The Raritan Headwaters Association’s Board of Trustees has approved an ambitious strategic plan that will significantly increase the impact the organization has on its mission to protect clean water in the North and South Branch region of the Raritan River.
The new plan calls for significant investment in additional staff to broaden the reach of all programs, for capital improvements to provide handicap facilities and additional office and meeting space, as well as for new training and technologies to greatly improve communications and the sustainability of the organization itself. “We are embarking on an ambitious plan to increase our competencies in Science, Education, and Advocacy, while at the same time living up to our Land Stewardship commitments,” said John F. Parker, Board President of Raritan Headwaters Association. “Ultimately, I believe we have a tremendous opportunity and obligation in front of us to protect the clean water of the North and South branches of the Raritan River.”
Three years after merging the South Branch and Upper Raritan watershed associations, the Raritan Headwaters Association has successfully combined the professional strengths of the two organizations. It is now poised to build on its 55-year foundation of highly reputable programs. During its tenure, in addition to its programs it has stopped proposed jetports, landfills, and toxic waste incinerators from being built within the watershed; helped create the Hunterdon County Park Commission; produced the first natural resources inventory for its municipalities; lobbied to pass the Clean Water, Clean Air, and Water Supply Bond Acts; ensured the Combe Landfill was properly cleaned up; and implemented the first environmental non-profit geographic information system (GIS). To take the organization to the next level of effectiveness, board and staff have committed months of hard work to set strategic direction and a resource plan that will ensure the health and vitality of this critical New Jersey watershed.
“This year our staff, board, and planning consultants conducted a focused strategic planning initiative aimed at strengthening our capacity as a conservation organization and ensuring the long-term sustainability of our watershed protection programs,” said Cindy Ehrenclou, Executive Director of Raritan Headwaters Association. “The resulting plan can accomplish that as well as enable us to delve into the 30 plus years of scientific data we have collected and, with our academic and foundation partners, analyze what the data is telling us. This will inform our citizens, our programs, and future water and land use policy at the local, municipal, and state levels. We are incredibly excited to put this plan into action!”
Visit the RHA Website for more information at www.raritanheadwaters.org. (Photo from RHA Website)