FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 15, 2025

Contact: Caryn Shinske (609) 984-1795
Vincent Grassi (609) 984-1795
Lawrence Hajna (609) 984-1795

COMMISSIONER LATOURETTE ANNOUNCES STATEWIDE ACQUISITION INITIATIVE TO ENHANCE OPEN SPACE AND HABITAT CONNECTIONS

(25/P25) TRENTON – Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette today announced the launch of an innovative land acquisition and preservation initiative that will enhance the Department of Environmental Protection’s wildlife habitat connectivity and open space preservation work across the state.

“This new land acquisition initiative will more closely link the great work of our longstanding Connecting Habitat Across New Jersey (CHANJ) wildlife habitat connectivity program with our Green Acres open space preservation program,” Commissioner LaTourette said.  “By better integrating the resources of these two programs, we will more effectively target preservation of habitat corridors needed by wildlife while creating open space recreation opportunities for the public.”

Green Acres funding legislation signed earlier this year by Governor Murphy for the first time prioritizes the acquisition of lands in 235 municipalities across the state for conservation purposes because of their importance in connecting wildlife habitats.

The state’s new strategy includes increased collaboration with non-profits and municipal officials in identifying opportunities to engage with residents about property purchases. Utilizing CHANJ mapping tools, DEP staff are identifying priority areas for habitat conservation that align with properties that come on the market.

Mount Allamuchy Scout Reservation Acquisition

Through this effort, the DEP recently purchased a 473-acre portion of the Mount Allamuchy Scout Reservation that increases the size of Allamuchy Mountain State Park in Sussex County by nearly 20 percent. The purchase also will expand trails and hiking opportunities within the park, which showcases the scenic beauty of the Highlands Region.

The Mount Allamuchy Scout Reservation property in Byram Township was purchased from the Patriots’ Path Council, BSA, which will continue to operate on land adjacent to the park. The state acquired the land for $1,125,000, using money provided by the State Land Acquisition Fund and federal Land and Water Conservation Fund.

“We are thrilled to announce the acquisition of this addition to Allamuchy Mountain State Park as part of our CHANJ initiative,” said DEP Assistant Commissioner for Community Investment and Economic Redevelopment Elizabeth Dragon. “This strategic purchase advances DEP priorities by enhancing habitat connectivity and expanding outdoor recreation.”

“The challenge to piecing fragmented wildlife habitats back together is daunting,” said DEP Fish & Wildlife Assistant Commissioner Dave Golden. “The Allamuchy acquisition is a positive step in helping us protect threatened and endangered species as well as other species that provide rich wildlife diversity to the state. CHANJ offers tools to assist land-use, conservation, and transportation planners to be more proactive and collaborative, helping to ensure that our wildlife can persist long into the future.”

“This addition of 473 acres to Allamuchy Mountain State Park safeguards critical habitat for endangered species in perpetuity and enhances the park’s existing trail network, a win for wildlife, habitat and people,” said John Cecil, DEP Assistant Commissioner for State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites. “In the coming months, State Park Service crews will begin rerouting and improving the property’s existing trails for all to enjoy.”

“Through our partnership with the NJDEP, we are ensuring Scouts maintain a lasting connection to the environment, empowering the next generation of conservation leaders to engage with and learn from the natural beauty of our state parks,” said Marc Andreo, Scout Executive & CEO, Patriots’ Path Council. 

 

“To those of us who spent our summers at the Mt. Allamuchy Scout Reservation, this land has a lot of meaning and its stewardship really matters,” said Assemblyman Michael Inganamort, a member of the Assembly Environment, Natural Resources & Solid Waste Committee. “I couldn’t be more pleased that these forests, wetlands, and streams – all tied together by five miles of trails – will be preserved through the New Jersey State Park Service for generations to come.”

Connecting Habitat Across New Jersey Land Acquisition Strategy

By identifying and acquiring key properties, this new initiative will create a more connected landscape for wildlife, supporting biodiversity and ecological health across New Jersey.

DEP is continuing acquisition work throughout the state this year by collaborating with officials in critical areas of New Jersey for connecting habitats for wildlife as well as urban areas. DEP staff can work with local leaders to leverage real estate tools to identify and acquire land for recreational development in targeted urban areas. The DEP will host two webinars on June 12 to discuss opportunities for municipal leaders related to CHANJ and urban parks. Invitations will be posted on the Green Acres website and sent to local officials.

Expanding Access to Nature

The Allamuchy Mountain State Park acquisition advances several DEP priorities, including expanding outdoor recreational opportunities and supporting conservation of biodiversity as described in its 2024 Outside, Together! plan.

The forested property offers scenic views and is rich with wetlands, streams, important wildlife habitat, and several existing trails, some of which already tie into Allamuchy Mountain State Park’s extensive trail system, including the Highlands Trail and the New Jersey State Long Trail, envisioned as a hiking trail and multi-use greenway crossing the breadth of New Jersey from High Point State Park to Cape May Point.

The Highlands Trail crosses through the Mid-Atlantic Highlands Region through Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and Connecticut. The New Jersey portion extends from the Delaware River in Hunterdon County to the New York state border at Passaic County, traversing Allamuchy Mountain State Park and connecting many communities in the Highlands with parks, open space, and opportunities for outdoor recreation.

In addition, the trails in the newly preserved property are part of a larger trail network that includes other significant trails nearby, including the Patriot’s Path, the Morris Canal Greenway, the Sussex Branch Trail, the Liberty-Water Gap Trail, and the September 11^th National Memorial Trail.

DEP PHOTOS/From Top: Trail at newly acquired addition to Allamuchy Mountain State Park; Barred owl; Scenic view of Allamuchy Mountain State Park; Bobcat

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