While there has been extensive development in the Barnegat Bay watershed, there are still many critical lands that need protection from the impacts of development in order to prevent pollutants from entering the Barnegat Bay. Acquiring available, ecologically sensitive lands along the Barnegat Bay and its tributaries is a cost-effective and critical measure to prevent development activities that could further degrade the bay’s water and ecological quality. The Green Acres Program, administered by DEP, has identified and prioritized these lands for acquisition and is working with willing sellers to purchase these lands. State Revolving Fund monies may also be used for land acquisition, as well as resources from other ecological restoration funding programs. Since 2011, more than 11,000 acres have been acquired by New Jersey’s Green Acres Program and Ocean County Natural Lands Trust. The Green Acres Program and its protection partners will continue to purchase land that helps to protect the watershed.

• Actions: Continue to acquire land in the Barnegat Bay watershed.
• Lead: DEP – Green Acres Program, Division of Fish and Wildlife, and Division of Parks and Forestry
• Partners: County and Municipal stakeholders and environmental advocacy groups