Raritan Headwaters Association (RHA) is launching a new grant program called Raritan Woods & Waterways. This program offers cooperative grants to help restore the natural buffers along the North and South Branches of the Raritan River, and their tributaries.

RHA’s Goals:

 

• Partner with municipalities and non-profits to plant 10,000 native trees and shrubs within these riparian buffer zones over the next few years, on publicly accessible land in the Upper Raritan Watershed.
• Improve the health of these riparian habitats, which will:
  • Stabilize streambanks
  • Reduce flooding
  • Lower water temperatures
  • Create wildlife habitat
  • Filter pollution from stormwater runoff
  • Enhance overall water quality

Why Restore Riparian Buffers?

Forested buffers along streams play a vital role in protecting water quality, wildlife habitat, and biodiversity. While regulations require buffers ranging from 50 to 300 feet, RHA’s analysis shows many areas lack sufficient buffers due to:

• Removal of trees
• Dead or dying trees
• Lack of new tree growth
• Dominance of invasive plants

The Grant Program:

Funded by Natural Resource Damages from the Cornell Dubilier Electronics, Inc. Superfund settlement, the Raritan Woods & Waterways Grant will support:

• Municipal governments
• School districts
• Non-profit organizations
• Private landowners

Grant funds will cover costs for:

• Native trees and shrubs
• Deer protection for the trees
• Technical assistance from RHA

Learn More:

A webinar recording is available below that details eligibility requirements, the application process, and the benefits of partnering with RHA.

Click below to view and download the Woods & Waterways Grant Application.

Please submit all applications by June 7, 2024.