H.R. 5852: Upper Raritan River Watershed Wild and Scenic River Study Act of 2025

This bill is titled the Upper Raritan River Watershed Wild and Scenic River Study Act of 2025. Its primary purpose is to designate the Upper Raritan River Watershed in New Jersey for study regarding its potential inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. This designation aims to evaluate the ecological, scenic, recreational, and historical values of this watershed area.

Key Provisions of the Bill

• Designation for Study: The bill amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to explicitly include the Upper Raritan River Watershed, identifying specific segments of the North Branch Raritan River, South Branch Raritan River, the Lamington-Black River, and their tributaries for this study.
• Study Requirements: The Secretary of the Interior is tasked with completing this study within three years after funds become available. Following completion, a report detailing the findings must be submitted to both the Senate and House committees responsible for energy and natural resources.

Specific Areas Included

The study will focus on the following segments of the watershed:

• The North Branch Raritan River, from its headwaters to where it meets the South Branch.
• The South Branch Raritan River, from its headwaters to where it meets the North Branch.
• The Lamington-Black River, from its headwaters to its confluence with the North Branch Raritan River.
• All tributaries of these rivers within the Upper Raritan River watershed, including those upstream of the Spruce Run Reservoir.

Goals of the Bill

The intention behind designating the Upper Raritan River Watershed for study is to assess its potential for becoming part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Being designated as a wild and scenic river provides a level of protection to preserve its natural and cultural resources while allowing for a range of recreational opportunities.

Potential Impact

If the study conclusively suggests that the watershed possesses significant natural values, it could lead to measures that enhance the conservation of the area. This may also result in increased federal funding to support preservation efforts and recreational developments in the watershed region.

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