles across Warren and Sussex Counties, encompassing communities such as Knowlton, Columbia, Blairstown, Hardwick, Marksboro, Frelinghuysen, Stillwater, Fredon, Newton, Hampton, Balesville, Branchville, Frankford, Augusta, Lafayette, and Sparta. Originating near Newton, the river flows north before curving southwest. As New Jersey’s third-largest tributary to the Delaware River, it follows the Musconetcong River and Maurice River. The Paulins Kill Watershed Community was established by a consortium of nonprofit organizations and stakeholders committed to engaging residents, farmers, and municipalities in protecting this vital area.
Welcome to the Paulins Kill, Part 1
The History of the Paulins Kill, Part 2
The Transformation of the Paulins Kill, Part 3
The Paulins Kill’s Future Can Still Be Written, Part 4
This video series on the Paulins Kill Watershed is made possible through a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, with support from US Fish and Wildlife Service. The Lower Delaware Wild & Scenic Management Council, as funded by the National Park Service (www.lowerdelawarewildandscenic.org) supported this project. Produced by CineGraph Studios.com
About this Program: This community science program teaches us how much road salt is getting into the Paulins Kill River, tributaries, lakes and ponds. The NJDEP and The Watershed Institute provides us with the opportunity to monitor the waters in the Paulins Kill Watershed. Sharing road salt data with these organizations may lead to improved application methods that can ensure healthy drinking water, sustain our natural resources while also keeping our roads safe.
River-Friendly Farm Program
Protecting Water Resources Through Sustainable Farming
The River-Friendly Farm Program is a free, voluntary, and self-paced initiative designed to promote environmentally friendly farming practices. This program recognizes farmers who demonstrate good land stewardship and implement practices that help protect water resources in their communities.
As part of our Paulins Kill Watershed initiative, the Foodshed Alliance has partnered with North Jersey RC&D to bring the River-Friendly Farm Program to northern New Jersey.
This program is an excellent opportunity for farmers to showcase their dedication to sustainable agriculture while actively protecting the Paulins Kill Watershed and other vital water resources. For information, please contact Chris Dunbar.
Paulins Kill Partnership Wild and Scenic River Project
The Foodshed Alliance is leading efforts to secure National Wild & Scenic River designation for the Paulins Kill. This initiative brings together farmers, conservationists, and community members to protect water quality, wildlife habitat, and cultural heritage while supporting sustainable land use and recreation.
Follow our journey to protect the Paulins Kill as a National Wild & Scenic River. Stay updated on key milestones, community support, and local actions that are helping preserve the river’s ecological, cultural, and recreational value for generations to come.
