S 3542
Upper Raritan River Watershed Wild and Scenic River Study Act of 2025
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Bill overview
This bill directs the U.S. Department of the Interior to conduct a study to determine if the Upper Raritan River Watershed in New Jersey should be designated as a National Wild and Scenic River. The study will focus on the North Branch Raritan River, South Branch Raritan River, and the Lamington-Black River and their tributaries. The study must be completed within three years of funding becoming available, with a report submitted to Congress outlining the findings.
Key provisions
- Designates the Upper Raritan River Watershed in New Jersey for a study.
- Specifically identifies river segments within the watershed to be included in the study.
- Sets a three-year deadline for the Secretary of the Interior to complete the study.
- Requires the Secretary to submit a report to Congress detailing the study’s results.
- Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to include this designation.
Who is affected
- Residents of New Jersey
- The U.S. Department of the Interior
- River users and recreationalists in the Upper Raritan River watershed
- Congress (through the requirement to receive a study report)
Notable changes
- Adds a specific designation to the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act for the Upper Raritan River Watershed.
- Establishes a timeline for the study and report submission.
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119th CONGRESS — 1st Session
S. 3542
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
A BILL
To amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate the Upper Raritan River Watershed in the State of New Jersey for study for potential addition to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, and for other purposes.
This Act may be cited as the Upper Raritan River Watershed Wild and Scenic River Study Act of 2025
.
Section 5(a) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1276(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
The segments of the North Branch Raritan River, the South Branch Raritan River, the Black or Lamington River, and their tributaries, within the Upper Raritan River watershed, including the following segments:
The North Branch Raritan River from its headwaters to its confluence with the South Branch Raritan River.
The South Branch Raritan River from its headwaters to its confluence with the North Branch Raritan River.
The Lamington-Black River from its headwaters to its confluence with the North Branch Raritan River.
All tributaries of the North Branch Raritan River, South Branch Raritan River (including those upstream of the Spruce Run Reservoir), and Lamington-Black River within the Upper Raritan River watershed.
Section 5(b) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1276(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
submit to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives a report that describes the results of the study.