Skylands Guardian

06/05/2026

We are fortunate to sponsor this project on our own Library Trail. The trail was designed as a learning trail for kids starting at the Library Playground. Now the first part will be a fairy trail. We hope it will encourage more kids to fall in love with the natural beauty that surrounds the Wanaque watershed.

06/03/2026

Work is progressing at the Superfund site. All the cleanup for OU2 (surface) is pretty much done and they are working on the new recycling center at the O'Connor Disposal Area. The area is looking good compared to the condition before work began.

Yoo-hoo pond still remains, but the upcoming OU3 decision means that the flow of water from the air shaft feeding Yoo-hoo pond will be plugged. It is important to note that the orange color is from bacteria that consume iron from the mine and area.

05/21/2026

The US Justice Department is closing comments on the Superfund OU3 consent decree next Tuesday. You can learn more here: https://cumulis.epa.gov/supercpad/cursites/csitinfo.cfm?id=0200663

In short, they plan to plug Peter's Mine's airshaft and continue to monitor for decades. It is a cheap solution and does not remove the contamination.

To comment, you can email the following address: [email protected]

Your comment should include:

Subject: Comment on Proposed Consent Decree — U.S., et. al v. Ford Motor Co., et. al., Civil Action No. 2:26–cv–2846

Then in the body:

RE: U.S., et. al v. Ford Motor Co., et. al., Civil Action No. 2:26–cv–2846

Whether you support, oppose, or request changes.
Specific provisions you are commenting on.
Why the decree is insufficient or should be strengthened.
Any local facts, environmental impacts, maps, monitoring data, photos, or community concerns.
A clear ask: “DOJ should not enter the decree unless…” or “DOJ should require…”

If you want to keep it simple and easy, just write:

I am a resident of the area and oppose any remedy that leaves pollution in the ground. This could not only jeopardize local drinking water, but also the adjacent reservoir that delivers drinking water to 3 million New Jersey citizens.

I believe, at the very least, that a pump and treat solution should be implemented to improve the water before it can escape the mine and poison a greater area.

Regards,
[Your Name]

05/02/2026

A video from Oakland, NJ.

02/09/2026

The Tower project needs one last step. Please consider visiting the webpage we created and then signing the petition. While the Bergen County Board of Commissioners has opposed the project, we are calling for all remaining agreements—including the Memorandum of Understanding with McCay Brothers—to be fully rescinded to ensure lasting protection of this irreplaceable natural and historic resource for now and future generations.

Save Our Amazing Ramapos Concerned residents and local organizations working to prevent the construction of a 500-ft tower in Ramapo Reservation.No Tower for Wall Street Paid with our Parkland! Sign the Petition County Commissioners Say Project is Dead “After weighing the potential benefits agains...

12/13/2025

We had some hearty volunteers out on a very chilly morning to cleanup Skylands Road. The group consisted of volunteers from the Cupsaw Environmental Committee and Julia from the AmeriCorps NJ Watershed Ambassadors Program, along with our own Board members.

A total of 14 bags and the underside of a car were collected and disposed at a Ringwood Borough dumpster. Thanks to the Ringwood DPW for loaning us some signs to enhance safety and awareness.

12/08/2025

The latest at the Superfund Site. Building in Ringwood during the winter can present challenges.

12/05/2025

The whole state was put under drought warning this week. It is a symbolic move as there are no required actions. Just a warning to encourage people to conserve water.

Reservoirs are typically low this time of year, but the Wanaque Reservoir is at 37.9% capacity. If you include Monksville (already lowered ~10 feet) the system is at 44.2% capacity.

Data source: https://www.njdwsc.com/operations/pages/daily-statistics

12/02/2025

Big thanks to Julia from the AmeriCorps NJ Watershed Ambassadors Program and all the volunteers (there were even more not pictured!) who came out to help clean up the watershed at Monksville Reservoir on an extra chilly Saturday!

The total haul was approximately 1600 pounds of trash (!!!), including 8 tires, a boat motor, and a bowling ball, and a huge pile of vinyl siding, among the more standard cans, bottles, and miscellaneous refuse.

Keep an eye on or page, or follow the AmeriCorps NJ Watershed Ambassadors Program for more volunteer opportunities!

11/29/2025

After another long hiatus, RECON, Ford's contractor, will begin to remobilize to the site next week to continue the construction of the new Borough of Ringwood Recycling Center in the O’Connor Disposal Area. They will bring in management trailers to the current Recycling Center and move construction vehicles to O'Connor.

Depending on weather conditions, they will start with bringing in fill to adjust the grade before constructing the new recycling center.