To achieve, in partnership with others, a system of interconnected open spaces, whose protection will preserve and enhance New Jersey's natural environment and its historic, scenic, and recreational resources for public use and enjoyment. New Jerseyans have long supported open space preservation and park development efforts. This commitment is demonstrated through the approval of 13 statewide Green Acres ballot initiatives since 1961, when the Green Acres Program was created to meet New Jersey's growing recreation and conservation needs. Together with public and private partners, Green Acres has protected almost 640,000 acres of open space and provided hundreds of outdoor recreational facilities in communities around the State.

Blue Acres Funding

The Green Acres, Farmland, Blue Acres, and Historic Preservation Bond Act of 2007 authorized $12 million for acquisition of lands in the floodways of the Delaware River, Passaic River or Raritan River, and their respective tributaries, for recreation and conservation purposes.  An additional $24 million was approved by the voters in the Green Acres, Water Supply and Floodplain Protection, and Farmland and Historic Preservation Bond Act of 2009.

Properties (including structures) that have been damaged by, or may be prone to incurring damage caused by, storms or storm-related flooding, or that may buffer or protect other lands from such damage, are eligible for acquisition.

All Blue Acres acquisitions must be from willing sellers.

If you are a landowner interested in offering your land for sale to the State under the Blue Acres program, please complete and submit the Blue Acres Offer Application (PDF) and submit it to:

State of New Jersey
Department of Environmental Protection, Green Acres Program
Mail Code 501–01
P.O. Box 420
Trenton, NJ  08625–0420

If you have any questions regarding Blue Acres, please contact us at 609–984–0500.

For other Green Acres questions, please see the staff directory.