New Jersey Highlands Coalition

Programs: As the only non-profit organization whose entire focus is on protecting the aquifers and open waters, forests, sensitive habitats, farmlands, wildlife, open space, cultural resources and diverse recreational opportunities found in the new jersey highlands, the new jersey highlands coalition's programs are multi-faceted and comprehensive. We continue to maintain a presence state-wide through our trenton initiative, where our policy director spends up to two days a week in the state capitol; grow our water campaign with partners including the pinelands preservation alliance, anjec, nj league of conservation voters, raritan headwaters association, american littoral society, and the nj conservation foundation; grow our education and outreach activities including through our highlands advocate training program, as well as persist with our traditional pursuits commenting on proposed rules, regulations and proposals, fostering strong regional master plan conformance, supporting grass roots member groups (now over 100) opposing projects damaging to highlands resources, and supporting our internal committees. We funded another year of our small grants program which now includes cultural resource as well as environmental projects, sought additional funding sources for coalition programs, and promoted increasing our membership. We also held our third car rally, our second golf event, and several craft beer events to foster awareness about the beauty and the clean water of the highlands, as well as raising funds for our small grants program.