NOI - extra.docx

A. Background – This Agreement replaces P13AC01331 and continues the work begun under that Agreement to implement the community-based, comprehensive river management plan (CMP) for the Musconetcong River, a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. MWA has an established history of planning for the conservation and wise use of the Musconetcong River and its natural, cultural, and recreational resources, and is the established organization with local planning assistance for Musconetcong River communities. MWA has been selected by the NPS to partner with in implementing the CMP through the use of a cooperative agreement.

B. Objective – The objective of the Cooperative Agreement is to stimulate the long-term capacity of MWA and the communities that MWA serves to plan for the conservation and management of the Musconetcong Wild and Scenic River and its natural, cultural and recreational resources, consistent with the purposes of Section 11(b)(1) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, and as specified in PL109-452, which established the Musconetcong Wild and Scenic River, to be implemented through cooperative agreements. MWA is uniquely positioned as the local planning entity that ties the Musconetcong River communities together, and has a longstanding history of planning in concert with those communities for the future of the Musconetcong River. This Cooperative Agreement will serve to both bring the best available planning and conservation expertise to the implementation of the Musconetcong Wild and Scenic River CMP, and to strengthen the long-term capability of MWA, the local communities, and the other partner organizations of the Musconetcong River to plan for and protect the Musconetcong River.

1. Organize and facilitate Musconetcong River Management Council meetings, and also provide limited technical assistance for CMP implementation.

2. Participate in municipal zoning and planning meetings when issues arise affecting the Musconetcong River and its resource values.

3. Plan and implement the enumerated goals in the CMP in partnership with the NPS, and in cooperation with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), the Highlands and Lake Hopatcong Commissions, and other NGOs with river conservation interests.

4. Develop and produce interpretive exhibits, educational publications, other media and interpretive programs that interpret and promote the protection and enhancement of the rivers’ values.

1. Provide financial, logistical, and technical support in accordance with this Agreement, and to undertake projects and address issues to promote the long-term protection of river values consistent with CMP implementation.

2. Make staff available to participate in appropriate meetings.

3. Assist in conservation efforts relating to this Agreement.

4. Assist in conducting public meetings, workshops, and reviews of municipal zoning, county and state land use management practices, and local river management plans, all consistent with the Act and CMP implementation.

5. Participate in, review and measure progress of conservation projects provided under this Agreement consistent with the CMP, and in accordance with approved schedules.

6. Coordinate with MWA in the implementation of the CMP.