   
The NJ Keep It Green Campaign represents over 145 statewide, local and regional organizations ranging from clean water groups to sportsmen's groups to affordable housing and urban park advocates working to secure funding to protect our clean water, natural areas, farmland, parks and historic sites for our benefit today and for the benefit of our children and grandchildren.
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SUCCESS!
New Jersey Keeps It Green! Passes Green Acres, Clean Water Ballot Issue
Nov. 3, 2009, TRENTON, NJ -- Today New Jersey voted Yes to continue investing in preserving our land, water and history for the benefit of citizens today, and for future generations. The majority of voters, 53% to 47%, voted to continue funding to the state's highly successful preservation programs. The Yes vote was bipartisan, winning in eight counties carried by Republican Chris Christie and seven counties carried by Democrat Jon S. Corzine.
Funding for the Green Acres Program, the Farmland Preservation Program, and the NJ Historic Trust will now continue for the next two years, giving New Jersey time to identify a long-term funding source for these programs.
In the meantime, the $400 million in approved funding will:
- Preserve sources of clean drinking water
- Protect water quality in our rivers, lakes and streams
- Preserve wildlife habitat, working farms, historic sites and natural areas
- Invest in our ecological resources that save on the high costs of degradation, protect New Jersey's multi-billion dollar outdoor tourism industries, and create jobs restoring natural and historic landmarks.
- Cost each household less than $1 per month
- Require continued full public disclosure of all spending
- Leave a legacy for future generations.
"Once again New Jersey voters have affirmed their commitment to continuing efforts to protect clean water and open spaces for our children and grandchildren," said Tom Gilbert of The Trust for Public Land, and Chair of the NJ Keep It Green Campaign of over 135 organizations. "This demonstrates that even in difficult economic times, voters understand that these are wise investments, and believe we must maintain our commitment to preserving New Jersey's land, water and history."
Today's result shows the strong citizen support for safeguarding our environment, according to members of the NJ Keep It Green coalition. "Today we heard from the voters with a strong and unwavering voice that New Jersey continues to believe in these programs and recognizes the value of open space, clean water, farms and parks, not only to our pocketbooks, but to preserving what we love about New Jersey and protecting our quality of life," said Kelly Mooij, Director of Government Relations for the NJ Audubon Society and Coordinator of the NJ Keep It Green Coalition.
Mooij added, "Today the voters strongly affirmed their continuing commitment to safeguarding our environment, our economy and our quality of life. We are grateful for that support and for the support of our over-135 coalition organizations and legislative leaders such Assemblyman McKeon, Senator Smith, Senate Majority Leader Sweeney, Senate Minority Leader Tom Kean Jr., Assemblyman Malone, among many, many others who gave voters the opportunity to protect New Jersey and make it a better place to live, do business and raise a family."
“Once again, New Jersey voters have shown their commitment to protecting land and other natural resources," said Michele Byers of the New Jersey Conservation Foundation. "They know a good investment when they see one – and they voted with their hearts and their wallets when they voted yes on Question #1 today.”
"Today, voters showed they continue to understand that preserving land protects our clean water supply." Julia Somers, Executive Director of the NJ Highlands Coalition, said, "New Jersey's voters understand that when they preserve land they protect the drinking water of the Highlands that they depend on. "
Passage of the Act yesterday will allow New Jersey to preserve many specific and ecologically fragile locations. "We are thrilled New Jersey has chosen to protect our clean water, wildlife, and recreation resources by voting in favor of Green Acres,” said Barbara Brummer, Director of The Nature Conservancy in New Jersey. “The immediate tangible outcome is funding for setting aside Bear's Head Branch in Cumberland County, and Clove Brook in Sussex County. Both of these places are home to wintering bald eagles, and reserves for clean water resources. We are proud of New Jersey today!"
This was a good day for everyone - The 5.4 million New Jersey users of NJ Highlands water users and NJ Highlands landowners. "Preserving open space has become a way of life for New Jersey residents,” said David Epstein, President of The Land Conservancy of New Jersey. "Today voters showed that they recognize the value of New Jersey's landmark preservation progarms, even in tough economic times."
The results tonight also benefit New Jersey's working farms that make a major contribution to New Jersey's economy, our access to fresh food, and our quality of life. "This election shows that the citizens of New Jersey still care about preserving our farms and open spaces," said Rich Nieuwenhuis, president of the New Jersey Farm Bureau. "The results show it is time to work on a long-term funding source for our vital preservation programs."
The benefits of New Jersey's decision tonight are wide ranging. “It is wonderful that New Jersey voters understand a smart investment opportunity when they see one and that they realize the importance of continuing to support clean water, open space and farmland preservation," said Margaret O'Gorman of the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of NJ. "This result will help grow our $3 billion wildlife recreation industry and every resident benefits.”
"The voters' Yes vote on Question #1 will ensure that for the next two years there are funds available to protect healthy forests that surround our drinking water sources and to prevent productive farmland from being lost. The NJ Keep It Green coalition will echo the voters' message to the Governor and the Legislature to work for long-term open space funding to protect what we all love about New Jersey," said Jennifer M. Coffey, Policy Director, Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association.
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Vote YES on Public Question #1 on Nov. 3rd:
Green Acres, Clean Water, Farmland Preservation
The NJ Keep It Green Campaign represents 135 statewide, local and regional organizations ranging from clean water groups to sportsmen's groups to affordable housing and urban park advocates working to secure funding to protect our clean water, natural areas, farmland, parks and historic sites for our benefit today and for the benefit of our children and grandchildren.
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NEWEST: Dean of Rutgers' Bloustein School Endorses "Yes" on Question #1
Hear a Message from NJ Keep It Green Chairman.
NJ Keep It Green Kicks Off Campaign
9/29/09 -- TRENTON -- Today the NJ Keep It Green coalition of 135 organizations launched its campaign for passage of Public Question #1 on the November 3rd statewide ballot. Approval of this referendum on the Green Acres, Clean Water, Farmland Preservation Act will continue the state’s wise investments to protect clean water and open spaces for our children and grandchildren.
“We’re here today because every person and business in New Jersey needs clean water,” said Tom Gilbert, Chairman of the NJ Keep It Green coalition. “And the best way to keep providing clean water is to preserve the natural land that filters the water before it goes into our water system,” he added.
“This campaign is also about protecting our quality of life and leaving a legacy for future generations,” said Kelly Mooij, Coordinator of the coalition. “We want a state that’s healthy and beautiful, where we can enjoy clean drinking water, wildlife and natural areas, and protect the water quality of our rivers, lakes and streams.”
Click Here to see the full press release, which includes comments from Assemblyman John F. McKeon, Senator Bob Smith, Senator Thomas H. Kean, Jr., and others.
Below, Assemblyman John F. McKeon gestures to the benefits of voting YES for investments in open spaces and clean water. He is joined in this photo (from left) by John Hatch of Preservation New Jersey, Hunterdon County Freeholder Ron Sworen, Senator Thomas H. Kean, Jr. (obscured by podium), and Senator Bob Smith. More photos available upon request.
A few additional photos, below. (1) Assemblyman McKeon flanked by Senator Kean and Senator Smith; (2) Senator Kean at the podium, (3) The Jersey Fresh wagon showing that preserving farmland benefits all of us, and (4) a broader photograph at the event at South Walk River Park.
   
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NJ Keep It Green Photos
Early-September -- Photos from the NJ Keep It Green Campaign for the Green Acres, Clean Water, Farmland Preservation Act of 2009. Vote "Yes" on Nov. 3
NJ Keep It Green introduces new banner NJ Keep It Green digital lawn sign
Lester Brown endorses the Act Flying over the Jersey Shore...
 
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NJ Keep It Green Coalition Applauds Signing of Legislation to Place Continued Funding for Preservation on November 3 Statewide Ballot. Vote "Yes!" on Public Question #1!
8/18/09 -- NEWARK – Today Governor Corzine signed legislation that puts a public question on the November 3 statewide ballot to let voters decide whether to continue the state’s efforts to preserve clean water, fish and wildlife habitat, working farms, historic places, and forests.
On June 25th, 2009, the New Jersey Assembly and Senate approved the legislation with strong bipartisan support. The Governor’s signature is required to authorize the statewide ballot question, the “Green Acres, Water Supply and Floodplain Protection, and Farmland and Historic Preservation Bond Act of 2009.”
The state’s open space and farmland preservation efforts will essentially come to an end if voters don’t approve the continued funding on November 3. Remaining funds from a 2007 ballot measure approved by the voters have been appropriated.
“The public question will give voters a choice on preserving things that are near and dear to New Jersey: the quality of our drinking water, the health of our lakes and streams, our native wildlife, working farmland and other natural treasures that are worth preserving in our state,” said Kelly Mooij, Coordinator of the 132-organization NJ Keep It Green coalition. “Continuing these efforts will make us better-off today and ensure a better New Jersey for our children and grandchildren.”
Click here to see the full statement by NJ Keep It Green and leading figures.
Applause for the November 3 Green Acres, Clean Water and Farmland Preservation ballot measure. From Left to right (front row), Governor Corzine, Essex County Executive Joe DiVincenzo, NJ Audubon Society President Thomas J. Gilmore, Assemblyman John F. McKeon, and Newark Mayor Cory Booker. Behind Mayor Booker, Senator M. Teresa Ruiz (applauding) and many other members of the community.
Other photos from the signing event on 8/18/09
  
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Last State Preservation Funds Appropriated. Voter Approval Needed to Continue Protecting Clean Water, Fish & Wildlife Habitat, Working Farms, Forests
8/6/09 -- TRENTON – Today Governor Corzine signed legislation that appropriates the last of the 2007 voter-approved funds for the Garden State Preservation Trust, which helps to protect the state’s water and land from overdevelopment.
“These funds will be crucial to protecting what we love about New Jersey,” said Kelly Mooij, Coordinator of the 130-organization NJ Keep It Green coalition. “It’s absolutely essential that we renew funding to continue these efforts which do so much for New Jersey today, and leave a better state for our children and our grandchildren.”
With strong bipartisan support, the State Legislature has approved a public question on the November 3 ballot that will give voters the opportunity to continue the state’s investment in preserving water quality, lakes and streams, working farms, natural areas, and historic treasures.
The NJ Keep It Green coalition views the public question as a very wise investment for New Jersey, especially now while land prices are lower than in recent years, and because jobs are created by many of the projects. The public question also provides for full public disclosure of all spending, and ensures public representation on the Garden State Preservation Trust.
“If we don’t continue funding for the state’s preservation programs, we’ll lose some of our state’s richest assets forever,” added Mooij.
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Groups Applaud State Legislators for Granting Voters the Choice on Open Space
6/25/09 -- Today the State Legislature voted with strong bipartisan support in the Senate (26 Yes, 7 No) and Assembly (66 Yes, 9 No, 3 Abstain) to let the New Jersey voters decide in November whether to continue the state’s investments in open space. The 129-organization coalition, the New Jersey – Keep It Green Campaign, applauded this overwhelming support.
The timing was crucial, with the Garden State Preservation Trust essentially empty and no longer able to undertake new preservation vital to New Jersey’s water supply, health and prosperity. The Trust has been pivotal in supporting statewide and local efforts to provide for open space, parks, farmland preservation and historic preservation.
Twelve Senators and 37 Assembly members sponsored or co-sponsored the legislation (S1858/A3901). “Our elected officials have put their faith in voters to make the call on the future of New Jersey’s open space,” said Thomas Gilmore, Chairman of the NJ-Keep It Green coalition that favors the $400 million bond issue. “Every time New Jersey voters have been given that choice in a statewide ballot, they have voted in favor of open space investments because of the immediate and future value we experience for ourselves, our children and our grandchildren.” Voters have approved all 12 of the 12 statewide open space ballot issues since 1961.
The NJ-Keep It Green coalition highlighted the leadership of prime sponsors Senator Bob Smith and Assemblyman John F. McKeon, and the leadership of Senators Stephen M. Sweeney, Robert M. Gordon, James Beach, and Thomas H. Kean, Jr., and Assembly members Celeste M. Riley, Jon M. Bramnick, Louis D. Greenwald, Joan M. Quigley, L. Harvey Smith, and Joseph R. Malone.
"We applaud the legislature for letting the voters choose to continue investing in preservation efforts," said Anthony Cucchi, NJ Director of the Trust for Public Land. "These investments will provide $10 worth of benefits for every $1 invested,” he added. Benefits are in the form of ecosystem services (such as water purification, waste treatment and flood mitigation), natural goods (such as fish and farm products), and outdoor recreation and tourism activities, for instance. In addition, jobs will be created from historic preservation, park construction, and other activities. The cost would be $10 annually per household, based on a 20-year bond at 5% interest.
To read the rest of today's press release, please click here.
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Group of State Legislators and Bond Act Supporters Call for Voter Choice on Open Space
6/22/09 -- Senator Bob Smith, Senator Stephen M. Sweeney, Senator Thomas H. Kean, Jr., and Assemblyman John F. McKeon joined representatives of the 126-organization NJ-Keep It Green coalition in urging legislators to support letting voters decide on the future of the state’s open space investments this November. The legislative leaders and coalition members gathered following approval of legislation (S1815/A3901) to place a bond measure on the November ballot by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee and the Assembly Budget Committee on Monday. The Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee and the Assembly Budget Committee approved the bills today with strong bi-partisan support.
The legislative leaders highlighted the broad support for legislation that would continue the state’s tradition of listening to the voters’ decision on open space funding. They also emphasized the economic importance of investing in New Jersey’s open space. There are 37 Assembly sponsors or co-sponsors of A3901 and 12 Senate sponsors and co-sponsors of S1858. The legislation would let voters decide in November on authorizing $400 million in bonding to continue open space investments at level funding for the next two years.
“In a week that lawmakers map out New Jersey's financial road for the next year, it is crucial to give voters the choice to protect and continue our investment in open space which delivers a high economic yield to our state including saving taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars in water purification costs every year and providing a much-needed stimulus to our agriculture and tourism industries," said Assemblyman John F. McKeon, D-Essex, Chairman of the Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee. “It is imperative to prevent a break in funding so we do not permanently lose valuable tracts of land including pristine watersheds and valuable farmland. It is important to let voters decide on funding open space. A-3901 does that," he added.
The full Assembly is scheduled to have the opportunity to vote on the legislation on Thursday. The Senate’s board list has yet to be announced.
To read the rest of today's press release, including comments by the legislators and several NJ-Keep It Green leaders, please click here.
Below: Tom
Gilmore, Chairman of the NJ Keep It Green Campaign,
with Legislative Leaders and Keep It Green Coalition
Leaders (see story, above)
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Study Shows Economic Value of Open Space Bond Measure Would Far Exceed Costs
6/17/09 -- The NJ-Keep It Green coalition of 126 organizations released the results of an analysis which shows that every dollar invested through a proposed $600 million open space bond measure would yield ten times that amount in economic value.
They also said lawmakers must act now to put the bonding question to voters, as has been the tradition in New Jersey since its first statewide open space ballot measure in 1961.
The bond measure, which would provide for $200 million to invest in each of three years and cost less than $16 annually per household, would result in over $500 million in annual economic value. The cost of borrowing $600 million would be $48 million annually once all the bonds are issued (assuming 20-year bonds at 5% interest). In total, the estimated annual economic value would exceed the annual costs by more than 10 to 1 over the 20-year life of the bond.
Economic benefits are in the form of ecosystem services (such as water purification, waste treatment and flood mitigation), natural goods (such as fish and farm products), and outdoor recreation activities across the entire state. The ten-fold rate of return-equivalent includes repayment of all interest and principal of the bond issue.
“This analysis demonstrates some of the extraordinary economic benefits of investing in our natural areas, parks, and farmland,” said Tom Gilbert of the Trust for Public Land, which performed the analysis. “Yet even the figures we’re highlighting today don’t include the jobs that would also be created by the bond measure through historic restoration projects and constructing new recreation or playground facilities, for instance.”
Nor does the ten-fold return figure include the lifelong economic benefits to New Jersey beyond a 20-year horizon.
To read the rest of the press release, please click here.
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6/15/09 -- Twelve more New Jersey organizations have joined the diverse NJ-Keep It Green coalition in the past two weeks, raising our total membership to 124 organizations, with hundreds of thousands of individual members.
All NJ-Keep It Green coalition members understand the urgency of continuing New Jersey's efforts to preserve natural areas, parks, farmland and historic areas. It's good for our economy, the health of our families, the environment, and the overall prosperity of New Jersey's citizens.
Please see a full list of our member organizations under our "partners" tab, above. Please also check out the latest developments, under our "news" tab, above.
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Preservation Efforts at Risk, as Last Funds Appropriated
6/4/09 -- Numerous critical preservation efforts now underway throughout the state are at risk without a November ballot measure to replenish the Garden State Preservation Trust, said members of the NJ Keep It Green coalition today.
“Today the Legislature is set to make the last open space appropriations from funds approved by voters in 2007,” said Kelly Mooij, Coordinator of the 115+ member Keep It Green Coalition. “And yet the Assembly Appropriations Committee and Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee have not yet taken up bills that would enable the State to continue its open space investments.”
Bills A3901 and S1858, which would put a $600 million bond measure before voters on the November ballot to continue preservation efforts for three years, must be approved before the Legislature’s June 30th recess, but still need to clear the Appropriations committees in order to receive a full vote in each house. The bills were approved by the Assembly and Senate Environment Committees in May with bipartisan support.
After today’s appropriations, the Garden State Preservation Trust will no longer be able to match funds invested by municipalities, counties and non-profits to acquire open spaces for natural areas, parks and recreation, or to preserve farmland and historic areas.
Specific Needs at Risk
"There are enormous and pressing needs for continued state investments to provide safe, accessible, high-quality parks in New Jersey's cities," said Anthony Cucchi, New Jersey State Director with The Trust for Public Land. "In the City of Newark, for example, we are working with the Booker Administration to develop parkland along the Passaic River waterfront, which will serve as a catalyst for economic growth in the adjacent communities. To succeed, this ambitious project will require continued investment from the State as a lead partner and significant funding from the Green Acres Program." In fact, Newark has fewer acres of parkland per resident than any of the 55 biggest cities in the nation.
In the New Jersey Highlands, approximately 19,000 more acres of the most critical land in the Special Environmental Zones must be protected in order to minimally protect the state’s drinking water. An additional 162,557 acres have been identified as “Priority” acquisitions, necessary to maintain the ecological integrity of the Highlands region and its water supply. “Today, as New Jersey Highlands municipalities work through conformance and identify lands vitally important for the protection of our State’s clean and plentiful drinking water supplies, preservation dollars through the GSPT must continue to be available to assist acquisition efforts at the local, county and regional level,” explained Julia Somers, Executive Director of the New Jersey Highlands Coalition. “Our quality of life, economic well-being and the future of our drinking water supplies depends on it!”
Preservation needs spread across New Jersey. “To meet the growing needs for preservation around the state, we must be able to bring funding to the table when needed. There are many farms in the Delaware Bay watershed – the heart of New Jersey’s agricultural industry – that we are working to preserve, but we need State funds to make it happen. Preservation of these farms helps ensure a local food supply, protects natural resources and stimulates the local economy,” said Alison Mitchell, Director of Policy for the New Jersey Conservation Foundation. More than 450,000 acres of additional farmland should be preserved to maintain a viable agriculture sector in New Jersey, according to the SADC.
In the New Jersey Pinelands, at least 30,000 acres have yet to be preserved according to the Master Plan. In the Barnegat Bay Watershed, at least 76,000 more acres must be preserved to protect the area, its residents, and visitors. Meanwhile, over 1,300 registered historic sites in New Jersey have not received funding for rehabilitation, despite their high value to our neighborhoods, educational opportunities, and economy. The creation of new trails is also falling behind the state’s needs, according to the 2008 Trails Plan Update.
Open Space and the State’s Budget
The Keep It Green coalition also addressed the state’s open space needs in light of the state’s fiscal concerns. They noted that the time to borrow and invest wisely is now, when borrowing costs are low, land prices have declined, and land is becoming scarcer in New Jersey. These are the kinds of terms that wise investors embrace, they noted.
[See full article here].
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An Investment In Our Future.
Op Ed published in The Record 5/15/09 by Tom Gilmore, President of the New Jersey Audubon Society and Chairman of the Keep It Green Campaign
Every New Jersey resident who has sipped clean drinking water, observed wildlife, or walked or played in a park has enjoyed some of the benefits of our state's open space.
Open space investments have also enabled us to savor more local produce from preserved farmland, go fishing amidst nature's beauty and admire the community-building character of a historic building... [See full article here.]
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Poll shows voters support $600 million bond to continue state preservation efforts
On May 13, the Keep It Green coalition held a press conference at the State House and released the results of a recent statewide public opinion survey showing that a solid majority of voters would support a $600 million bond measure if placed on the ballot this November to continue funding for state open space, farmland and historic preservation efforts. The poll of 600 likely voters, commissioned by the Trust for Public for Land and The Nature Conservancy, was conducted April 3-5 by Fairbanks, Maslin, Maullin & Associates.
When read sample ballot language for a $600 million bond measure, 59% of voters backed the measure with 33% percent against. When provided with additional information about what the funds would be used for and told the annual cost to the average household ($16 annually), support increased to two-thirds of voters. In addition, 80% of those polled said they would want their legislator to vote in favor of putting the measure on the ballot to let voters decide. The strong support for the measure is particularly noteworthy given the high level of concern about the economy evident in the survey data.
"These results demonstrate that a strong majority of voters would likely support a $600 million bond measure if placed on the ballot this November,” said Tom Gilbert of The Trust for Public Land. “They clearly view the cost as reasonable and a worthwhile investment, even in difficult economic times.”
The funds would replenish the Garden State Preservation Trust, which has allocated virtually all the funds approved for it by voters under a November, 2007 $200 million bond measure, which was to last for one year. The GSPT works with its partners such as the Green Acres Program to match private, municipal and county investments in high-priority open-space projects. “These projects help put clean drinking water in our glasses and clean air in our lungs, provide playgrounds and parks for all residents to enjoy, preserve New Jersey’s farms and local sources of food, and put people to work restoring historic buildings that improve the character of our neighborhoods,” said Kelly Mooij, Coordinator of the Keep It Green Campaign.
Please click here for the full press release and the poll summary that the Keep It Green coalition released at today's press conference.
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Assembly Environment Committee Would Let Voters Choose Future for Open Space
On May 11, the Assembly Environment Committee affirmed its support for continuing the Garden State Preservation Trust (GSPT), the state’s fund for open space, farmland and historic preservation, which is essentially out of money.
During today’s meeting, Assemblyman John McKeon, Chairman of the Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee, reiterated the value of the Trust’s investments in our neighborhoods, parks, farmland, natural areas, and historic structures.
The Committee released bill A3901, which would create a November, 2009 ballot question enabling voters to maintain the Garden State Preservation Trust.
Click here to view full press release.
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Senate Environment Committee Would Let Voters Choose Future for Open Space
A positive step for New Jersey's open space investments --- On May 7 the Senate Environment Committee voted to give New Jersey’s citizens a choice on whether to renew the Garden State Preservation Trust (GSPT), our state’s nearly-empty fund for open space, parks, farmland and historic preservation. The bill, S1858, would give New Jersey’s voters the opportunity to support a $600 million bond question to fund preservation of our state’s natural and cultural treasures as the voters have at every opportunity in the past four decades.
“Renewing GSPT will enable it to keep investing to revitalize our urban neighborhoods, put people to work rehabilitating historic treasures, protect our working farms and safeguard our natural resources and drinking water,” said Kelly Mooij, Director of Government Relations for New Jersey Audubon Society. “This is a much needed investment in our natural assets and a sound investment in difficult economic times.”
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GSPT Forum a Huge Success
Nearly 200 political and preservation leaders enthusiastically joined the Garden State Preservation Trust Educational Forum in Trenton on May 4. Leaders from across the spectrum highlighted the tremendous accomplishments, benefits and needs of the GSPT, the State's essential trust to help fund open space, parks, farmland preservation and historic preservation.
The GSPT has essentially no money left to allocate after voters approved a $200 million bond issue on the November, 2007 ballot. Voters again deserve a choice this coming November whether to continue the GSPT, according to many of the Forum's attendees. Presenters and audience members alike highlighted ways that the Garden State Preservation Trust helps improve the lives, health, neighborhoods, prosperity and future of New Jersey residents.
Below, the audience gives a standing ovation during the event. Please see the Events page of this website for more photos, a schedule of speakers, and the list of sponsoring organizations that grew to nearly 40. The full press release is here.
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Keep It Green Campaign Participates in Joint Hearings Regarding GSPT
Members of New Jersey’s Keep It Green Campaign participated in the April 16 joint hearing of the Senate Environment and Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committees on the issue of funding for open space and replenishing the Garden State Preservation Trust (GSPT).
Fourteen leaders among Keep It Green’s member organizations testified in favor of continuing the state’s crucial investments in open space, urban parks, farmland and historic preservation.
The remaining GSPT funds granted by voters in the November, 2007 election were recommended for appropriation last month. Without renewed funding approval in November, 2009, the Trust will lose its ability to invest in New Jersey’s natural and historic areas that could otherwise be lost forever.
Among those testifying today was Kelly Mooij, Coordinator of the Keep It Green Campaign, who said, “Without immediately renewing GSPT, preservation in New Jersey will rapidly grind to a halt. It is vital that we fund preservation in order to protect our state’s drinking water and wildlife, reduce erosion and flooding, preserve local food production, create much-needed parks and recreation areas in urban and suburban settings, and preserve the historic character of our neighborhoods.”
Many of today’s speakers highlighted the economic imperatives for restoring the Garden State Preservation Trust. For instance, one Keep It Green member sited a study indicating that $1 million invested in historic preservation creates 38 jobs – many of them high-paying jobs, more than is created by spending the same amount on new construction or highways. Others explained how open space, especially farmland and historic preservation, contributes significantly to New Jersey tourism, a $38 billion industry here. Supporters of farmland preservation sited evidence that for every $1 our farmers pay in taxes, they draw only about $0.35 in services.
Several speakers also pointed out that at a time when land values are lower, state dollars go further, and support local real estate markets when there are willing sellers.
New Jersey’s voters have sustained their commitment to open space over the years, approving all 12 statewide ballot issues in this area, and countless municipality and county measures. The Keep It Green coalition believes that our legislators and the Governor should again give voters the opportunity to support the Garden State Preservation Trust in November, 2009.
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State out of Funds for Open Space, Farmland and Historic Preservation
Wednesday, March 11 at the State House, the Garden State Preservation Trust – the independent body which approves allocations of state funds for preserving open spaces, historic places and farmland – allocated nearly all of the $200 million in funds approved by the voters through a Nov. 2007 bond measure to provide stop-gap funding for these efforts. All but $5 million of the remaining funds were allocated for historic preservation, park development and land conservation projects throughout the state. During presentations to the Trust, state agency officials noted that many more land conservation, park and historic preservation projects requested funds than were available. The state is now essentially out of funding to complete these and any other new projects.
“This lack of funding,” said John Hatch, President of Preservation New Jersey “means that many of the historic places that give our community’s character are at risk of being lost forever. We need to create more opportunities for community revitalization and renewal as well as provide jobs for our citizens by saving these historic treasures."
The Trust is now all but empty, after the committee approved valuable projects ranging from the restoration of New Jersey’s Revolutionary War sites and historically significant buildings at the heart of our urban communities, to the acquisition of natural areas needed to purify our water supply and preserve our natural resources. “These projects will put people to work and invest directly in New Jersey’s economic development and natural assets,” said Kelly Mooij, Coordinator of the New Jersey- Keep It Green Campaign. “But this investment needs to continue, especially in difficult economic times like these.”
“More than ever, in today’s tough economic times, the people of New Jersey need clean and plentiful drinking water, access to parks and recreation areas, local food from preserved and working farms and the continued preservation and restoration of our valued cultural sites,” said Julia M. Somers, Executive Director of the New Jersey Highlands Coalition.
With the $200 million approved by the November, 2007 referendum being allocated all across the state, New Jersey urgently needs a new referendum in November, 2009 to restore the Garden State Preservation Trust. In his State of the State Address, Governor Corzine called for a measure on the November ballot [See article below titled, “Governor Corzine Calls on Legislature…”], but has yet to announce his specific plans.
Tom Wells, Director of Government Relations for The Nature Conservancy in New Jersey stated "We have already negotiated land preservation deals based on the funding approved today by the GSPT. Unless the Governor and legislature agree soon on a plan to renew GSPT funding, our efforts to preserve New Jersey's natural lands will slow to a trickle, precisely at the time when real estate prices are in our favor."
”A replenished Garden State Preservation Trust would invest significantly in urban parks, farmland and historic preservation projects that will keep our children active, our food more locally-grown, and our rich heritage alive,” said Anthony Cucchi, NJ State Director with the Trust for Public Land. “It will also enable us to continue investing in natural areas that maintain our clean water, clean air, and the healthy environment for our families.”
Studies have shown that new investments in park and historic restoration projects will create jobs and stimulate the economy. For instance, The Rutgers Center for Urban Policy found that every $1 million invested in rehabilitating an older building creates 29.4 jobs - 13 in the construction industry and 19 in other parts of the economy. The economic impact of preservation construction even surpasses that of new construction. Further, a 2008 study commissioned by the National Parks & Conservation Association found that every dollar invested in national parks generates at least $4 in economic value to the public.
“We're now without state funding until the Governor and Legislature act to renew preservation dollars. That means some real missed opportunities to save land at a bargain and to help boost the real estate market at a critical time," said Alison Mitchell of the New Jersey Conservation Foundation.
New Jersey voters have approved every statewide measure on the ballot to fund preservation efforts in good times and bad. They should be given the opportunity to do so again this November.
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Chair of Keep it Green Campaign Urges Support for the Garden State Preservation Trust Without Which Funds Will Otherwise Run Out This Year
Link: Radio Message from Keep It Green Chairman
 In a radio message airing now, Chair of the Keep it Green Campain and New Jersey Audubon Society President Tom Gilmore (pictured) urges support for the Garden State Preservation Trust. Without additional support, the GSPT is scheduled to run out this year, which would dramatically slow down New Jersey's preservation of natural and historic areas.
In his message, Gilmore highlights why now is an ideal time to restore funding to the Trust. For instance, lower land prices will enable the trust to purchase more parcels, which will help support property values. And for every $1 million invested in new parks and historic restoration, 29 jobs will be created. The benefits to New Jersey's citizens will endure for generations.
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Governor Corzine Calls on Legislature to Place an Open Space Bond Referendum on the November Ballot in State of the State Address
Although Governor Corzine prefers a “long-term funding solution” for open space preservation, which he recognized as “an area of vital importance and concern” to New Jerseyans, he urged the Legislature to place an interim bonding question on the November 2009 ballot in his State of the State address.
The Keep it Green Campaign applauds the Governor’s prioritization of this issue and his commitment to fund open space preservation. We believe that the Governor is listening to the people of the State who, in these difficult economic times, continue to support open space preservation as seen in the recent local and county ballot initiatives. The Campaign is heartened by the reaffirmation of his promise to fund open space and to have legislative action by June 30th to place a measure on the November 2009 ballot. While we are grateful that the Governor recognizes the importance of this issue, we believe it is vital that the solution be multi-year. We look forward to working with the Governor and the legislature and supporting them on efforts to fund open space preservation including farmland preservation, urban parks and historic preservation.
The Garden State Preservation Trust, which last received stop-gap funding in 2007 when voters approved $200 million in bonds, is out of money. The Keep It Green Campaign is urging organizations, community organizations, businesses, municipalities, local and county officials, and volunteers to learn more about the critical need for a stable, long-term funding source for open space preservation in New Jersey and how that goal can be met. Please consider inviting Keep It Green representatives to speak at your meeting or event. Your endorsement of our mission strengthens our voice in Trenton. Contact Liz Silvernail, Public Outreach Coordinator, for more information by emailing her at liz.silvernail@njaudubon.org. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Jersey Voters Approve Funds for Open Space, Despite Poor Economy
On November 4, voters nationwide approved $7.3 billion in new public money to protect land for parks and open space-the highest amount ever according to The Trust for Public Land (TPL), a national land conservation organization. The increase can be attributed in large part to the Minnesota Clean Water, Land and Legacy constitutional amendment accounting for $5.5 billion. Overall, 62 out of 87 measures (or 71 percent) were passed by voters.
In New Jersey, voters approved 14 of 22 county and municipal measures generating $191 million in conservation funding. New Jersey had more open space ballot measures than any other state.
In Hunterdon County, voters approved the largest measure and the only county measure on the ballot, with 76 percent voting in favor of continuing the current levy of three cents per $100 of assessed property value to fund the Hunterdon County Open Space Trust Fund indefinitely rather than letting it expire next year. The move is expected to generate $7.6 million annually for open space, farmland, and historic preservation efforts, as well as stewardship of county and municipal parklands.
In Ocean County, Ocean Township voters approved increasing the open space tax from 1.2 to three cents per $100 of assessed value, and voters in Barnegat Light Borough approved a new one-cent open space tax. Both measures will provide funds to help acquire lands important to protecting water quality in the Barnegat Bay watershed. In Mercer County, Hopewell Township voters approved a one-cent increase to the open space tax that will generate an additional $459,000 annually for preservation efforts.
A complete list of results from local and state balloting on conservation and parks is available online today from LandVote 2008-www.landvote.org.
"These results demonstrate sustained support among New Jersey residents for new investments in parks and open space, even in a very tough economic climate," said Tom Gilbert, mid-Atlantic conservation finance director with The Trust for Public Land. "Looking ahead to 2009, we look forward to working with Governor Corzine, the New Jersey legislature, and our conservation partners on the critical need to renew and strengthen the Garden State Preservation Trust next year."
Last November, New Jersey voters approved $200 million in bonding to replenish state open space, farmland, and historic preservation programs for one more year. Those funds will soon run out resulting in the first gap in state funding to preserve open space in decades.
"We call on Governor Corzine and state legislative leaders to follow the great example given by the voters in this election and make good on their pledge to replenish the Garden State Preservation Trust," said Thomas Gilmore, Chair of the New Jersey Keep it Green Campaign, a coalition of over 100 organizations working to promote open space preservation in New Jersey. "Renewing and strengthening this state-wide Fund is integral to preservation efforts and allows the State to continue to actively partner with local governments to preserve our parks, forests, farms, and historic places."
Since 1988, voters have approved newly 1,700 conservation measures, generating more than $54 billion in new public funds for conservation.
Some of the Archived News (See also "News" tab)
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Banner Day for Open Space
This Saturday, thousands of New Jersey residents will head to the beaches and shore-area parks for one last summer weekend. The Keep It Green Campaign will be there too. The campaign has hired a plane to fly from Cape May to Sandy Hook towing a banner that asks New Jersey residents to call the governor and urge him to provide funding for open space preservation now.
“Governor Corzine has promised to renew open space funding on several occasions, but he has yet to deliver,” said Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club. “Today we are calling on the governor to keep his promise and keep New Jersey green.”
“At the shore today, the Blue Skies are the Green Skies!” added Eric Stiles, Vice President of Conservation and Stewardship for the New Jersey Audubon Society. “This banner will remind citizens that there is important work that remains to be completed and they need to hold their elected officials accountable.”
Although the people of New Jersey have shown time and time again through polls and, more importantly, the passage of dozens of ballot measures that they believe open space should be funded, the Garden State Preservation Trust (GSPT), the funding mechanism for the state’s open space, farmland, and historic preservation programs, is out of money. The last of the money for the farmland program was appropriated in July, and all of the remaining money for the open space program, also known as Green Acres, is expected to be officially appropriated before the end of the year.
With the help of Green Acres matching grant funds and private contributors, the Nature Conservancy has created 37 nature preserves in New Jersey encompassing over 21,000 acres, which are available for public enjoyment,” remarked Tom Wells, Director of Government Relations for the group. “However, with the end of Green Acres funds on the horizon, we and many other conservation organizations, counties, and municipalities will have to curtail preservation activities, and areas important to the preservation of wildlife and water supplies will be lost to development.”
“This state can not afford to take a giant step backward in our preservation efforts,” concurred Judith Stanley Coleman, President of Monmouth Conservation Foundation. “Our citizens must call on their elected officials to renew funds for open space and farmland preservation before it is too late.”
Despite the work of the Keep It Green Campaign and thousands of emails, letters, and calls to legislators and the governor over the past two years, the state has still failed to provide funding to this vital program.
“In this tight economy, preserving New Jersey’s open spaces is the smartest investment we can make,” explained Jennifer Coffey, Director of Watershed Management for Stony Brook Millstone Watershed Association. “Open spaces protect our drinking water, provide free and healthy places for families to explore, and shelter nature’s wild places. New Jersey is the most densely populated state in our great nation, and the time to save our last remaining open spaces is now.”
“We cannot afford not to renew open space funding,” agreed Dave Pringle, Campaign Director for the New Jersey Environmental Federation. “Soon it will be too late to preserve what little open space we still have as we march toward build out and real estate values rebound sky high. This is why we have this plane in the sky. The governor needs to fulfill his repeatedly broken promise to do so.”
"Governor Corzine has let the Garden State Trust Fund run dry and we need him to immediately act to replenish its funding. Every month that goes by with no funding for open space will mean more permanent loss of green space that is so critical to New Jersey’s quality of life. With only 15 years left before New Jersey reaches full build out, we cannot wait. GSPT funds must be renewed this fall,” added Dena Mottola Jaborska, Executive Director of Environment New Jersey.
“New Jersey’s commitment to the protection of the Highlands – and the water supply the region provides – is not complete without a fully-funded Garden State Preservation Trust. The Highlands are at risk if we can’t preserve these lands forever on behalf of the public,” explained Julia Somers, Executive Director of the New Jersey Highlands Coalition.
"The New Jersey Historic Trust's grants programs will soon end without renewed and stable funding," added John Hatch, President of Preservation New Jersey. "Historic places that give our communities character are at risk, and the opportunities for community revitalization and renewal that would be lost will only encourage more loss of open space and farmland, more sprawl and unsustainable development."
“New Jersey was once known as the leader in open space preservation with many thousands of acres preserved and a storied history of close to half a century, noted Stiles. “Where once New Jersey was a leader, it will soon become a laggard as the state draws ever closer to the first break in annual open space acquisition funding in over two decades. This historic lack of funding will devastate open space preservation and thousands of acres of land could be forever lost to development.”
Despite these challenges, the Keep it Green Campaign continues to work actively to promote important legislation which would allow voters to support open space initiatives and would preserve our beautiful open space and precious habitat and natural resources.
“As New Jerseyans enjoy the state’s many outstanding beaches and parks with their families over Labor Day weekend, we hope they’ll take a minute to let the governor know that we can’t afford to let funds run out for preservation efforts that are critical to protecting clean water and providing parks for people to enjoy,” concluded Tom Gilbert of the Trust for Public Land.
NJ Keep it Green Success
April 23rd, 2008- Camp out at the Capitol (Photo by Becca Glenn)
9 Million Dollars Transferred from the Shore Protection Fund to keep Parks Open, Maintained and with Services for another Year!
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