On November 6, 2007, New Jersey voters will be asked to authorize the state to issue $200 million in general obligation bonds to fund the state’s widely popular and successful Garden State Preservation Trust programs for one year. While this November's temporary, stop-gap measure will address immediate funding concerns, it does not provide a stable, consistent source of funding. If these programs continue to operate at their current levels all funds including stop gap bonds will be appropriated by June of 2008. The Keep It Green Campaign will continue to work with the Governor and State Legislator to secure a sable, constitutionally dedicated, long-term source of funding to allow the Garden State Preservation Trust to operate with greater continuity, preventing future gaps in funding and the need for yearly refendums.

The Value of the Garden State Preservation Trust

Your community would benefit directly from the renewal and strengthening of the Garden State Preservation Trust.

Stabilize Local Property Taxes
Since its creation in 1998, the Garden State Preservation Trust has enabled the State, local governments and non-profits to acquire over 432,000 acres of parks, open space and farmland. While it has been a tremendous success, New Jersey continues to lose open space at a rate of 50 acres a day, causing property taxes to rise as municipalities fund new schools, roads and public infrastructure to support this development. The acquisition of open space, on the other hand, requires less in the way of services and does not burden the municipal tax role. These areas quickly pay for themselves, and then provide long-term savings and substantial environmental and economic benefits to the community.

A Match for Local Funding Programs
The GSPT's programs, including the Green Acres, Farmland and Historic Preservation programs, provide a vital match for the dedicated local open space taxes collected annually by all 21 counties and over 225 municipalities. In order for municipalities and counties to continue receiving Green Acres and State Agriculture Development Committee (SADC) grants, the Trust must be replenished.

Manage Growth While Protecting Local Cultural Resources & Agricultural Economies
An important part of the Trust has been to help preserve historical and cultural resources and maintain viable local agriculture. Historic landscapes and farms continue to be threatened by intense development pressure and funding for the Trust's programs is needed to preserve key lands and direct growth into more suitable areas that are closer to existing infrastructure.

Ensure Funding Equity for Urban Areas
While replenishing the GSPT, we must ensure funding equity for urban, suburban and rural communities across the state. To date, the GSPT has not fully addressed all aspects of open space needs and has failed to assist in addressing the major impediment to increasing conservation and recreation resources in urban areas – the inability of maintain the additional resources – despite the critical importance of these areas to ensuring healthy communities.

Revitalize Communities & Protect Our High Quality of Life
Creating and maintaining parks, natural areas and historic sites is a vital component of any urban revitalization strategy. These areas create a high quality of life that attracts taxpaying businesses and residents and redirects growth back into urban areas. They also support the growth of our State and local economies by stabilizing property values; increasing retail and tourism activity; and attracting new industries and skilled workers to communities across New Jersey.

Our open spaces also provide opportunities for hiking, jogging and other physical activity, which increases fitness and reduces obesity. These areas reduce air and water pollution impacts on public health and associated costs for health care and drinking water treatment. In addition, they significantly improve air and water quality and provide important habitat for wildlife in urban, suburban and rural areas of our state.

To learn more about the benefits of well-maintained, accessible parks, wildlife areas and historic sites in your community as well as the needs of these areas throughout the state, click here.