Official Site of The State of New Jersey

Recognizing the significant natural, cultural, and agricultural value of the New Jersey Highlands region, the State Legislature of New Jersey passed the New Jersey Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act (Highlands Act) in 2004 to protect both the natural resources and the economic vitality of communities within the region.

This protection is achieved through a combination of regional planning and regulatory provisions administered jointly through implementation of the Highlands Regional Master Plan (RMP) and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) Highlands Rules.