A comprehensive, coordinated management plan was implemented in 1987 to reduce bacterial loadings to the estuary and restore recreational and commercial shellfish harvesting. It was also endorsed by 12 county, municipal, academic, and private organizations. The agreement formalized each one's commitment to the Navesink River Watershed Management Program and its goals. The water quality improvements in the Navesink are a direct result of successful nonpoint source pollution controls implemented by these partnerships over many years. A total of nearly 4,800 acres were upgraded in the shellfish reclassification as a result of improvement in overall water quality, bringing the total harvesting acreage to over 580,000.
Manure is removed from the waste stream through composting.
Comprehensive stormwater controls as part of coastal permits. Project applications in the coastal zone portion of the Navesink watershed were not approved for permits unless adequate stormwater management controls were part of the plan. Putting in place berms and concrete pads to redirect manure and contaminated runoff away from tributaries that drain to the Navesink. Initiation of a citizen monitoring program. Formation of the Navesink Municipalities Association and the Navesink Environmental League, which meet monthly to represent local government and citizen stakeholder interests in the watershed.