NEW JERSEY HIGHLANDS COALITION

Founded in 2005, the Coalition was incorporated in 2006, and received 501(c)(3) status in 2007. New Jersey Highlands Coalition’s entire focus is to protect the aquifers, surface waters, forests, farmlands, wildlife, historic resources and recreational opportunities found in the New Jersey Highlands. We are made up of 100 member organizations, small and large, local, regional, statewide and national as well as more than 1,000 individual members who have joined together to safeguard and defend this critical area. The Coalition works closely with our partners to develop and maintain a strong, protective RMP and offer key information about Highlands’ policy and science. It is through our ability to mobilize public officials and other influential decision makers, as well as the actions of our own organizational and individual members, that we are able to promote the fundamental goal of Highlands water protection. The Coalition provides a needed forum for our affiliate members to exchange ideas and to explore strategies related to emerging Highlands resource issues such as forest stewardship, dam removal, and historic and cultural resource issues, advocating for strong Highlands protection against environmentally damaging development decisions, supporting funding of land preservation to safeguard the region's environmental and cultural resources, as well as operating education and outreach campaigns to promote stewardship of this remarkable region. Our actions directly benefit the 332 municipalities in 16 counties or more than 70 percent of the state’s residents that depend on Highlands water.