The MWA has a new Executive Director. Welcome, Eileen! | |
The Musconetcong Watershed Association is excited to welcome Eileen Murphy, PhD, as our new Executive Director! A strategic and passionate environmental leader with over 30 years of experience, Eileen has built a career turning science-based policy into lasting protection for water, land, and communities.
Throughout her career, Eileen has brought people together across government, nonprofits, and academia to strengthen conservation policy and deliver real results for clean water and healthy ecosystems. She served at NJ Department of Environmental Protection for 21 years leading a diverse group of scientists, engineers, policy experts and economists to support and inform regulatory programs. Her focus area as a scientist was on emerging contaminants, including PFAS, in raw waters and drinking water. Eileen recently led the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) risk management team at US Environmental Protection Agency and earlier served as Vice President of Government Relations at NJ Audubon.
“Joining the Musconetcong Watershed Association is a privilege,” said Eileen. “The Musconetcong River is a vital part of New Jersey’s natural heritage. I’m honored to help lead the next chapter of MWA’s work—protecting this watershed through science, collaboration, and community engagement.”
MWA’s Board Chair , Beth Styler Barry, added, “We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Eileen Murphy to the MWA family. Her proven leadership and passion for conservation will help strengthen our programs and expand our impact across the watershed.”
Please join us in welcoming Dr. Eileen Murphy to the Musconetcong Watershed Association. We look forward to the vision and energy she will bring to protecting the river we all care about.
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The Musconetcong Watershed Association is excited to announce a fun and informative Theme Trivia Night & Fundraiser at Czig Meister Brewing in Hackettstown!
Gather your friends and come test your knowledge on Thursday, December 4th, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Your participation helps us raise essential funds to preserve and protect the Musconetcong River. 5 for individuals 15 for teams
It’s a perfect way to enjoy great company, compete for bragging rights, and support your local watershed! We hope to see you there!
| | Mark Your Calendars for MWA's 2026 events! | |
MWA 2026 Community Events Calendar | |
Check back on our website to confirm dates. We will also have River Talks (a community favorite!), a wine tasting extravaganza, road salt trainings, watershed allies trainings, macroinvertebrate trainings, harmful algal bloom trainings, bacteria trainings and sensor station steward trainings. Don't know what those trainings are? Contact us to find out and participate - all are welcome! - edit wording around trainings
Volunteering at MWA
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Congratulations to Watershed Elected Officials!
The results of the November 4th election, including the victory of Governor-Elect Mikie Sherrill, set the landscape of environmental policy in New Jersey, a state home to four Wild and Scenic Rivers and several others seeking designation, for years to come. Protecting these natural areas and ensuring robust water quality must be a top priority for the incoming administration, especially as development pressures continue across the region. We congratulate the Governor-Elect on her victory, and urge her to champion policies that safeguard these vital ecological and recreational resources for all communities.
Locally, the three Legislative Districts (LD) covering the watershed also saw their Assembly seats contested. We congratulate the returning legislators, Assemblyman DiMaio, Assemblyman Peterson, Assemblyman Inganamort, Assemblywoman Fantasia, and Assemblywoman Dunn, on retaining their positions (noting one seat in LD25 was still too close to call as of the writing of this article). The collective request to all elected officials is simple yet crucial: continue to prioritize the protection of the Musconetcong River as an indispensable National Wild and Scenic treasure and a vital regional resource.
A full list of newly elected and reelected officials will be included in the next Instream, stay tuned!
Navigating the Federal Government Shutdown
As of 11/5/2025, our country is now in the midst of the longest government shutdown in American history. We at MWA want to clearly assure our community that MWA and it's Wild and Scenic programs remains fully operational despite the ongoing federal government shutdown. Thanks to the nature of our cooperative agreement funding, our essential work continues without interruption, allowing us to maintain our mission and projects. However, we must emphasize that the shutdown is seriously affecting our federal partners, including the National Park Service (NPS) and other key agencies. The furlough of critical staff and the halt of federal operations directly impact collaborative projects, park maintenance, and the overall capacity for environmental stewardship across the Musconetcong watershed and beyond. We stand in solidarity with our furloughed federal colleagues and hope for a swift resolution.
Hearings Resume in the Tinsley Case
The public hearings involving the Tinsley light industrial facility has moved forward, with hearings resumed on October 9th. This crucial step follows the resolution of issues concerning the appearance of conflict. The first hearing featured significant testimony from the civil engineer, followed by cross-examination from opposition attorneys and public members. Make sure to mark your calendar: public questions will continue at the next hearing on November 13th!
Concern Over Highlands Council Quorum Issues
The New Jersey Highlands Council, the body responsible for regional planning under the Highlands Act, is currently facing significant operational challenges. Over the last four months, the Council has only achieved a quorum for one out of its four scheduled meetings. Given the Council's vital role in planning for the Highlands Region, the lack of consistent quorum creates a major hurdle for effective regional oversight and administrative action. We will continue to monitor and report on these vacancies.
For questions or to learn how to get involved in your community's land use process, contact ben@musconetcong.org
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PFAS
The MWA has been busy on the PFAS front. In addition to offering in-home drinking water testing, our Water Quality team spent two scorching summer days collecting samples along the Musconetcong River. Starting above the Changewater Bridge, we floated downstream and took water samples every 1,000 feet until reaching our office in Asbury.
Preliminary results showed PFOS (perfluorooctanesulfonic acid) and PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) levels above drinking water standards (but not PFNA (perfluorononanoic acid)), which was expected, given known groundwater contamination in the area. During the same effort, the NJ Department of Fish and Wildlife collected fish at two locations to assess PFAS (per- and poly- fluoroalkyl substances) impacts on aquatic life and to inform potential updates to the state’s fish consumption advisory.
Once all data are quality assured and verified, MWA will host a public roundtable to share findings on drinking water, surface water, and fish sampling results. Residents can still request in-home drinking water testing through the MWA’s water quality services. In addition to the paid PFAS test, a complimentary bacteria, pH and salt test will be run to help residents understand their drinking water quality.
Road Salt
As the snow flies, so does the road salt, bringing us into the season of freshwater salinization syndrome.
This year marks the 5th Anniversary of our crucial Road Salt Monitoring program! Thanks to our innovative Enviro DIY stations, we were among the first groups in the state to establish a consistent, long-term road salt monitoring program.
We've been collecting data to understand how road salts impact our watershed, and we're reaching a critical point: this is the year we'll have enough data to start making data-driven recommendations to municipalities for realistic, environmentally responsible alternatives. Your monitoring efforts are essential to balance safety and environmental responsibility. Join us today and help inform change!
For further information on our water quality programs please reach out to christa@musconetcong.org or craig@musconetcong.org
Want to help make sure the Musky stays clean? Click the button below to become a River Watcher!
| | Conference Season on the Musky | |
The Musconetcong Watershed Association (MWA) was busy this fall, leading conversations and forging stronger alliances across the state. Our participation in key conferences ensures that the protection of the Musconetcong River is guided by the latest science and supported by a broad network of partners.
Building the Coalition
Delaware River Watershed Forum (DRWF): MWA staff connected with peers and high-level officials to re-energize our partnerships working towards the best possible water quality in the Delaware River Basin. Key attendees, including Congressman Tom Kean Jr., Senator Anthony Bucco, and NJDEP Deputy Commissioner Kati Angarone, highlighted the importance of collaboration and science to guide initiatives like climate resilience and salt reduction. The event concluded with an MWA lead field trip along the Musconetcong River, highlighting the power of local restoration projects and community partnerships.
New Jersey Rivers Conference (NJRC): MWA served as the prime sponsor and was integral to the conference planning committee. Our Policy and Outreach Manager, Ben Yaskulka, co-led a session with Captain Bill Sheehan, founder of Hackensack River Keeper, discussing accessible river recreation, the importance of interpretation at access sites, and the benefits of Wild and Scenic designations.
Staying on the Cutting-Edge
NJDEP PFAS Summit: We brought back key updates from experts actively working on surface water quality standards. We learned that PFAS is pervasive, found in rainwater and parks far from known contamination sites, underscoring the need for collaborative, basin-wide solutions to emerging pollutants.
Rutgers Environmental Steward Impact Summit: We proudly supported Environmental Steward Rich Zane as he presented his vital work assisting MWA. His contributions through the Rutgers program, including tree plantings, water quality monitoring, and restoration inventories, demonstrate the essential value of dedicated volunteer partnerships in achieving our conservation goals.
Why These Conferences Matter
These conferences are the ideal ground for coalition building. The MWA's work to protect the Musconetcong is not done in a vacuum. These opportunities to share ideas and work with diverse partners toward shared goals allow us to better serve and safeguard the Musconetcong Watershed for generations to come.
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The recent REEL Musconetcong free fishing day was a great success! Held on October 18th at Douglas A Blake Memorial Field, the event attracted over 50 enthusiastic attendees.
Thanks to the incredible support of PEACENJ, NJDEP(Hackettstown Hatchery), Trout Unlimited, Hackettstown Library, and all our partners, participants enjoyed a full day of hands-on learning. Attendees not only caught several fall fish, suckers, and trout but also gained invaluable skills, including:
· Casting techniques for both spinning and fly rods
· How to set up fishing rods and tie essential fishing knots
· Insights into river ecology and the health of the Musconetcong River
It was a rewarding day connecting the community with the river! Read more about the event and see photos in the coverage by WRNJ Radio: Families Enjoy Free Fishing Day on the Musconetcong River
| | New Tradition on the Musky | |
Get ready to celebrate the holiday season while supporting your beloved river! From December 1st to December 23rd, the Musconetcong Watershed Association invites you to the historic Asbury Mill for our special Giving Tree event. We're transforming the mill entrance into a festive holiday scene, complete with beautiful Christmas decorations, the perfect backdrop for your family's annual holiday photo! Bring your camera, snap some memorable pictures, and soak up the unique atmosphere next to the sparkling Musconetcong River. It's a great way to create a holiday tradition right here at MWA headquarters.
While you're here, be sure to check out our Giving Tree. This special Christmas tree, set up right beside the photo op, will feature ornaments detailing specific, needed items and donation asks for the MWA. From supplies for educational programs to essential monitoring equipment, your contribution will directly support our mission to protect and restore the Musconetcong River. Stop by any time between December 1st and December 23rd, take a beautiful photo, and give a gift that keeps the river healthy for the coming year!
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