Long-time Executive Director Julia Somers Will Leave Watershed Association

Julia Somers, Executive Director of the Great Swamp Watershed Association for 14 years, will be leaving the Association in June to take on a new position as Executive Director of the New Jersey Highlands Coalition.

“I never thought I would leave the Great Swamp Watershed Association, but that is exactly what I am about to do. I do so with a heavy heart, but I am so excited about the future!” said Ms. Somers. “As we celebrate our 25th anniversary year, the Watershed Association has ambitious goals. These remain for a new Executive Director to shepherd along, helped by the marvelous staff, volunteers and Board of Trustees here.”

The Coalition is made up of many New Jersey environmental organizations — both small and large — who have worked together long and hard to encourage and support passage of the New Jersey Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act. Passage of the Act was achieved in June, 2004. It specifically emphasizes the protection of water resources for both potable water supply for most of northern New Jersey’s millions of residents (their water largely comes from the Highlands), and the ecosystem viability of the Highlands.

The Act also includes goals relating to the protection of agricultural viability, ecosystems, species and communities, as well as scenic and historic resources. The Highlands region includes 88 towns covering 1250 square miles, and seven of the Great Swamp watershed’s ten towns are in the Highlands Planning Area.

Ms. Somers’ new role will be to guide the Coalition in its goal to support and advocate on behalf of the Highlands, as the Council that was created by the Act develops and implements its New Jersey Highlands Regional Master Plan (RMP) This plan will hugely influence future land use decisions in the region.

As she comes on board at her new organization, the Highlands Council announced a new deadline of December 2006 for adoption of the RMP and much work remains — for all — before that goal will be achieved. As Ms. Somers said, “these are exciting, heady and challenging times for all involved, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to be part of the effort.”

In her nearly decade and a half leading GSWA, Ms. Somers has seen the group grow from a single employee (herself), shoestring finances and a location in borrowed space at a local Madison church. During her tenure the Association has grown to a staff of 8; a half million dollar annual budget; a board of trustees including members from the corporate world, academia and municipal involvement; and currently has its headquarters in a farmhouse overlooking 8 acres in the Morristown National Historical Park.

Today the Watershed Association enjoys a statewide reputation for environmental advocacy and regulatory expertise thanks to Ms. Somers tireless efforts at the local, county and state level. Under her leadership the Association took the early lead on regional water quality monitoring, GIS mapping technology for planning and zoning, and open space acquisition — all of which are now commonplace in the world of environmentalism and conservation efforts.

Daniel Harding, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at GSWA, said in a statement, “All of us at the Watershed Association wish Julia the very best with her new and exciting career opportunity. Julia’s efforts and leadership have been responsible for many of the Watershed Association’s accomplishments, and she leaves us well-equipped to pursue our mission and the next stage of our development.”

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25 Years of Protecting Water & Land In Your Town!

Founded in 1981, the Great Swamp Watershed Association, headquartered in Harding Township, NJ, is committed to protecting drinking water and preserving land to maintain the natural beauty and livability of your town. Celebrating 25 years of service as a non-profit organization, the Association relies on membership and contributions in its advocacy for the ecological health of the 36,000 acres of the watershed. For information on membership and upcoming events, visit the website at www.greatswamp.org. Anyone interested in supporting the Great Swamp Watershed Association may call Ruth Kerkeslager at 973-538-3500.
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