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Hunterdon County Resident and Longtime Environmental Advocate Brings Extensive Watershed Expertise to Role

CHESTER, N.J. — The New Jersey Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council will be swearing in Bill Kibler of Califon Borough as a new Council Member at its April 17 meeting. Currently the Executive Director of the Great Swamp Watershed Association, Kibler is an accomplished environmental leader, with a depth and breadth of experience that is directly related to the work of the Council.  

“We’re very excited to have Bill join the Council,” says Ben Spinelli, Executive Director of the Highlands Council, “Bill’s experience in helping protect the waters of the Highland region will be extremely helpful to staff when we bring matters before the Council. Bill understands the goals of the Highlands Act and the Regional Master Plan well and is also keenly aware of the challenges we face. Having him as part of the Council will certainly be an asset in advancing our mission.”

An environmental advocate for more than 25 years, Kibler received a B.S. in environmental science from the United States Military Academy at West Point and then served in the United States Army Corps of Engineers for seven years where, among other notable accomplishments, he provided planning, engineering, and other critical support to the clean-up of the Exxon Valdez oil spill in Alaska. He later attended Syracuse University College of Law, earning his J.D. and subsequentially specializing in environmental and land use law.

Currently, Kibler serves as Executive Director of the Great Swamp Watershed Association. Prior roles include Director of Policy & Science at the Raritan Headwaters Association from 2011 through 2024 and Executive Director of the South Branch Watershed Association from 2005 until 2011.

“I’m thrilled that Governor Murphy has entrusted me with the opportunity to serve the people of New Jersey on the Highlands Council. Protecting clean water is my passion,” says Kibler, “I look forward to working with the other dedicated members of the Council and the incredible staff to ensure a bright future for the Garden State and our region.”

In addition to serving New Jersey’s environment through his employment, Kibler also has a number of professional affiliations that illustrate his commitment. His current roles include serving on the Raritan Basin Watershed Alliance Technical Advisory Committee and Steering Committee, the North Jersey Resource Conservation and Development Council Board of Trustees, the New Jersey Keep It Green Campaign Committee, and the New Jersey Section of the American Water Resources Association among others. Kibler is also active in his community volunteering his time as the Chief of the Califon Fire Company.

“Bill is well-known and respected throughout the region and we are delighted to have him join the Council,” states Carl Richko, the Highlands Council Chairman. “We’re looking forward to working with him and anticipate great contributions.”