Rodney Frelinghuysen: “The Highlands is one of the last open treasures in the most densely populated area of the United States. In New Jersey…”

“The Highlands is one of the last open treasures in the most densely populated area of the United States. In New Jersey alone, my home State, it includes more than a million acres of forests, farms, streams, wetlands, lakes, reservoirs and historic sites. We need to preserve these assets. The Highlands Conservation Act represents a major commitment to protect them. While remaining mindful of property rights, this bill complements ongoing State, private and local partnerships that are actively working to protect open space. Our bill does not ask the Federal Government to become the landowner or steward to these lands; rather, the people of New Jersey, New York, Connecticut and Pennsylvania would retain ownership and responsibility for caretaking of these lands.”