Forum attendees gather for a group photo outside the County College of Morris.
The Delaware River Watershed Forum continues to serve as a cornerstone gathering for professionals, advocates, and community leaders committed to protecting and restoring the Delaware River Watershed. Each year, the Forum provides a space to connect, exchange ideas, and strengthen partnerships that advance clean water, climate resilience, and environmental equity across the region.
This year’s Forum was a true celebration of collaboration. While there was a moment of uncertainty about whether it could take place, the support of the Steering Committee, sponsors, and partners made it possible. Hosting the event in Randolph, New Jersey, made this year especially meaningful. The County College of Morris provided a welcoming setting that reflected the spirit of partnership, connection, and shared purpose that defined the day
Setting the Stage for Collaboration
The Forum opened with a warm welcome from Dr. Anthony Iacono, President of the County College of Morris, and New Jersey State Senator Tony Bucco.
The opening keynote address, delivered by Kristen Bowman Kavanagh, Executive Director of the Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC), emphasized the need to balance progress with the protection of shared water resources. She highlighted the role of science, data, and collaboration in addressing environmental challenges and shared new initiatives, including a basin-wide climate resilience framework and a municipal salt reduction pilot, inviting attendees to share their thoughts as the Commission gathers input on its resilience planning to better understand public and partner concerns about climate and water resources.
A panel featuring Friends of the Upper Delaware River, New Jersey Future, PennFuture, Delaware Nature Society, and Ducks Unlimited explored the state of the watershed amid shifting federal priorities, state legislatures, and emerging challenges. Panelists emphasized the need for continued collaboration and innovation as key drivers of progress.
Congressman Tom Kean Jr.
During lunch, Congressman Tom Kean Jr. joined attendees to discuss the importance of protecting ecosystems and supporting healthy communities. He shared insights from his years of public service, from the Environmental Protection Agency to the New Jersey State Legislature and now in Congress, highlighting the ongoing need to preserve clean water, protect open spaces, and maintain strong infrastructure so that New Jersey’s natural treasures can be enjoyed by generations to come.
Kati Angarone, Deputy Commissioner at the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), followed with a keynote highlighting how New Jersey’s diversity and environmental challenges also present opportunities for innovation. She emphasized the importance of building local capacity, improving access to data, and strengthening cross-sector partnerships to advance resilience and sustainability. Many of the tools and initiatives Angarone referenced are available here: NJDEP Resources.
Finding Our Common Ground and Driving Action
In the afternoon, during the session, “Finding Our Common Ground & Harnessing Our Collective Strength,” attendees shared their insights on the Coalition’s successes, challenges, and priorities. Through lively discussions and polling, participants explored ways to collaborate more effectively and strengthen the watershed-wide movement. The ideas gathered will help guide the Steering Committee and shape future Coalition initiatives.
The Forum concluded with presentations from Grant LaRouche and Kim Gaddy, each highlighting different aspects of conservation and environmental justice.
Grant LaRouche highlighted the impact of the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program (DRBRP), which continues to drive conservation results across the region through improved water quality, restored habitats, and expanded public access.
Kim Gaddy, Founder and Executive Director of the South Ward Environmental Alliance (SWEA), then shifted the focus to environmental justice and community leadership. She spoke passionately about improving air quality and water equity in Newark’s South Ward, stating that “environmental justice means self-determination.” She explained that communities should lead the decisions affecting their neighborhoods, solutions should reflect local needs, priorities, and knowledge rather than outside experts dictating actions, and true environmental equity is tied to agency and empowerment, not just remediation. Her remarks grounded the day’s discussions in purpose and highlighted the importance of ensuring that every community has a voice in shaping a healthier, more equitable future.
Connecting, Exploring, and Moving Forward
The day concluded with a networking reception at The Windlass, a scenic lakefront venue on Lake Hopatcong, where attendees connected, reflected, and celebrated the day’s discussions.
The following morning, participants took part in immersive field trips that brought conservation to life. Options included the Liffy Island Hike, a Walk on the Wild and Scenic Side of the Musconetcong River, and an Eco-Cruise on Lake Hopatcong, each offering a firsthand look at restoration efforts, community partnerships, and environmental education in action.
As the Forum came to a close, attendees left with renewed energy, stronger connections, and a shared sense of purpose. This year’s event was a powerful reminder that collaboration remains at the heart of every success across the Delaware River Watershed.
The Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed extends its heartfelt thanks to all partners, sponsors, speakers, volunteers, and attendees who made this year’s Forum possible. Together, we continue to build a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient watershed, and we look forward to coming together again next year to continue this important work.
