
Save Barnegat Bay was founded by Charles Hedlund and neighbors in 1971 as the Ocean County Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America in response to a proposed development in what are today Traders Cove and F-Cove in Brick Township. In 1985, the organization became reinvigorated, expanded its scope to the whole watershed, and adopted the name Save Barnegat Bay.
From the 1980’s until well into the first decade of the twenty-first century, the group’s primary focus was on resisting imprudent development and promoting conservation of open space in its natural state. In recent years, as the watershed has become largely built out, Save Barnegat Bay has been responding to the vast number of factors that threaten the health of Barnegat Bay and its ecosystem.
Our Mission is Clear
Save Barnegat Bay’s mission is to restore and protect Barnegat Bay and its ecosystem. We advance our mission by being a strong and independent voice for the Bay throughout the watershed, including all of Ocean and part of Monmouth Counties. We do this through effective educational programs and targeted advocacy campaigns that engage over 3,500 Save Barnegat Bay members who cherish the Bay as a natural, recreational, and economic resource for the community and all of New Jersey.
The success of our educational programs and advocacy campaigns are the result of our strong connection to the Bay, environmental expertise, ability to collaborate with other organizations, and credibility as a 48 year community-based nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization with a record of accomplishment. Our members and donors generously support the work of Save Barnegat Bay, giving us flexibility and a strong foundation from which to grow.
Meet the People Behind the Scenes

Britta Forsberg

Graceanne Taylor

Gerry Anicito

Alec Boss

Avery Lentini

Brittany McLaughlin
Board of Directors

William deCamp Jr.

Louise Wootton

Andrew Bess

Karen Argenti

Edwin O’Malley

Joseph Rizzo

Sherrard Urner

RJ Cericola

Mary Judge

Maria Ritter

Karl Anderson
