Newark Watershed Conservation and Development Corporation

Newfoundland, New Jersey

Newark's Pequannock Watershed is located 35 miles northwest of the City of Newark in portions of Morris, Passaic and Sussex Counties. The area consists of approximately 35,000 acres and contains five major reservoirs.

Since 1970 the City of Newark revised its watershed policy and opened the property for recreation and educational use. In 1974 the Newark Watershed Conservation and Development Corporation, a non-profit organization, was assigned the responsibility for the management of the property on behalf of the City of Newark.

The NWCDC initiated a recreation permit program to allow the general public to enjoy one of teh most scenic areas within the state of New Jersey. The number of permits issued each year is limited to ensure proper protection of the natural environment. A fee for each activity is collected and used to support the recreational program abd help defray property taxes and maintenance costs.

The new Echo Lake recreation area creates a central focal point for visitors to the watershed and is the base for the highly successful Newark summer day camp (Camp Watershed) and is also available for private group activities. The State Green Acres Program provided partial funding for the area.

Permits are issued for hiking, hunting, horseback riding, fishing and boating.