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In 2023 the Highlands Council approved funding for three projects to complete atershed Restoration and Protection Plans (WRPPs) in the Highlands region. Once finalized, the WRPPs can be used to apply for funding from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) for Water Quality Restoration Grants under the federal 319(h) pass-through grants of the Federal Clean Water Act (CWA). Other funding sources may also be available to implement the plans.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified nine key elements that are critical for achieving improvements in water quality. EPA requires these nine elements be addressed in all WRPPs funded with CWA section 319 funds. This format provides a clear, concise, and implementable plan. The nine elements include:

1. Project summary, historical data review, identification of causes and sources of pollution
2. Estimate load reductions expected from management measures
3. Description of management measures and description of the critical areas in which those measures will be implemented
4. Estimate amount of technical and financial assistance, associated costs, and /or the sources and authorities that will be relied upon to implement the plan
5. Information and education component to enhance public understanding of the project and encourage participation
6. Schedule for implementation of management measures
7. Description of interim measurable milestones for determining whether management measures are being implemented
8. Evaluation criteria of the management measures
9. Monitoring component

The projects will ultimately identify methods for improving the watershed(s), including but not limited to load reduction methods, septic system maintenance recommendations (if needed), green stormwater infrastructure implementation, stormwater facilities retrofit/rehabilitation projects, dam removal projects (if applicable), and best management practices within the identified subwatershed(s).

These WRPPs are expected to be finalized by the end of 2025.