Clean Water Governor Christie Whitman today reiterated her pledge for clean water through statewide watershed management planning while speaking to students at Swartswood State Park in Stillwater Township. But before pulling on wading boots and walking in the stream, Gov. Whitman began her visit at the Sussex County state park with an awareness-raising lesson on watersheds. A model was used to explain how everyday happenings in the Garden State, from brushing teeth to watering flowers and cleaning dishes, affect common water sources.
New Jersey has wonderful resources - lakes, rivers, hills, valleys and forests.
The Governor pointed out that a watershed management plan is already underway here in Sussex County but said that all of the plans will get started by September because of the money that she has added to the budget. RATS and BATS are run through the state's Division of Watershed Management whereby volunteers are trained to conduct surveys of the water and land surrounding their local watersheds. But it should be smart growth. We need to take care in how we develop our state so that we protect the water supply we need for everything from growing vegetables to making iced tea to taking a bath or brushing our teeth. Also, the Governor signed an Executive Order earlier this year directing the DEP to require a comprehensive assessment before the state approves any new or expanded wastewater system.