MOUNT OLIVE (11/22/05) – A proposed federal law that would place a 24 mile stretch of the Musconetcong River on a national preservation list of "Wild and Scenic Rivers"cleared a major Congressional hurdle last month when it was approved by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

Sen. Jon Corzine sponsored the bill that now awaits a vote in the full Senate. The House of Representatives version of the bill has garnered bi-partisan support but has yet to be released from Committee.

The portions of the Musconetcong River proposed for inclusion in the Wild and Scenic Rivers System would prioritize it for increased long term open space, farmland and historic preservation protection and initiatives for water resource restoration projects.

The designation also would focus on allowing reasonable development that is not damaging to the river’s resources and the promoting of recreation activities in and along the river such as fishing, hiking and nature watching.

"The Musconetcong is a natural treasure and one that deserves our every effort to preserve," Corzine said. "This legislation is a necessary step to insure that future generations can experience what New Jereyans have always enjoyed, access to a pristine, scenic waterway.

"Many of the municipalities along the river lack the financial resources to adequately protect the river for our children," Corzine said "That’s why this legislation is so important.

Portions of the Musconetcong River proposed for inclusion in the National Wild and Sceneic Rivers system consist of 20.7 miles between Mansfield and Greenwich Townships and 3.7 miles between Saxton Falls in Allamuchy and Mount Olive Township and the Route 46 Bridge in Hackettstown. Mount Olive is among the towns that the Musconetcong watershed would encompass for Wild and Scenic designations.