O26 Michelle Byers NJ Environmental Foundation Presentation

FUNDING FOR PRESERVATION New Jersey is blessed with a robust funding program for open space, parks and farmland preservation. Since 1960 New Jerseyans have affirmatively voted for more than 14 bond measures which generated over $4 billion and resulted in the preservation of almost 34% of the state. • New Jersey has a permanent stable source of funding for open space and farmland preservation through the State Corporate Business Tax, administered by the Green Acres and Farmland Preservation Programs. • Federal funding is available from the USDA Agricultural Land Easement Program, the Forest Legacy Program, the Highlands and Pinelands Programs, and the Land and Water Conservation Fund • All 21 of New Jersey’s counties have passed county -wide open space preservation measures, along with a majority of municipalities. • Private funds from individuals, family foundations and philanthropic institutions have contributed millions of matching funds to secure preservation successes. • Several leading NJ conservation organizations have expressed interest in leading a campaign to preserve this forest. • The funding is available. • All it takes now is a willing landowner.