New Jersey’s Raritan River Watershed Targeted for Wild and Scenic River Study: 3-Year Deadline Set

The Upper Raritan River Watershed Wild and Scenic River Study Act of 2025 is straightforward: it directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a formal study on the Upper Raritan River Watershed in New Jersey to see if it should be added to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. This action amends Section 5(a) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, essentially putting this area in the queue for federal review. The study is purely procedural right now—it doesn't impose any new regulations or protections today, but it kicks off the process that could lead to them.

Mapping the Study Area: Who’s Under the Microscope?

This isn’t just a vague look at the whole river. The bill specifically lists the segments that must be included in the study. This covers the North Branch Raritan River and the South Branch Raritan River, both from their headwaters down to where they meet. It also includes the Black or Lamington River down to its confluence with the North Branch. Crucially, the study must also include all tributaries within the Upper Raritan River watershed that feed into these main branches. This means the federal review isn't just focused on the main arteries; it’s looking at the entire network of streams and creeks that define the watershed ecology.

The Clock Starts Now: A 3-Year Deadline

For those who appreciate a firm timeline, the bill sets a clear deadline for the federal government. The Secretary of the Interior must complete the study and submit a report detailing the results to the relevant Congressional committees—the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and the House Committee on Natural Resources—not later than 3 years after the funds become available to carry out the study. This three-year clock provides a defined window for local residents, businesses, and environmental groups to understand the potential path forward for the region.

Real-World Stakes: What Happens if it Goes Wild and Scenic?

While this bill only authorizes a study, the ultimate outcome matters greatly. If the study concludes that the Raritan segments meet the criteria—meaning they possess outstanding scenic, recreational, geologic, fish and wildlife, historic, cultural, or other similar values—and Congress ultimately designates them as Wild and Scenic, it triggers significant changes. For landowners, developers, or municipalities in the watershed, this designation often places restrictions on new construction, dam building, and certain types of development that could impact the river's free flow or character. For example, a developer planning a large project near a tributary might find their options severely limited. Conversely, for people who enjoy fishing, kayaking, or simply having clean, protected water, this designation offers the highest level of federal protection against future degradation. This study is the first step in deciding whether that trade-off is right for the Upper Raritan region.