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
Drought Conditions 4/30/26
New Jersey is STILL in a Statewide Drought Warning. The entirety of the Highlands region is currently in a moderate drought. Additional information is available at the link below.
Highlands Council Executive Director's Webinar For Local Leaders
Executive Director Ben Spinelli, in partnership with Raritan Headwaters Association, gave a webinar discussing the importance of protecting Highlands' water, challenges facing the region, and the vital role municipal leaders play in ensuring clean drinking water for New Jersey residents.
HDC Bank Meeting Cancelled
The Highlands Development Credit (HDC) Bank Board meeting scheduled for Thursday, May 7 has been cancelled.
Now Available
The Highlands Council has released its Annual Report for 2025.
We're Hiring!
The Highlands Council currently has two open positions. The application deadline for the IT opening has been extended to Friday, May 22.
Comment Period Open
The Highlands Council is now accepting public comments on the Highlands Council staff review of the Town of Boonton's Petition for Plan Conformance. Comments are being accepted through Thursday, May 21.
Request For Proposal: Annual Audit for the Highlands Council
The New Jersey Highlands Council is soliciting proposals from qualified firms of public accountants to conduct a financial audit for the 2026 fiscal year. The proposal deadline is Monday, June 15, 2026. For full details, see the RFP.
Highlands Council Launches Regional Tourism Website
The Highlands Council has launched a new website (enjoynjhighlands.com) as part of its Highlands region branding effort.
March Monthly Report
Read the most recent Highlands Council Update summarizing the Council's work in March.
Highlands Council Executive Director and State Legislators on WRNJ
Ben Spinelli, Senator Anthony Bucco (LD25), Assemblywoman Aura Dunn (LD25), and Jefferson Township Public Schools Superintendent Jeanne Howe discuss financial support for the Highlands region.
State of the New Jersey Highlands Report
The vision of the New Jersey Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act to safeguard the state’s water supply has not been met with a corresponding commitment to invest in the actions needed to realize that vision.
Seven New Members for the Highlands Council
At its first meeting of 2026 the Highlands Council welcomed seven new members, bringing the Council to full membership.
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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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