Official Site of The State of New Jersey
The New Jersey Highlands
The New Jersey Highlands region is a scenic and diverse area, encompassing 88 municipalities in parts of seven counties in northern New Jersey. More than 70% of New Jersey residents get some or all of their drinking water from the Highlands, including 8 out of every 10 people living in a designated Overburdened Community. For this reason, the region is protected by law. The 2004 New Jersey Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act safeguards the New Jersey Highlands from excessive development and environmental degradation. The New Jersey Highlands Council is the state agency responsible for overseeing implementation of the Act. The agency is staffed by a team of professional planners, environmental scientists, and GIS experts. Use the map to explore the region.
Spotlight
Bernardsville Borough Amended Petition for Plan Conformance for a Center Designation
The Highlands Council is currently accepting written public comments on Bernardsville Borough's request for Highlands Center Designation. Comments are being accepted through Thursday, January 22, 2026.
Highlands Council Tourism Expansion Grant Earns Industry Award
The NJ Highlands Council was recently presented with the President's Award at the New Jersey Tourism Industry Association's annual Celebration of Tourism Luncheon in recognition of the newly created Highlands brand, its tagline "you never Knew Jersey", and the Tourism Expansion Grant Program. Read all about it!
Drought Conditions 12/18/25
New Jersey is in a Statewide Drought Warning. The entire Highlands region continues to be classified in either moderate or severe drought. Additional information is available at the link below.
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Monthly Report for November
Read the most recent Highlands Council Update summarizing the Council's work in November.
Statement on the Passing of Council Member Michael R. Dressler
It is with heavy hearts that the Highlands Council expresses its condolences to the family and friends of Judge Michael R. Dressler who passed away Thursday, December 4.
Mendham Borough Petition For Plan Conformance
The Highlands Council is currently accepting written public comments on Mendham Borough's request for conformance with the Highlands Regional Master Plan. Comments are being accepted through Friday, January 2nd, 2026.
Tucker Farm preserved in Peapack & Gladstone
35 acres of farmland in Peapack & Gladstone have been preserved, with a large portion of the funding coming from the New Jersey Highlands Council's Open Space Partnership Funding Program. Read all about it!
Stay in-the-know!
Sign-up to get alerts about upcoming meetings, public notices, job openings, and more right in your inbox! Previous subscribers must re-subscribe to continue receiving emails from the New Jersey Highlands Council.
Introducing REX!
The Highlands Interactive Map is now the Highlands Resource Explorer, or REX. The Highlands GIS team built REX with the same functionality as the previous interactive map, but with an updated interface and more mapping capabilities and customization options. Check it out!
2026 Public Meetings
Access information and materials related to past, current, and upcoming public meetings the Highlands Council and Highlands Development Credit (HDC) Bank Board.
What’s the Weather in Chester?
Get the latest weather conditions and trend data from the Highlands Council weather station.
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