Press Releases

2/1/07-Regional Highlands Coalition Announces New Director for Campaign to Protect Highlands
11/14/06–Pennsylvania Highlands Conservation Atlas released by the Highlands Coalition, Appalachian Mountain Club and Trust for Public Land
8/10/06 – Coalition Tours First HCA Project in PA–the Oley Hills
5/4/06 – Highlands Funds Included in House Appropriations Bill
2/7/06 – Highlands Funding Included in President’s Budget
11/22/05 - Coalition Honors Congressman James Gerlach
10/3/05 - PA Senator Rick Santorum to Visit Berks County's Saucony Marsh
8/10/05 - Highlands Council Marks First Anniversary of Legislation
7/13/05 - PA Gov. Rendell Enacts Growing Greener II
3/7/05 - NJ Members of Congress Honored for Passage of Highlands Conservation Act
12/1/04 - Highlands Conservation Act Signed Into Law
11/18/04 - Coalition Cheers Passage of Highlands Conservation Act
10/12/04 -U.S. Senate Approves $100 Million for Highlands Protection
9/15/04 - Highlands Conservation Act Clears Major Hurdle in the Senate
9/14/04 - Coalition Recognizes Leaders in Effort to Protect Highlands
6/7/04 – Committees Approve Landmark Legislation to Protect NJ Highlands
3/14/04 – Highlands Coalition Applauds Governor, Task Force Report
11/21/03 – Highlands Coalition Applauds House Approval of Highlands Conservation Act
9/20/03 – Congressman Frelinghuysen and NJ DEP Commission Campbell Discuss Highlands Initiatives
5/6/03 – Highlands Stewardship Act Reintroduced in Congress
2/20/03 – U.S. Forest Service Releases Final Highlands Report
1/14/03 – Governor Committs to Highlands Preservation
7/17/02 – Highlands Stewardship Act Introduced in Congress
6/25/02 – $6.3 Million in Federal Funding Approved to Protect Highlands
4/4/02 – US Forest Service Releases Draft of Highlands Study & Call To Action

Regional Highlands Coalition Announces New Director for Campaign to Protect Highlands Region
For Immediate Release- February 1, 2007

Contacts:
Jon Meade, Highlands Coalition: 267-664-4111
Tom Gilbert, The Wilderness Society: 215-343-1110
Kristen Sykes, Appalachian Mountain Club: 610-868-6903


The Highlands Coalition, an alliance of over 100 organizations working to protect the more than three million-acre Highlands region spanning PA, NJ, NY and CT, announced today that Jon Meade has been hired to serve as the new Executive Director of the four-state Coalition. The Coalition was instrumental in passage of the federal Highlands Conservation Act, and the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act in New Jersey. Jon will lead the Coalition’s continued efforts to secure federal funds through the Highlands Conservation Act and other means to protect priority lands. He will also work to develop and support land conservation, regional planning and resource protection efforts at the state and local levels throughout the region and will continue public outreach efforts to build the Highlands regional identity.

Jon has been an active member of the Highlands Coalition on behalf of the Pennsylvania-based Heritage Conservancy, where he served as V.P. for Planning. He also has previous experience with the National Park Service in Washington and earned his Master’s Degree from the Yale School of Forestry. “Jon’s experience in Washington combined with his intimate knowledge of the Highlands and the Coalition make him an ideal person for this position,” said Tom Gilbert, Director of Eastern Forest Conservation for The Wilderness Society, and Acting Chairman of the Regional Board of the Coalition. “We are really excited about the vision and leadership that he will bring to the next phase of the effort to protect this nationally significant region.”

“Jon is going to be the Coalition’s point-person in our efforts to secure increased federal funding to protect priority lands in the Highlands region,” said Kristen Sykes, Mid-Atlantic Project Manager for the Appalachian Mountain Club and Vice Chair of the Regional Board of the Coalition. “With a new Congress, and Jon coming on board, we think there is a good opportunity to bring home the funds that were promised under the Highlands Conservation Act.”

The Highlands Conservation Act was passed in 2004 and authorized $10 million annually to help the states of PA, NJ, NY and CT protect lands of high conservation value in the Highlands region. President Bush proposed $2 million for the Highlands Conservation Act in FY 2007, but Congress has yet to appropriate any funds for the Act.

“I’m excited about the diverse opportunities the Coalition and its members have to advance conservation in this important landscape,” said Jon Meade, Executive Director of the four-state Highlands Coalition. “There are, of course, challenges inherent in connecting people and the environment across three-million acres. And while our recent outreach and advocacy efforts have raised awareness of the Highlands, there is much more work to be done. I look forward to leveraging the tremendous capacity of our partnership as we work to support conservation efforts at the federal, state and local levels.”

Coalition Honors Congressman James Gerlach
For Immediate Release – November 22, 2005

Contacts:
Kristen Sykes, Appalachian Mountain Club: 609-558-2188
Oliver Bass, Natural Lands Trust: 610-353-5640 ext. 244

Highlands Coalition honors Congressman’s commitment to protecting the Highlands 

The Highlands Coalition, a coalition representing more than 100 member organizations, honored Congressman James Gerlach for his leadership in passing the Highlands Conservation Act (HCA). The event took place Tuesday, November 22 at Natural Lands Trust’s Crow’s Nest Preserve (201 Piersol Road, Elverson), a 600-acre nature preserve located in the Highlands area. 

"I am grateful to the Highlands Coalition for this award.  The Highlands Conservation Act will benefit Pennsylvanians for generations to come and I am proud to have been involved in its passage," said Congressman Gerlach.  "This bi-partisan legislation authorizes $110 million over ten years to preserve regions like the Pennsylvania Highlands, and will help to protect the environment and keep the water supply safe.”

In 2004 Congress passed the HCA to protect and enhance the Highlands, a 3.5 million acre region of national conservation importance that stretches from Pennsylvania through New Jersey and New York and into Connecticut.  The HCA authorizes $110 million over 10 years to protect these important lands. 

 Large portions of southern Berks and northern Chester Counties fall within the Highlands, including the 75,000-acre forest called the “Big Woods.”  This remarkable forest is a major recreational and ecological asset for the state, providing many spectacular locations for hiking, camping, fishing, hunting and much more.  The Big Woods also serves as the headwaters of several important streams that flow into the Schuylkill, becoming drinking water for millions of residents in southeastern Pennsylvania.

Under the HCA, Pennsylvania will be able to seek federal funding for preserving properties in the Big Woods and throughout the Highlands.  For fiscal year 2007 the state of Pennsylvania has submitted two projects in Berks County, Oley Hills and Birdsboro Waters.  The Birdsboro Waters area has been ranked by local and state conservation officials as the top priority for preservation in the Big Woods.  The proposed project will place a conservation easement on 654 acres of the Birdsboro Waters tract.  This tract, lying to the north and west of Hay Creek and old Route 82, supports high quality forest habitat and contains two drinking water reservoirs of the Birdsboro Municipal Authority.

“Natural Lands Trust has been working with a broad coalition of public and private partners to preserve the Big Woods and the Birdsboro Waters area within it,” noted Molly K. Morrison, President of Natural Lands Trust, a regional, non-profit conservation organization in southeastern Pennsylvania.  “Congressman Gerlach’s support of the HCA means we are significantly closer to ensuring these very important resources remain open and natural forever.  The Congressman clearly understands the value of land conservation to this region and he continues to provide meaningful leadership and support for our efforts.”

Congressman Gerlach was instrumental in the passage of the Highlands Conservation Act. "The passage of the Highlands Conservation Act (HCA) by Congress almost a year ago was an enormous accomplishment for the four Highlands States, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and Connecticut, and for their congressional delegations in both the House and Senate," said Kristen Sykes, Legislative Co-Chair for the four state Highlands Coalition and Highlands Advocate for the Appalachian Mountain Club. "The Highlands Coalition is honoring Congressman Gerlach because of both his strong support for this vital land conservation initiative and his leadership in the House in support of conservation, in general.  We look forward to working with Congressman Gerlach on effective implementation of the HCA."

###

back to top

Senator Rick Santorum to visit Berk County's Saucony Marsh
Highlands Coalition to honor Senator's committment to the Highlands
For Immediate Release – Monday, October 3, 2005        

Contacts:        
Tami Shimp, Berks County Conservancy: 610-372-4992 ext. 110
Kristen Sykes, Appalachian Mountain Club: 609-558-2188
Gene Sirni, Heritage Conservancy: 215-345-7020 ext. 128

On Monday, October 3rd at 10:30AM, the Highlands Coalition, a coalition representing more then 100 member organizations, will honor Senator Rick Santorum for his leadership in passing the Highlands Conservation Act (HCA). The event will take place at the Kutztown Elementary School (40 Normal Avenue, Kutztown) adjacent to the Saucony Marsh, a significant water resource that originates in the Oley Hills.  

"I want to thank the Highlands Coalition for this award today.  I was proud to support and pass the Highlands Conservation Act on behalf of Pennsylvania," said Senator Santorum.  "This bi-partisan legislation authorizes $110 million over ten years to preserve regions like the Pennsylvania Highlands, and will help to protect the environment and keep the water supply safe.”

In 2004 Congress passed the HCA to protect and enhance the Highlands, a 3.2 million acre region of national conservation importance that stretches from Pennsylvania through New Jersey and New York and into Connecticut.  The HCA authorizes $110 million over 10 years to protect these important lands.  The enactment of this legislation was the culmination of years of effort by the individual states, interested stakeholders, and studies by the USDA Forest Service. Under the HCA each Highlands state may submit projects to receive federal funding.  For fiscal year 2007 the state of Pennsylvania has submitted two projects in Berks County, Oley Hills and Birdsboro Waters. The Saucony Marsh is part of a priority region in Berks County know as the Oley Hills. Much of the eastern portion of Berks County is part of the Highlands.  The Oley Hills is a pristine area identified as a high priority for permanent land protection, and is a critical treasure of the Highlands region.  Oley Hills, if protected, would conserve 2,263 acres of pristine woodland and would result in the permanent protection of five “exceptional value” streams, the highest level of recognition a stream can receive in Pennsylvania.

Senator Rick Santorum was instrumental in the passage of this unprecedented legislation. "The passage of the Highlands Conservation Act (HCA) by the Congress almost a year ago was an enormous accomplishment for the four Highlands States, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and Connecticut, and for their congressional delegations in both the House and Senate," said Jim Tripp Chair of the four state Highlands Coalition and General Counsel of Environmental Defense. "The level of effective, bi-partisan advocacy by the congressional delegations was very impressive.  The Highlands Coalition is honoring Senator Santorum because of both his strong support for this vital land conservation initiative and his willingness to use his leadership position in the Senate to facilitate its approval there.  We look forward to working with Senator Santorum on effective implementation of the HCA."

“The Berks County Conservancy has done a significant amount of restoration work on the Saucony Creek and on the Oley Hills protection project.  Water is an important resource to everyone, and this project will permanently protect 45% of the Schuylkill River’s exceptional value water supply”, said Kimberly J. Murphy, President of the Berks County Conservancy.  The Berks County Conservancy has invested over five years of local and state grant resources into restoring sections of the Saucony Creek, and advocates the permanent protection of the Saucony Marsh, its surrounding land, and certainly the Oley Hills region of Berks County.

###

back to top

  

Highlands Council Marks First Anniversary of Legislation
For Immediate Release – August 10, 2005

Contact: Liz Maziarz, Communications, New Jersey Highlands Council: (908) 879-6737

 

Clinton, NJ–The Highlands Council today marked the one year anniversary of the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act in a ceremony at the Clinton Falls Dam on the Raritan River.

 

"The signing of the Highlands Act one year ago was a culmination of years of effort from many groups and individuals," said Senator Bob Smith (D-17), who sponsored the Act in the Senate last year. "I am proud to have been a part of one of the most significant environmental protection measures in decades, which is already protecting the source of drinking water for 4 million New Jerseyans."

 

Assembly sponsor John McKeon (D-27) said, "During this one year anniversary, I want to thank and commend all parties involved in our efforts to pass the most important piece of environmental legislation in a generation."

 

The Highlands Council, a 14-member body appointed by the Governor in the fall of 2004, is charged with carrying out the Act's mandate of creating a Regional Master Plan for the Highlands region by June 2006.

 

"One year ago, the Governor and legislature created a land use planning process for the Highlands that is, at once, innovative and visionary, yet practical and smart," said Highlands Council Chairman John Weingart.

 

"The Council is now well underway to implement the Act," continued Weingart, "and we are very encouraged by the valuable advice and assistance we are receiving from local officials and other residents from throughout the Highlands region."

 

"In the first year of this landmark law, the Legislature's vision has been codified in tough rules
toprotect Highlands resources from encroaching development," said DEP Commissioner
Bradley M. Campbell. "Chairman Weingart and the Council have been true partners in the effort to ensure that our precious water resources and threatened and endangered species habitat remain untouched for the benefit of future generations."

 

The Act contains new environmental standards, which went into effect immediately upon signing, that limit development in the environmentally sensitive Highlands Preservation Area. 

 

"The Highlands Act has given the communities in the region, particularly those in the Preservation Area, room to breathe and time to plan," said Highlands Coalition Executive Director Bill O'Hearn. "Instead of reacting to development pressure, planning boards can actually take time to plan the future of their towns."

 

"I would like to thank the members and staff of the Highlands Council, who are doing a terrific job," added Senator Smith. "It will be their efforts going forward in the implementation of the Highlands Act that will take another large step forward in protecting the natural resources of the New Jersey Highlands for generations to come."

 

Assemblyman McKeon concluded, "This law represents making good on a once in a lifetime chance to safeguard the source of clean drinking water for half of New Jersey's residents and preserve a dwindling habitat for wildlife. Our work is not done, however. We must continue to provide the necessary resources to see that we seize on a narrowing window of opportunity to protect one of the State's most important and environmentally sensitive regions."

 

###

back to top


Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Commonwealth News Bureau
Room 114, Main Capitol
Harrisburg, PA 17120

Gov. Rendell Enacts Growing Greener II, Makes Historic Investment in Environment, Economy
For Immediate Release – July 13, 2005

Contact: Christina Novak, DCNR Press Secretary: (717) 772-9101

Harrisburg—Gov. Edward G. Rendell today fulfilled his pledge to improve the economic and environmental health of Pennsylvania by signing into law Growing Greener II, a voter-approved plan that invests $625 million to clean up rivers and streams; protects natural areas, open spaces and working farms; and shores up key programs to improve quality of life and revitalize communities across the Commonwealth. The governor signed the bill in Blue Bell, Montgomery County—where 95 percent of voters supported the Growing Greener II ballot question in the spring Primary Election.

“Securing this investment today will keep Pennsylvania ‘growing greener’ well into the future,” Rendell said. “We are entrusted as the stewards of our environment, and have a moral obligation to leave our soil, water and air in better condition than we found it for future generations. Growing Greener II embraces the priorities that all of us share in Pennsylvania.

“Voters made their support absolutely clear when they approved the bond referendum May 17, and the legislature acted quickly to put in place a plan that will achieve the highest standards of environmental protection while creating the jobs we critically need.”

The new law brings to fruition more than a year of aggressive efforts by the governor to address some of the state’s most pressing environmental problems and help the state win the race for new development and job creation—and it accomplishes the fete without increasing fees or imposing new taxes. The measure passed the House of Representatives, 180-18, and Senate, 48-2.

The plan is financed by permanently extending the $4.25 already paid in current Growing Greener tipping fees on each ton of waste deposited in Pennsylvania landfills. An additional $2 tipping fee to finance recycling programs remains in place through 2008.

The $625 million will be spread out over six years and follows a form similar to what the governor proposed when he unveiled Growing Greener II in February 2004. The funding follows:

• $230 million to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to clean up rivers and streams; take on serious environmental problems at abandoned mines and contaminated industrial sites; and finance the development and deployment of advanced energy projects.
Nearly 20 percent of our rivers and streams are polluted. If lined up, all of the polluted waterways would stretch from Atlantic City to Las Vegas. Yet each mile of polluted streams and lakes costs the state more than $30,000 in lost revenue from our fishing and tourism sectors.

There are 12,000 vacant and contaminated industrial sites, or brownfields, located throughout the commonwealth—totaling 100,000 to 120,000 acres of derelict land that could be used to attract businesses.

• $217.5 million to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) to preserve natural areas and open spaces; improve state parks; and enhance local recreational needs.

Nationally, Pennsylvania ranks second in land consumption per person and fifth in land area converted to development, despite being the second from the bottom of all states in population growth. Each year, the state loses nearly 120,000 acres of open space to development, or 330 acres

• $80 million to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) to protect working farms.
Today, we average 41 acres of farmland in development each day, which will add up to 75,000 additional acres of farmland forever lost during the next five years. Today, more than 1,850 farms are on the waiting list for help to keep them alive.

• $50 million to the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) to revitalize communities through investments in housing and mixed-use redevelopment projects.

• $27.5 million to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) to repair fish hatcheries and aging dams.

• $20 million to the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) for habitat-related facility upgrades and repairs.

A provision in the new law sets up an Environmental Block Grant Program that allows counties to address local priorities. Counties can designate up to $90 million over the life of the bond program by picking from approved projects within the DEP, DCNR, PDA and DCED appropriations to target specific needs. Each county will be guaranteed a minimum level of funding. Funding will be distributed among the state’s 67 counties according to their class.

Growing Greener II also restores funding in the short term for the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act (HSCA) Fund, the state’s most important tool to respond immediately and eliminate any threat to public health and safety when toxic chemicals or hazardous substances are spilled or leaked, or otherwise found in the environment. HSCA was heading toward fiscal ruin. DEP stopped new public protection projects and triaged ongoing cleanups. Growing Greener II provides $50 million over the next two fiscal years to shore up the program.

The new law also provides $10 million for a Historic Preservation Tax Credit program and $2.5 million for a Green Sales Tax Holiday. Both of these programs require enabling legislation.

On April 13, Rendell signed into law House Bill 2, authorizing a question on the primary ballot that asked residents to consider the $625 million bond issue. Nearly two-thirds of Pennsylvania voters gave their support to the initiative. The Governor and General Assembly acted with haste to craft a plan that nearly doubles the size of the original Growing Greener program.

###

back to top


New Jersey Members of Congress Honored for Leadership
in Passage of Highlands Conservation Act
For Immediate Release – Monday, March 7, 2005

Contacts:    
Jim Tripp, Environmental Defense:  212-616-1247
Andy Falender, Appalachian Mountain Club:  617-523-0655 x321
Carol Ash, Palisades Interstate Park Commission:  845-786-7911
   

Morristown, NJ–At a luncheon on March 7, 2005, the Highlands Coalition honored Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-NJ) and Senators Jon Corzine (D-NJ) and Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) for their leadership in the passage of the Highlands Conservation Act, which brings national recognition and federal land conservation funding to the four-state Highlands region of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York and Connecticut. The luncheon also honored Tom Gilbert, the former executive director of the Highlands Coalition, who helped shepherd the Act through Congress.

"With Congress's support and President Bush's signature, the Highlands Conservation Act is a historic victory that will greatly strengthen our efforts to protect the region's critical lands, drinking water supplies for 3.5 million New Jerseyans, and recreational lands for the region's 14 million annual visitors,” said Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-NJ), the chief author of this legislation.  "Our efforts to protect the Highlands would not have gotten 'off the ground' were it not for the help and foresight of Tom Gilbert and the Highlands Coalition."

"Thank you for standing with me and my colleagues in our effort to protect New Jersey's Highlands region," said U.S. Senator Jon S. Corzine (D-NJ). "One of New Jersey's most treasured resources is its precious land and open spaces. Your award reaffirms the work we are doing in the Congress to ensure generation after generation can enjoy and marvel at
the Highlands' splendor."

The Highlands Conservation Act, a landmark bill signed by President Bush on November 30, 2004, authorizes $110 million over 10 years for protection and conservation of lands in the Highlands states of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York and Connecticut.  Each state will develop its own priority list for land conservation projects.  Funding from the Act supports new state ownership or state-held conservation easements in those areas.

“The passage of the Highlands Conservation Act represents perhaps the most important environmental achievement of the last Congress,” said Jim Tripp, Chair of the Highlands Coalition. “We are pleased to honor the leadership of U.S. House and Senate sponsors of the bill and the Coalition’s former executive director who played such key roles in obtaining congressional and White House support.”

The awards ceremony was held at the Haggerty Center at the Frelinghuysen Arboretum and was attended by representatives from member organizations of the Highlands Coalition, local elected officials and NJ Highlands Council members.

"Passage of the Highlands Conservation Act is an important step in protecting key ecological areas from development and ensuring public access for recreation. We commend the bipartisan political leadership responsible for bringing needed funds to these critical areas," said Andrew Falender, executive director of the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC). 

“The vision of the Highlands Conservation Act was to replicate the success of Sterling Forest at least one hundred times throughout the Highlands. Congressman Frelinghuysen and Senator Corzine took that vision and made it a reality”, said Carol Ash, Vice-Chair of the Highlands Coalition.  “We thank the Congressman and the Senator, and we thank our able former Executive Director, Tom Gilbert, who guided us deftly through it”.

The Highlands Coalition, established in 1988, seeks to protect and enhance the sustainability of natural and human communities in the Highlands region of PA, NJ, NY and CT. The Coalition is comprised of more than 110 local, state, regional and national conservation organizations.  Details on the Coalition’s work can be found at www.highlandscoalition.org.

###

back to top


Highlands Conservation Act Signed Into Law
For Immediate Release – December 1, 2004

Contacts:
Tom Gilbert, Highlands Coalition:   609-818-1776
Jim Tripp, Environmental Defense:  212-616-1247
Sam Pryor, Highlands Coalition:  212-450-4300
Andy Falender, AMC:  617-523-0655 x321
(NJ) Michele Byers, NJCF:  908-234-1225
(NY) Carol Ash, PIPC:  845-786-7911
(PA) Oliver Bass, NLT:  610-353-5587 x244   
(CT) Lynn Werner, HVA:  860-672-6678
(CT) Tim Northrop, TPL:   203-777-7367 x3       

Washington, DC–President Bush signed the Highlands Conservation Act into law today, bringing federal recognition to the Highlands as a national conservation priority area and the promise of funds for land conservation in the region.  The bill recently passed both the House and Senate under the leadership of Rep. Frelinghuysen (R-NJ), Sen. Corzine (D-NJ), Sen. Lautenberg (D-NJ), Sen. Santorum (R-PA), Sen. Schumer (D-NY) and Sen. Specter (R-PA).  The law authorizes $100 million in federal matching funds over ten years to assist the states of CT, NJ, NY and PA in conserving priority lands in the region through public acquisition or purchase of development rights.

“We thank and congratulate Rep. Frelinghuysen, Senators Corzine, Lautenberg, Santorum, Schumer, Specter and all the cosponsors for their bipartisan leadership to protect the Highlands,” said Tom Gilbert, Director of the Highlands Coalition, an alliance of over 100 organizations working to protect the region.

“We appreciate the support of the Bush Administration for this important legislation,” said Jim Tripp, General Counsel for Environmental Defense and Chair of the Highlands Coalition.  “We look forward to working with the Secretaries of Agriculture and Interior, the Forest Service and the Governors of the four Highland states to identify and attain funding to protect high priority conservation lands in the region.”

“The Highlands region protects the water supply for over 15 million people and hosts more recreational visitors each year than Yellowstone National Park,” said Sam Pryor, Honorary Co-Chair of the Highlands Coalition, “This legislation will help to ensure that the Highlands remains a source of water, beauty and life for generations to come.”

"The AMC has proudly partnered with a broad group of environmental organizations through the Highlands Coalition, and today marks a major milestone for the preservation of the Highlands Region," said Andrew Falender, executive director of the Appalachian Mountain Club.  "We are pleased that the President has signed this bill to create more new conservation areas like Sterling Forest State Park and help protect this highly threatened slice of the Appalachian Mountains."

For NJ:
“The passage of this legislation marks the culmination of decades of work by countless citizens, local officials and organizations to provide permanent protection of the Highlands, whose water supplies are fundamental to the quality of our lives, health and environment,” said Michele Byers, Director of the NJ Conservation Foundation and Vice-Chair of the Highlands Coalition.  “Congressmen Frelinghuysen, Saxton, and Senators Corzine and Lautenberg should be given the highest praise and thanks for their hard work and commitment in getting this measure passed in Washington, especially at a time when environmental issues are not at the top of the national agenda and dollars are scarce.”

For NY:
“We thank Governor Pataki and the entire NY delegation, especially Senators Schumer and Clinton, and Reps. Kelly and Engel,” said Carol Ash, Director of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission and Vice-Chair of the Highlands Coalition.  “This federal funding will help to leverage state and local dollars for permanent protection of our natural areas and working farms.”

For PA:
"Pennsylvania has much to gain by preserving the Highlands – it is the ecological heart of the densely populated southeastern part of the state and a major recreational resource for residents and visitors alike,” said Molly Morrison, Senior Vice President of the Natural Lands Trust. “Senators Santorum and Specter both played key roles in getting this legislation through as did Pennsylvania’s House delegation and we are grateful for their strong bipartisan support for protecting the Highlands.”

For CT:
“This legislation bodes well for land protection in the Highlands of Connecticut,” said Tim Northrop, CT State Director for the Trust for Public Land.  “Senators Lieberman and Dodd, Representatives Johnson and Shays, and the entire CT delegation worked hard to get the bill passed. We look forward to working with them and Governor Rell to prioritize significant lands and to direct these new federal land protection funds.”

“This most recent development brings federal dollars one step closer to the vulnerable Connecticut Highlands,” said Lynn Werner, Executive Director of the Housatonic Valley Association.  "We look forward to the appropriations process and the expansion of the USDA Forest Service Highlands Study to the Connecticut Highlands. The land trust and environmental community in the Litchfield Hills have a large amount of information available to the Forest Service to assist in and hasten completion of the study."

###

back to top

Coalition Cheers Passage of Highlands Conservation Act
For Immediate Release – November 18, 2004

 

Contacts:

Tom Gilbert, Highlands Coalition:  609-818-1776

Jim Tripp, Environmental Defense:   212-616-1247

Sam Pryor, PIPC/AMC:   212-450-4300

 

 

Washington, DC–The U.S. House of Representatives gave final approval to the Highlands Conservation Act yesterday, championed by Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-NJ).  The House approved a version of the bill recently passed by the Senate under the leadership of Sen. Corzine (D-NJ), Sen. Lautenberg (D-NJ), Sen. Santorum (R-PA), Sen. Schumer (D-NY) and Sen. Specter (R-PA).  The Act, which would authorize $100 million in federal matching funds over ten years to assist the states of CT, NJ, NY and PA in conserving priority lands in the region, now awaits the President’s signature.

 

“We applaud Rep. Frelinghuysen, Senators Corzine, Lautenberg, Santorum, Schumer and Specter for this tremendous victory on the Highlands,” said Tom Gilbert, Director of the Highlands Coalition, an alliance of over 100 organizations working to protect the region. “We thank them and all the cosponsors for their bipartisan leadership and cooperation to protect this region of water, beauty and life.”

 

“The passage of this legislation represents the first time four states that share a common resource have worked together to secure federal funds to protect nationally-significant lands,” said Jim Tripp, General Counsel for Environmental Defense and Chair of the Highlands Coalition.  “Through this legislation, Congress has created a federal-state partnership that will allow the states of Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania to play a leadership role in the acquisition and management of the national treasure that is the Highlands region.”

 

“The Highlands region protects the water supply for over 15 million people and hosts more recreational visitors each year than Yellowstone National Park,” said Sam Pryor, Palisades Park Commissioner and former President of the Appalachian Mountain Club. “This is a wise investment in our children’s future.”

###

back to top

Contacts:
Tom Gilbert, Highlands Coalition:  609-818-1776
Jim Tripp, Environmental Defense:  212-616-1247
Carol Ash, Palisades Park Commission:  845-786-7911

Washington, DC–The U.S. Senate has approved the Highlands Conservation Act (H.R. 1964) by unanimous consent before recessing for the November election. H.R. 1964 would authorize $100 million in federal matching funds over 10 years to assist the states of CT, NJ, NY and PA in purchasing lands or developments rights from willing sellers in areas identified as having high conservation value by the U.S. Forest Service.

The House of Representatives approved H.R. 1964, sponsored by Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-NJ), late last year. Passage of the Senate version, sponsored by Sen. Jon Corzine (D-NJ), Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA) and Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), clears the way for a final vote of concurrence by the House when they reconvene in November.

“Thanks to strong leadership from Sen. Corzine (D-NJ), Sen. Specter (R-PA), Sen. Schumer (D-NY), Sen. Santorum (R-PA), and Rep. Frelinghuysen (R-NJ), both chambers have now overwhelmingly approved legislation to protect critical lands in the Highlands,” said Tom Gilbert, Executive Director of the Highlands Coalition. “It is rare to see that kind of bipartisan and multi-state support and is a testament to the importance of protecting the region.”

The Senate made minor changes to the Act as approved by the House, including changing the funding source from the Land & Water Conservation Fund to the general treasury. In addition, the bill now more clearly defines the boundaries of the Highlands by referencing a revised U.S. Forest Service map of the region that includes larger portions of Connecticut and Pennsylvania. The House is expected to approve the changes made by the Senate before the end of the year.

“We are confident that with the continued leadership of the region’s Congressional Delegation, the Highlands Conservation Act will soon become law,” said Carol Ash, Director of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission and Vice-Chair of the Highlands Coalition. “This will enable state and federal land conservation partnerships, similar to Sterling Forest, throughout the region.”

“Funding these state-federal partnerships will become the most critical issue,” said Jim Tripp of Environmental Defense, who serves as Chair of the Highlands Coalition. “The U.S. Forest Service must also expand their study of the Highlands to CT and PA in order to identify high priority conservation lands as they have done in NJ and NY.”

###

back to top

Highlands Conservation Act Clears Major Hurdle in the Senate
For Immediate Release –September 15, 2004

Contacts:
Tom Gilbert, Highlands Coalition:  609-818-1776
Jim Tripp, Environmental Defense:  212-616-1247
Carol Ash, Palisades Park Commission:  845-786-7911
Jad Daley, Appalachian Mountain Club:  609-818-9898

Washington, DC–The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee unanimously approved the Highlands Conservation Act (H.R. 1964) today, paving the way for consideration by the full Senate and final passage before Congress adjourns this year. H.R. 1964 would authorize $100 million in federal matching funds over 10 years to assist the states of CT, NJ, NY and PA in purchasing lands or developments rights from willing sellers in areas identified as having high conservation value by the U.S. Forest Service.

The House of Representatives approved H.R. 1964, sponsored by Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-NJ), late last year. Sen. Jon Corzine (D-NJ), Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA) and Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) are the primary sponsors of the legislation in the Senate, with Sen. Santorum (R-PA), Sen. Schumer (D-NY), Sen. Clinton (D-NY), Sen. Lieberman (D-CT), and Sen. Dodd (D-CT) joining them as cosponsors.

“We thank and congratulate Sen. Corzine, Sen. Specter, Sen. Lautenberg, Rep. Frelinghuysen and all the cosponsors for their continued leadership to advance the Highlands Conservation Act,” said Tom Gilbert, Executive Director of the Highlands Coalition, an alliance of over 100 organizations working to protect the region.

“It is particularly encouraging to see real bipartisan support on this issue from Pennsylvania Senators Arlen Specter and Rick Santorum,” said Jad Daley of the Appalachian Mountain Club. “Their leadership on this has been instrumental.”

The Committee made minor changes to the Act as approved by the House, including changing the funding source from the Land & Water Conservation Fund to the general treasury. In addition, the bill now more clearly defines the Highlands region by referencing a revised U.S. Forest Service map of the region’s boundaries that includes larger portions of Connecticut and Pennsylvania.

“Funding this important program is the most critical issue,” said Jim Tripp of Environmental Defense, who serves as Chair of the Highlands Coalition. “The region’s Congressional Delegation will have to continue their hard work to make sure that funds are actually appropriated when the Act passes.”

The Act must now be considered by the full Senate and then go back to the House since changes were made to the version approved by that chamber. “At this point our biggest concern is that the clock will run out,” said Carol Ash, Director of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission and Vice-Chair of the Highlands Coalition. “It is a very encouraging sign that the bill is moving and we remain hopeful that with continued leadership from the region’s Congressional Delegation the Act will become law before the end of the year.”

###

back to top

Coalition Recognizes Leaders in Effort to Protect Highlands
For Immediate Release – September 14, 2004

Contact: Tom Gilbert, Executive Director, Highlands Coalition: 609-818-1776

Assemblyman McKeon and Senator Martin Lauded as Champions for the Highlands

Ringwood, NJ–The Highlands Coalition presented awards to state, county and local officials, and grassroots groups and volunteers who have led the effort to protect the Highlands this past year. The awards were presented as part of the Coalition’s Annual Meeting at the historic Skylands Manor in Ringwood State Park.

“This year will go down in history as a turning point in the more than decade-long struggle to protect the Highlands,” said Tom Gilbert, Executive Director of the Highlands Coalition, an alliance of over 100 groups working to protect the region. We have been blessed with strong and committed leadership from scores of state and local officials, including those who served on the Highlands Task Force and those who led the effort to enact the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act in New Jersey.”

The Highlands Coalition presented the following awards to recognize these leaders:

Highlands Champions
• Assemblyman John McKeon- For championing the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act in the Assembly, and for his efforts to amend the fast-track permitting law to prevent damage to the Highlands and NJ’s environment

• Senator Robert Martin- For providing strong bipartisan support for the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act in the Senate, and for his vocal opposition to the fast-track permitting law

• Jack Schrier, Morris County Freeholder- For his effective leadership on the Highlands Task Force and his efforts in support of the Highlands Water Protection & Planning Act

• Lois Cuccinello, Passaic County Freeholder- For her effective leadership on the Highlands Task Force and her efforts in support of the Highlands Water Protection & Planning Act

• Eileen Swan, Mayor of Lebanon Township- For her effective leadership on the Highlands Task Force and her efforts in support of the Highlands Water Protection & Planning Act

• Ben Spinelli, Mayor of Chester Township- For his strong support of the Highlands Task Force and the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act, and his excellent work at the local level to protect the Highlands

• Wenke Taule, Mayor of Ringwood- For her strong support of the Highlands Task Force and the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act, and her excellent work at the local level to protect the Highlands

Outstanding Grassroots Groups
• Skylands Clean (NJ)- For their years of effective local advocacy to protect the Highlands and their hard work to support passage of the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act

• Friends of the Great Swamp (NY)- For their successful work to protect the Great Swamp, a Critical Treasure of the NY Highlands

• Pine Creek Valley Watershed Association (PA)- For their hard work to protect the Oley Hills in the Berks County Highlands

Outstanding Volunteer
Phil Reynolds- for outstanding support of the Highlands Coalition through electronic communications over the past several years and for environmental dedication

###

back to top

Highlands Coalition Applauds Governor, Task Force Report
For Immediate Release – March 13, 2004