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In keeping with Governor Murphy's COVID-19 State of Emergency declaration, Green Acres staff is transitioning to working remotely. Our dedication to meeting New Jersey's recreation and conservation goals continues. If you have a general question, please email GreenAcresApplications@dep.nj.gov and someone will respond as soon as possible. Thank you.
Green Acres Mission
To achieve, in partnership with others, a system of interconnected open spaces, whose protection will preserve and enhance New Jersey's natural environment and its historic, scenic, and recreational resources for public use and enjoyment. The Green Acres Program was created in 1961 to meet New Jersey's growing recreation and conservation needs. Together with public and private partners, Green Acres has protected over half a million acres of open space and provided hundreds of outdoor recreational facilities in communities around the State.
Blue Acres Funding
The Green Acres, Farmland, Blue Acres, and Historic Preservation Bond Act of 2007 authorized $12 million for acquisition of lands in the floodways of the Delaware River, Passaic River or Raritan River, and their respective tributaries, for recreation and conservation purposes. An additional $24 million was approved by the voters in the Green Acres, Water Supply and Floodplain Protection, and Farmland and Historic Preservation Bond Act of 2009.
Properties (including structures) that have been damaged by, or may be prone to incurring damage caused by, storms or storm-related flooding, or that may buffer or protect other lands from such damage, are eligible for acquisition.
For further information on this program, and for useful links regarding current emergency management efforts and guidance, please see our Blue Acres Floodplain Acquisition page. You may wish to review our Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
If you are a landowner interested in offering your land for sale to the State under the Blue Acres program, please complete and submit the Blue Acres Offer Application (PDF) and submit it to:
State of New Jersey
Department of Environmental Protection, Green Acres Program
Mail Code 501–01
P.O. Box 420
Trenton, NJ 08625–0420
Make two copies of the completed application. Keep one for your own records and submit one to your towns clerk.
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New and Noteworthy
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LWCF Conversion Environmental Assessment for Braddock Park, North Bergen Township, Hudson County is available for public review and comment until April 18, 2020. The full public notice and Environmental Assessment for this proposal are available on the Green Acres Public Notices page.
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Green Acres grants and loans approved
Funding has been approved to local governments and nonprofit organizations for land preservation, park development, and stewardship projects throughout New Jersey. Applications had been submitted as part of the 2019 funding round.
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The American Hiking Society just released its 2019 National Trails Day final report in which NJDEP was named a National Trails Day Champion for the third year in a row! The report states that “American Hiking recognizes the commitment of all the organizations involved in building National Trails Day® into an outstanding day of fun and service. Each year, we honor a few organizations and brands that go above and beyond in planning and promoting events. New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection helped coordinated nearly 50 events throughout New Jersey to celebrate NTD. Events ranged from trail maintenance projects, to guide hikes, and community festivals.”
NJDEP is the only State agency individually recognized as a National Trails Day Champion.
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Readopted Green Acres rules extend the program to 2025.
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Come check out the latest NJ preservation effort with the NJDEP's Brandee Chapman!
The DEP and partner agencies are pleased to announce the preservation of 2,218 acres of picturesque woodlands in Sussex County.
"This is one of the largest state-coordinated preservation efforts in New Jersey in years," Assistant Commissioner for Natural and Historic Resources Ray Bukowski said. "The acquisition of the conservation easements for this beautiful property will enhance the public's quality of life by creating passive recreational opportunities, preserving wildlife habitats, protecting water quality and preventing future development."
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Blue Acres Floodplain Acquisition information and Municipal Demolition Specifications
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