A Pivotal Moment in Funding for Our Open Spaces, Wildlife Habitat, Parks, Farmland and Historic Preservation

Please help give New Jersey voters a choice to support open space preservation on this November's ballot. By sending the attached letter in support of bills A3901/S1858, you'll be urging legislators and the Governor to put a measure on the ballot enabling voters to renew the Garden State Preservation Trust. Legislators' deadline to act is effectively June 30. Without renewed funding, the Trust won't be able to help the state, local, municipal and non-profit groups to acquire and protect open space, wildlife habitat, parks, farmland and historic treasures.

New Jersey's open spaces add significantly to all our residents' quality of life. Our natural areas provide habitat for our rich diversity of wildlife, they enable us to connect with nature, and they help purify our water and clean our air. They can help prevent soil erosion, stormwater runoff and flooding. Parks -- urban, suburban and rural -- provide access to recreation of so many kinds, and are important to the health and well-being of adults and children alike. Preserving farmland helps us secure locally-grown food, while historic preservation improves the character of our neighborhoods and our access to exciting and interesting places. Studies have shown that many of these initiatives contribute directly to skilled job creation, and acquiring land from willing sellers at today's reduced prices affords a mutual opportunity.

Legislators have until June 30th to approve an open space funding measure for the November '09 ballot. Bills A3901/S1858 -- which are headed to the Senate and Assembly Budget and Appropriations committess and will require full Assembly and Senate approval -- would let voters support a ballot measure, permitting the State to issue up to $600 million in bonds for three more years of vital open space investment. Giving New Jersey voters a choice makes sense, and they have approved 12 of the 12 statewide open space-related funding proposals since 1961. The last measure, in November 2007, provided $200 million in funds for open space acquisition to last for one year, and those dollars have nearly all been allocated. If we don't maintain the Garden State Preservation Trust, the State will lack funds to match and encourage local and private investment in many projects that make New Jersey more beautiful, healthy and prosperous.

Sincerely,

Kelly Mooij, Director of Government Relations

New Jersey Audubon Society