The Garden State Preservation Trust, New Jersey's funding mechanism for open space, farmland and historic preservation, will run out of money early this year. To avoid a gap in funding, the Trust must be replenished by the end of the year through voter approval on the ballot this November. To achieve a place on the ballot, the Legislature must pass a plan early this year. Please send a letter to your Legislators asking them to support the recently introduced resolution to renew the Garden State Preservation Trust.

At our Lobby Day in December 2006, we called on the State Legislature and the Governor to champion a public question for the 2007 ballot that will renew and strengthen the Trust in the amount of $225 million a year for acquisition, $100 million a year for capital projects and $56 million a year for operations with equity ensured for all communities.

It was a success! Assemblyman McKeon and Senators Lance and Smith responded by introducing ACR 229/SCR 131, which would replenish the Trust by dedicating $150 million of existing sales tax revenue to acquiring and improving open spaces and historic sites across the state. With the addition of $56 million a year to operate, maintain and steward newly acquired and existing open spaces, parks and historic sites, this is the best vehicle available to fully replenish the fund.

It is imperative this resolution is passed by the Legislature before March 2007 and placed on the ballot this November, so that protection of our critical natural areas, farmland and historic sites continues uninterrupted. At the most recent Lobby Day on January 29th, we asked Legislators to support this resolution to replenish the Trust with the recommended change. Join us in our effort to gather support for the renewal of this critical program by sending a letter to your Legislators.