KEEP MULLICA RIVER WILD
Protecting New Jersey’s Wildest River
The Mullica River is one of the last truly wild waterways left in New Jersey. Flowing through the heart of the Pine Barrens and into the Great Bay estuary, it supports some of the most intact ecosystems in the entire Mid Atlantic.
Its waters remain remarkably clean, its forests largely unbroken, and its tributaries still free flowing. Scientists and conservationists consistently rank the Mullica and Great Bay system among the most pristine estuarine environments on the East Coast.
But despite its ecological significance, the river’s long term protection is not guaranteed. Existing safeguards are fragmented across agencies and jurisdictions, leaving gaps that development and infrastructure expansion can exploit.
That’s where the campaign to add the Mullica River to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System comes in.
Why the Mullica Matters
The Mullica River watershed stretches far beyond what most people imagine. While the main stem runs just over 50 miles, the full river system eligible for federal designation spans more than 190 miles of interconnected waterways and tributaries.
This vast network filters drinking water, sustains fisheries, supports migratory species, and regulates regional hydrology. It is fed by the Kirkwood Cohansey aquifer, one of the most important groundwater reserves in the region. The surrounding Pine Barrens landscape, much of it preserved open space, plays a major role in maintaining the river’s exceptional water quality and ecological integrity.
The Threats Are Growing
Development pressure across South Jersey is accelerating, bringing industrial expansion closer to sensitive ecological zones.
Large scale infrastructure proposals and industrial facilities are already pushing into the broader watershed region. Our campaign research has flagged the rapid spread of data center development and other high impact land uses as emerging risks to the river’s long term health.
Without stronger federal protection, future projects could threaten water withdrawals, fragment habitat corridors, and increase pollution and runoff pressures. The Mullica remains wild today, but that status is not permanent unless action is taken.
The Solution: Wild and Scenic Designation
Our campaign is fighting to designate the Mullica as a Partnership National Wild and Scenic River. This federal designation creates a permanent protective framework that shields rivers from harmful federally funded infrastructure projects, including dams, diversions, and major hydrological alterations.
It does not transfer land ownership to the federal government, nor does it override local zoning authority. Instead, it strengthens conservation coordination while keeping decision making power in local hands. Rivers like the Great Egg Harbor and Maurice have already secured this designation, setting precedent for protecting South Jersey’s most ecologically valuable waterways.
Local Control Remains Intact
Our campaign is fighting to designate the Mullica as a Partnership National Wild and Scenic River. This federal designation creates a permanent protective framework that shields rivers from harmful federally funded infrastructure projects, including dams, diversions, and major hydrological alterations.
It does not transfer land ownership to the federal government, nor does it override local zoning authority. Instead, it strengthens conservation coordination while keeping decision making power in local hands. Rivers like the Great Egg Harbor and Maurice have already secured this designation, setting precedent for protecting South Jersey’s most ecologically valuable waterways.
Environmental and Community Benefits
Designation delivers real world benefits. It protects fisheries and wildlife habitat that sustain both biodiversity and local economies. It safeguards drinking water supply by preserving watershed flow integrity. It strengthens drought resilience by maintaining groundwater recharge systems.
It also unlocks federal grant funding that towns can use to expand river access, recreational infrastructure, and eco tourism development. From paddling and fishing to agriculture and aquaculture, protecting the river supports both environmental and economic sustainability.
The Path to Designation
Achieving Wild and Scenic status requires federal action.
Congress must authorize a study process, often through standalone legislation or an amendment package. That study is then conducted in partnership with the National Park Service before final designation approval.
The Mullica already meets many eligibility benchmarks through its Outstandingly Remarkable Values within the Pinelands National Reserve, including water quality, habitat protection, and ecological rarity. This campaign is about mobilizing the political will to move that process forward.
JOIN THE CAMPAIGN
Municipal resolutions will play a critical role in winning this designation. We are organizing support across river communities including Atlantic County: Mullica Township (including Elwood, Nesco, and Sweetwater), Hammonton, Galloway Township, Port Republic, Egg Harbor City, Egg Harbor Township, Hamilton Township, Folsom Borough, and Buena Vista Township. Burlington County: Woodland Township, Bass River Township, Washington Township, Tabernacle Township, Shamong Township, and Medford Township. Ocean County: Little Egg Harbor Township, Stafford Township, Barnegat Township, Lacey Township, and Manchester Township.
Local backing sends a clear message to federal representatives that protecting the Mullica is a regional priority.
The Mullica River is one of New Jersey’s last untouched ecological treasures. Protecting it requires coordinated action at every level, from local councils to Congress. Each email will be sent to your member of Congress and the 102 council members and mayors of the Mullica River watershed.