The Highlands remains a “treasured landscape”, critical to the health and well-being of residents of the region and surrounding cities and communities.
Over the past 3 decades The Highlands has been studied by federal and state agencies, their non-profit partners, and research scientists. As a result, the boundaries of the Highlands ecosystem expanded to include lands in Pennsylvania and Connecticut.
Legislation currently pending in the US Congress could provide federal funding to conserve additional lands in the Highlands to expand these benefits for residents and visitors to the Highlands
The Highlands landscape consists of forests, farms, and largely undeveloped lands extending from northeastern Pennsylvania north through New Jersey and New York into northwestern Connecticut.
The Highlands is the source of drinking water for millions of people in Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
All four states in the Highlands region have developed plans to better manage these lands to improve their ability to combat climate change.
The Highlands contributes to our efforts to fight climate change by storing carbon in forests, wetlands, and farmland soils.
Over time, and in places, growth and development have impacted parts of The Highlands, but it remains a “treasured landscape” critical to the health and well-being of residents of the region and surrounding cities and communities.
How do we achieve the goals of the region?
Acquire key lands and invest in management practices that contribute to climate mitigation and resiliency.
Adopt land management practices – natural climate solutions -- that accelerate C capture and optimize co-benefits.
Market ecosystem services and traditional goods and services.
Expand access to a more diverse population/re-green urban lands.
Capitalize on opportunities created by nearby media markets, financial centers, and organizations committed to all of the above.
