Governor Mikie Sherrill • Lt. Governor Dr. Dale G. Caldwell

New Jersey Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council

The Highlands Regional Master Plan (RMP) Monitoring Program addresses the periodic RMP update required by the Highlands Act. The program evaluates progress toward achieving the goals of the RMP through implementation of policies and programs. The Monitoring Program involves a public process that may result in amendments or addendums to the RMP.

The 2026 Regional Master Plan Recommendation Report provides a continuing evaluation of the Highlands RMP based on an updated analysis of indicators identified in the 2018 MPRR (below) combined with an examination of implementation activities through the first half of 2026. A public comment period for the recommendations included in this report is being held from Friday, September 18 through Wednesday, November 18. The draft report and instructions for providing comments are available below.

Draft for Public Comment

Related

Highlands Regional Factbook (pdf) - Created as part of 2018 monitoring work; updated in 2025.

This first review of the RMP was completed in 2018. The resulting Monitoring Program Recommendation Report (MPRR) provides a baseline evaluation of the RMP. Recommendations contained in the MPRR are the result of an analysis of indicators identified through a public process, combined with an examination of implementation activities to date. In this way, the MPRR provides a framework for potential amendments to the RMP along with a six-year work plan for the Council.

  • 2018 Monitoring Program Recommendation Report  (pdf)
    This pdf file includes interactive links and has been compressed for easier online use and download. A high-res file for local printing is available upon request, by contacting the Highlands Council. A hard copy is also available for review in the Highlands Council office during regular business hours.

Fiscal Impact Assessment

A Fiscal Impact Assessment was completed in support of the 2018 MPRR. The Highlands Regional Factbook, created as part of that process, was updated in 2025.