New Jersey Open Space Initiatives Benefit Economy

The State of New Jersey's 39 parks and 11 forests provide economic benefits amounting to at least $1.2 billion per year, or $30 billion over a 25 year-period, according to a study released by the NJ DEP.

According to Governor McGreevey. "This study confirms that our investments in open space preservation pay off." The study, entitled The Economic Value of New Jersey State Parks and Forests, highlights that New Jersey's parks and forests create almost 14,000 jobs, positively impact property values and provide enhanced public services including education. Other benefits include $140 million annually derived from ecosystem services, such as watershed and groundwater protection, flood control, water purification, wildlife conservation, biodiversity preservation, and storage of carbon, the leading greenhouse gas. http://www.nj.gov/dep/newsrel/2004/04_0121.htm