Let voters decide on preservation funding

After months of uncertainty about the future of New Jersey's revered open space, farmland and historic preservation programs, it's possible that voters will get the chance this November to keep them alive.

On May 7, the state Senate Environmental Committee voted in favor of a referendum to allocate $600 million to fund the Garden State Preservation Trust for another three years. Assuming the full Legislature goes along, the question will appear on the November general election ballot.

This action comes just in the nick of time, as the last funds remaining in the Garden State Preservation Trust are spent and gone. That means that for the first time in decades, New Jersey residents face the prospect of having no funding for parks, forests, farmland and cultural and historic landmarks.

New Jersey is unique. It may be our country's most densely populated state, but it's also got an amazing diversity of scenic beauty, historic sites, parks, forests, farms, outdoor recreation and wildlife. And the Garden State Preservation Trust is a national model for financing conservation; its economic and environmental achievements are remarkable. Yet the work of land and historic preservation is still unfinished.

In this time of economic uncertainty, one might ask, "How can we afford it?" Here are 10 reasons why we cannot afford not to do it:

1) Preserved land stabilizes property taxes; it costs less in municipal services than paid in taxes, a stark contrast to development.

2) Preserved land supports diverse and vital segments of the state's economy, from agricultural production to commercial fishing to tourism-supported industries.

3) Preserved land soaks up floodwaters, thus reducing the need for costly flood control structures.

4) Preserved land improves the physical and mental health of New Jerseyans by providing recreation areas, parks and trails that encourage outdoor activities.

5) Preserving land slows the rate of climate change by increasing vegetation that absorbs carbon from the atmosphere and releases oxygen.

6) Preserved land replenishes underground water supplies, or aquifers, ensuring that our children and we will have enough drinking water.

7) Preserved land enhances the character of our communities — and land values.

8) Preserved land naturally filters contaminants from rainwater as it soaks through the ground, keeping our water clean and drinkable.

9) Preserved land offers outdoor classrooms for youngsters and adults to learn about the complexity and wonder of the natural world.

10) Preserved land ensures that New Jersey remains home to a diversity of animals and plants, which can contribute to new medicines for fighting diseases.

Land preservation is a sound and wise investment, even in poor economic times. Let your state Legislators know you want to keep New Jersey green — and keep the garden in the Garden State. Urge them to support the bill (A3901/S1858) to place the Garden State Preservation Trust question on the November ballot. For a list of legislators and their telephone numbers, go to www.njleg.state.nj.us/members/ legsearch.asp.

Michele S. Byers

Executive Director N.J. Conservation Foundation

Far Hills