O26 Michelle Byers NJ Environmental Foundation Presentation

However, since the 1940s, development and urbanization have led to the loss of well over a million acres of wetlands, forests and farmlands resulting in 37% of the state developed. In fact, over the last 30 years, New Jersey lost almost 400,000 acres of farmland, forest and wetlands to development. In addition, the fragmentation of farmlands and forests has increased resulting in smaller patches of both landscape features and a loss of connected landscapes needed for full ecosystem function. The actions New Jersey takes in the next 30 years to are critical to the future economic and environmental health of the state.