GSWA’s stewardship work of ecological restoration and enhancement for the animal habitats at the CMA.
Originally founded in 1981, the Great Swamp Watershed Association (GSWA) is a non-profit, member-supported environmental organization headquartered in Morristown New Jersey. GSWA investigates and participates in land use issues, monitors watershed streams on a consistent basis, and provides environmental education to community groups, teachers, and students. We use various ways to raise environmental consciousness and help everyone understand the important role we each play in protecting our drinking water and preserving the natural beauty of our environment. In 2016, the Great Swamp Watershed Association became the official Waterkeeper Alliance Affiliate for the Passaic River supporting and advancing the mission of “drinkable, fishable, swimmable water everywhere.” Our recent reaccreditation renewal from the Land Trust Alliance recognizes our ongoing commitment to protecting New Jersey’s open space.
On March 31st the Great Swamp Watershed Association Staff, Board of Trustees, Advisory Council, and Member Base celebrates the day the organization was formed over 40 years ago. GSWA Founders Day commemorates actions taken, both past and current, to positively impact the health of our waters and land along the Passaic River. We support the “One River, One Community” vision for the rural, suburban, and urban communities along the Passaic River. GSWA continually looks downstream for ways to advocate for environmental justice and the access to clean water for all in the Passaic River region. With the increase of major storms and flooding that occurs with even basic rain falls, there are many communities vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Large areas of impervious surfaces and the increase of water runoff compounds environmental and flooding issues. We work in urban communities, like Paterson and Newark, historically impacted by heavy development and overburdened by pollution.
In 2023, Founders Day recognizes our rich history of environmental advocacy, monitoring land development proposals, and raising public awareness of potential environmental risks to the Great Swamp watershed. We collaborate with the public, and other interested groups as appropriate, to preserve certain areas from development like Noe Pond in Chatham Township, and currently Drew Forest in Madison. GSWA established and works with the EPA Community Advisory Group (CAG) to oversee the cleanup of the Rolling Knolls Landfill located in the Green Village section of Chatham Township.
GSWA’s stewardship work of ecological restoration and enhancement for the animal habitats at the CMA.
A current advocacy project is very close to our heart. GSWA became aware of a proposed Harding Township Mt. Kemble development, and its proximity to our 73-acre Conservation Management Area (CMA) on Tiger Lily Lane and sensitive wetland habitats. We are currently working to educate the public about the environmental impacts of taking 15 acres of woodland area and replacing it with impervious surfaces causing an increase of water runoff volume from the property. The rise of water volume could further degrade the water quality and heighten the flooding risks of the Silver Brook, and in turn Loantaka Brook and Kitchell Pond. The Sliver Brook runs through our protected Conservation Management Area, so these quality and quantity issues potentially threatens our CMA as well as the amphibians and aquatic macroinvertebrate life who live and breed in the wetland/vernal pools along the waterways. With an outpouring of support from the community, we join forces with the hope that the NJDEP will carefully review the Northeast water quality management amendment plan needed for this development, while protecting the wetlands and water quality for the area.
Make an investment in the future health of the Passaic River region and support the Great Swamp Watershed Association. Join like-minded friends of the environment, as GSWA continues to monitor and protect the Great Swamp watershed and Passaic River region now and for generations to come. We look forward to working together on this important task and celebrating the environmental victories together…DONATE TODAY!
