1. Daniel J. Van Abs, PhD, PP/AICP
Associate Research Professor
Rutgers-The State University of New Jersey

2. So many acres, so little $$

3. Setting Priorities – Variations on a Theme
Raritan Basin Method
Highlands RMP Method (33 Criteria)
 Forests and Wildlife Habitat
 Forest Integrity
 Watershed Characteristics
 Riparian Corridors
 Recharge Areas
 Open Waters and Wetlands
 Critical Habitat
 Steep Slopes
 Overlay to identify areas with the
 Wellhead Protection Areas
 Riparian Areas
 Ground Water Recharge
 Proximity to Preserved Open
Space
 Not Urban Land Use/Land Cover
 Overlay to identify areas with the
highest combined scores
 ID highest priorities by parcel
highest combined scores, group
to High/Mod
 ID highest priorities by parcel,
adding in proximity to preserved
open space

5. Ground Water Recharge
 NJ Geological Survey method –




GSR-32 (Charles, et al., 1993)
Infiltration to water table, not
aquifer recharge per se
Combination of precipitation,
surface runoff, evapotranspiration
and soil moisture deficit
information
Can use average or drought
recharge rates
“Prime” Recharge Areas – lands
providing best recharge
 Raritan Plan: 25% of total
recharge by subwatershed
 Highlands RMP: 40% of total
recharge by subwatershed
Highlands Council, 2008

7. Final Results

8. Land Preservation
for Water Supply
 Full watershed
 Contra Costa Co., CA
 Critical areas
 Akron, OH
 Mass. WRA
 NJWSA
 Rochester, NY
 Seattle, WA
 Other public owners
 Portland, OR