Highlands
In response to a petition from environmental organizations
and local governments submitted during Cross-acceptance,
the New Jersey Highlands have been recognized in the State
Plan as a Special Resource Area. This demonstrates
the Highlands' critical importance to the state and
provides assistance for coordinated planning efforts.
On August 10, 2004, Governor James E. McGreevey signed the Highlands
Water Protection and Planning Act (HWPPA) into law.
This historic legislation institutes protective environmental
standards on a 1,250 square mile area in northern New Jersey
known as the Highlands region. The region, which covers
portions of 7 counties and 88 municipalities, provides drinking
water for over 5 million people. It contains exceptional
natural resources such as clean air, contiguous forest lands,
wetlands, pristine watersheds and plant and wildlife species
habitats. It also encompasses sites of historic significance
and provides abundant recreational opportunities for the
public.
