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
Comments Being Accepted
The Highlands Council is currently accepting comments on a staff Consistency Review and Recommendations Report regarding the Borough of Peapack and Gladstone's consistency with the Highlands Regional Master Plan.
HDC Bank Meeting Cancelled
The Highlands Development Credit (HDC) Bank Board meeting scheduled for Thursday, November 6 has been cancelled.
Drought Conditions 10/23/25
The entire Highlands region continues to be classified in either moderate or severe drought. Additional information is available at the link below.
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Monthly Report for September
Read the most recent Highlands Council Update summarizing the Council's work in September.
PUBLIC NOTICE
The Highlands Council is currently accepting comments regarding the designation of a Highlands Redevelopment Area located in Lopatcong and Pohatcong Townships in Warren County.
Tucker Farm preserved in Peapack & Gladstone
35 acres of farmland in Peapack & Gladstone have been preserved, with a large portion of the funding coming from the New Jersey Highlands Council's Open Space Partnership Funding Program. Read all about it!
Stay in-the-know!
Sign-up to get alerts about upcoming meetings, public notices, job openings, and more right in your inbox! Previous subscribers must re-subscribe to continue receiving emails from the New Jersey Highlands Council.
Introducing REX!
The Highlands Interactive Map is now the Highlands Resource Explorer, or REX. The Highlands GIS team built REX with the same functionality as the previous interactive map, but with an updated interface and more mapping capabilities and customization options. Check it out!
2025 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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