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
Consistency Review
The Highlands Council is accepting public comments on its review of a Public Health and Safety Waiver related to a Water Main Extension in Washington Township, Warren County. Please see the Highlands Council Consistency Review and the Public Notice announcing the public comment period for additional information.
What's Been Happening at the Highlands Council?
Read the most recent Highlands Council Update report summarizing our work in the months of March and April.
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!
NJ Highlands Council Public Meeting Cancelled
The NJ Highlands Council public meeting scheduled for Thursday, May 15 has been cancelled.
Belvidere Petition for Plan Conformance
The Highlands Council is currently accepting written public comments on the Town of Belvidere's request for conformance with the Highlands Regional Master Plan. The Public Comment period ends Saturday, May 24.
Jefferson Township Petition for Plan Conformance
The Highlands Council is currently accepting written public comments on Jefferson Township's request for conformance with the Highlands Regional Master Plan. The Public Comment period ends Saturday, May 24.
We're Hiring!
Qualified candidates will have 5 years of professional administrative experience OR a bachelor's degree and 1 year of experience. Complete details are in the job posting.
Highlands Council 2024 Annual Report Released
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.
Current Drought Conditions
All of NJ is currently in a drought warning. Learn more about the current drought conditions and what you can do to help.
What’s the Weather in Chester?
Get the latest weather conditions and trend data from the Highlands Council weather station.
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