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.

Click here to visit the Highlands Council website.
• Highlands Region: Northwest New Jersey [pdf 12.M]
Comments on Highlands Draft Master Plan [pdf 306k]

Deputy Attorney General Highlands Opinion [pdf 1.4M]