New Jersey has been a national leader on the preservation of open space. Now, Environment New Jersey is working to ensure that New Jersey’s prized open space preservation program, the Garden State Preservation Trust (GSPT), is renewed and strengthened this year.

The GSPT has already helped preserve an estimated 400,000 acres of undeveloped farmland, forests and watershed land, as well as historically and culturally significant sites. But as early as this spring or summer, the fund will be completely spent, and the program on hold, until new funding is approved by the Legislature and the governor.

Environment New Jersey sets the bar high for open space funding

On July 17, Environment New Jersey staff attended a Preservation Funding Forum at the Rutgers’ EcoComplex in Burlington County, hosted by Gov. Corzine, and members of the governor’s cabinet including NJDEP Commissioner Lisa Jackson, NJDCA Commissioner Susan Bass Levin, and Secretary of Agriculture Charles Kuperus. Over 50 people attended, representing the state’s major land trusts, environmental groups, farming community members and local officials from urban, rural and suburban communities who depend on the Fund to preserve local land.

“The Forum reinforced just how many, diverse people across the state count on the GSPT to be the bulwark against environmental degradation from overdevelopment,” said Dena Mottola, Executive Director of Environment New Jersey.

At the Forum, Environment New Jersey staff joined discussions to give input on the possible sources for new funding and the amount needed to replenish the fund.

“Environment New Jersey urges the governor and the legislature to renew the GSPT funding at a higher level than years past,” said Mottola. Mottola and others called on the governor to consider a spending program of at least $400 million a year for open space preservation, as well as for the stewardship and care of preserved lands.

Since the GSPT was established in 1998, funding met only 18 percent of the requests for from local governments and private land trusts. As a result, the state has lost some beautiful land and historic sites that should be been preserved.

Governor’s commitment made

In June, the governor named a working group of legislators and staff to craft legislation to renew funding for the GSPT. He has committed to a draft bill that reflects an agreement between the governor and the Legislature on how to replenish the GSPT, by the end of September. The legislation, once passed, will likely go to the voters for final approval next fall (2007).