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.
Photography provided by Nick Zungoli
“I am struck by the incredible resilience of the Highlands ecosystem….”
The Highlands is the birthplace of the American industrial revolution and by the 1800’s, the Highlands had been mined, cutover, and then largely abandoned. Given time, however, the forests regenerated, the land healed, and the waters cleared.
The Highlands’ history provides hope that forests and watersheds abused by mis-guided land use practices might be protected and restored to provide vital open space and ecosystem services to the broader region’s many human residents”.
The Highlands: Critical Resources, Treasured Landscapes
- Rick Lathrop
Peter’s Mine - RIngwood, Passaic County, NJ
Where are The Highlands?
The Highlands region spans 3.4 million acres across Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. This iconic landscape is distinguished by Appalachian ridges, hills, and plateaus. It is marked by deciduous and coniferous forests, streams and lakes, and thousands of plant and animal species. It is not only ecologically diverse, but sustains forest management, working farms, nature-oriented recreational opportunities, and clean water for the many people who live in the region.
In 1990, Congress enacted the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (the “Farm Bill”) Section 1244 directed the USDA Forest Service to study the New York-New Jersey Highlands Region.
The goals were clearly stated as to
Manage future growth
Maintain adequate supply of quality water
Conserve contiguous forests
Provide appropriate recreational opportunities
Promote economic prosperity consistent with 1-4
A recreation destination for millions.
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