Mullica River Watershed Proposed for Federal Study: 3-Year Review Could Lead to Wild and Scenic Designation

The Mullica River Watershed Wild and Scenic River Study Act of 2026 kicks off a formal federal investigation into whether a massive network of New Jersey waterways deserves permanent protection. Under this bill, the Secretary of the Interior is tasked with evaluating the Mullica, Wading, and Batsto Rivers—along with dozens of their tributaries—to see if they meet the high bar for the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. This isn't just a quick look-over; the bill mandates a comprehensive study of specific segments, ranging from the headwaters of the Mullica all the way to Great Bay, including smaller spots like Landing Creek and Bass River. Once funding is secured, the Department of the Interior has exactly three years to wrap up the research and hand over a report to Congress.

Mapping the Watershed

This legislation specifically amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to add a long list of local waters to the federal 'to-do' list for conservation review. For residents and business owners near the Pine Barrens, this means the federal government will be looking closely at everything from the Alquatka Branch to the Nescochague Creek. If you’re a local kayaker or a small business owner running a bait shop or a guided tour, this study is the first step toward potential federal recognition that could eventually lead to stricter environmental protections or increased tourism. The bill doesn't change any rules today, but it puts these specific GPS coordinates on the map for federal oversight (Section 2).

The Three-Year Clock

Timing is everything in policy, and this bill sets a clear deadline. The Secretary of the Interior must complete the study and submit the findings to the House Committee on Natural Resources and the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources within 36 months of getting the budget to do so. This report will ultimately determine if these rivers possess 'outstandingly remarkable' values—like unique ecology or history—that warrant a permanent 'Wild and Scenic' label. For local property owners or developers, this three-year window serves as a period of observation where the federal government assesses the current state of the watershed to decide if future development should be restricted to preserve the river’s natural flow.