Warren County backs Foodshed Alliance request for Paulins Kill Wild and Scenic reconnaissance study

The Warren County Board of County Commissioners voted May 28 to support the Foodshed Alliance’s reconnaissance study to evaluate the Paulins Kill for potential inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers system. The board passed Resolution 288-25 on a motion by Commissioner James Kern III, seconded by Deputy Director Lori Ciesla; the recorded vote was James Kern III, Lori Ciesla and Director Jason Sarnoski: yes. The resolution, introduced after public comment from representatives of the Paulins Kill watershed and local municipalities, asks county officials to back the Foodshed Alliance and a project team that has begun assessing the Paulins Kill’s eligibility and suitability for Wild and Scenic River designation. The county’s support covers the reconnaissance phase, which the resolution describes as a multi-year educational partnership that could lead to a study bill in Congress. Why it matters: The Paulins Kill runs roughly 31 miles in total, about 16 miles of which flow through Hardwick, Frelinghuysen, Blairstown and Knowlton townships in Warren County, the resolution says. Supporters told the commissioners the designation could protect habitat for species such as wood turtles, help safeguard well water, and bolster agritourism and outdoor recreation. The board’s resolution cites the National Park Service guidance that a Partnership Wild and Scenic River must be free-flowing, possess at least one outstandingly remarkable value (ORV) — for example scenic, recreational, geologic or fish and wildlife values — and have local support and a 501(c)(3) partner to manage a cooperative agreement with the NPS. The resolution also notes that Partnership designation does not permit federal acquisition of private land, change local zoning or extinguish existing landowner rights. In remarks recorded in the meeting, Director Jason Sarnoski thanked the public supporters, saying, “It’s good to have such support of these resolutions to understand the importance of it.” Commissioner Kern recalled a similar effort around the Musconetcong River, saying proponents made similar arguments about local values three decades ago. Deputy Director Lori Ciesla said, “We live in such a beautiful part of New Jersey and fishing is second to none. We want to preserve that and do whatever we can.” The resolution lists municipal resolutions of support from the Land Conservancy of New Jersey and the four Warren County Paulins Kill municipalities, and describes next steps the project team proposes: outreach to secure reconnaissance and study-bill support resolutions from municipalities, assembling a packet for state legislators, and, if a study bill is enacted, creating a task force or management council to develop a comprehensive management plan and an NPS study report within three years. What the resolution does not do: The county’s support is for the reconnaissance phase and advocacy for a study bill; it does not authorize any county-level land acquisition or changes to local zoning. The text explicitly states Partnership designation cannot change local zoning or extinguish landowner rights. The board recorded the vote as unanimous in favor of the resolution. The Foodshed Alliance and local municipal representatives who spoke during public comment were listed as supporting the effort.