News Archive

Trail Needs Assessment Designed for Wide Array of Those who Plan and Manage Trails

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced Groundwork Elizabeth and Montclair State University have each been selected to receive a grant to help recruit, train, and place workers in community revitalization and cleanup projects at brownfield sites in New Jersey.

Institute’s Work Paved Way for New Jersey to Adopt Nation’s First Maximum Contaminant Level for Any type of PFAS. 

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York District, announces the award of Contract 4B for the Port Monmouth Hurricane and Storm Damage Reduction Project to ANSELMI & DE CICCO, INC., a Maplewood, New Jersey small business. The contract, valued at $61,865,125.00, marks a significant step in advancing coastal resilience efforts in Port Monmouth, New Jersey. 

New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is seeking nominations of qualified candidates for consideration as members of the department’s inaugural Natural Resource Restoration Advisory Council. Nominations are due by December 31, 2024. Interested applicants may self-nominate or be nominated by another individual or organization.

Following a public engagement process spanning several years, coupled with careful review and consideration, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection today released a map clearly delineating legal roads for driving vehicles within Wharton State Forest. 

The Murphy Administration has launched an online Climate Resilience Funding Directory to help municipalities, community-based organizations and state agencies identify resources for funding climate resilience projects, including local infrastructure improvements, hazard mitigation efforts and community resilience planning opportunities, Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette announced today.

Marking a milestone in its efforts to expand and improve urban green spaces, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and NJ TRANSIT held an open house on Wednesday to share plans for the first portion of the Greenway’s development in Newark. 

As New Jersey continues to experience historically low precipitation, above-average temperatures, and deteriorating water-supply conditions, Governor Phil Murphy and DEP Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette today announced the State is declaring a Drought Warning and gave an update on the significant increase in wildfires over last year.

On Wednesday, November 13, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection will host an open house to update the public on the first portion of the Greenway’s development in Newark.

Due to unprecedented statewide dry conditions and rapidly worsening water supply indicators, including severely depleted groundwater levels and streamflow, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, November 12, 2024.

Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced nearly $400 million in Clean Ports Program funding for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and SeaStreak LLC. This transformative investment, part of President Biden's Investing in America agenda, will fund new zero-emission equipment and infrastructure, alongside comprehensive climate and air quality planning.

The Murphy Administration today announced the availability of Green Acres grants and loans to local governments and nonprofits to develop or update parks and preserve open space. The 2025 funding round continues the expanded initiative for municipalities and counties to construct completely inclusive playgrounds.

In recognition of National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (Oct. 20-26), the New Jersey Departments of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Health (DOH) today released updates and additions to a statewide online mapping tool that uses publicly available data to indicate potential sources of lead exposure across the state.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has extended its deadline for receiving recommendations for nominees with experience in open space, preservation, land stewardship, environmental education, and environmental equity and justice to fill six vacancies for the inaugural board of directors for the New Jersey State Parks and Open Space Foundation, authorized by state law signed by Governor Phil Murphy at the beginning of the year. Nominations are now due by November 22, 2024. 

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection on Wednesday recognized New Jersey’s leaders in recycling and sustainability. Their accomplishments serve to inspire others to reduce waste, reuse and repurpose items when possible, and recycle properly to keep the state’s environment clean and healthy. An awards ceremony was held in conjunction with an annual recycling symposium hosted by the Association of New Jersey Recyclers (ANJR).  

Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette and the New Jersey DEP Forest Fire Service today strongly urged the public to heed Stage 3 fire restrictions that are in place as extremely dry conditions are expected to persist across New Jersey.

Fulfilling a plan to expand healthy recreation opportunities for New Jerseyans of all abilities, the Department of Environmental Protection today cut the ribbon on a new inclusive playground at Waywayanda State Park in Sussex County and announced completion of an 18-month project to replace equipment at 24 State Park Service playgrounds across New Jersey.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is celebrating the 25th year of the award-winning AmeriCorps New Jersey Watershed Ambassadors Program, marking a significant milestone in the program’s mission to raise awareness of water quality issues and promote environmental stewardship by engaging directly with communities. In addition, the program has partnered with the national American Climate Corps launched last year to expand skills-based training in clean energy, conservation and climate resilience.

Building upon the Murphy Administration’s commitment to protect and steward New Jersey’s natural and historic resources, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s State Park Police is recruiting candidates to fill 20 full-time officer positions across the state, Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette announced today.

Drivers are reminded to be extra vigilant on roadways this fall as the annual rut, or mating season, for white-tailed deer gets underway and daylight is limited during peak commuting hours, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) announced today.

EPA announces new final regulations and new funding under the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda for clean drinking water

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and City of Newark are pleased by the latest developments in an investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office that resulted in the arrests of two individuals who are charged with fraud by failing to fully replace lead service lines at sites that required remediation between 2019 and 2021.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation announced 45 Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund awards totaling more than $17 million, which includes more than $4.7 million in funds made available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Grantees have committed nearly $20.7 million in match, for a total conservation impact of $38 million that will restore and protect our land and water resources.

In celebration of National Drive Electric Week, Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette today announced the first-round award of $15 million in grants for local purchases of 48 electric school buses in New Jersey, marking the state’s first comprehensive commitment of funding for these zero-emission buses that will better protect the health of schoolchildren and communities.

Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette today joined U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia, U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross and other dignitaries at a park on Pitman’s once-badly polluted Alcyon Lake to mark the deletion of the Lipari Landfill from the National Priorities List of Superfund sites. 

As part of its ongoing dedication to increasing access to urban green space, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection today held the fourth open house-style event to engage directly with the public and gather feedback on the revitalization of Liberty State Park. The open house focused on active recreation amenities, vehicle and pedestrian circulation throughout the park, design concepts for the restoration of the historic train shed and updates on the cleanup of the long fenced-off park interior.

As part of its ongoing dedication to increasing access to urban green space, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection today held the fourth open house-style event to engage directly with the public and gather feedback on the revitalization of Liberty State Park. The open house focused on active recreation amenities, vehicle and pedestrian circulation throughout the park, design concepts for the restoration of the historic train shed and updates on the cleanup of the long fenced-off park interior. 

To mark Climate Week, the Murphy Administration today announced the launch of the Department of Environmental Protection’s Ready to Be Resilient Stormwater and Resilience Funding Program to modernize stormwater infrastructure and management strategies in the face of increased precipitation that is resulting from a warming climate. 

Informational exhibits spotlighting sea-level rise, harmful algal blooms, extended wildfire seasons and ghost forests are available at state parks this year to educate the public about how these specific climate change impacts are affecting New Jersey’s state parks and forests, Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette announced today to mark Climate Week. 

On Saturday, Sept. 28 at Liberty State Park, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection will host the fourth in its series of open house-style events on the Liberty State Park Revitalization Program. 

Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette today presented the second Our Water’s Worth It trophy to Lambertville for the city’s tireless efforts to improve its stormwater management program to address flooding issues, better protect local waterbodies and become more resilient to the impacts of climate change. 

Kicking off Climate Week, Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette today announced the release of the final 2024 New Jersey Statewide Water Supply Plan, which for the first time assesses water supply challenges resulting from climate change and offers climate resilience solutions.

New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Fish & Wildlife reminds the public to reduce the potential for encounters with black bears this fall by taking steps to properly manage trash and reduce other potential food sources around their properties or while outdoors. 

The National Park Service has awarded the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection $750,000 for the rehabilitation of the Old Dutch Parsonage State Historic Site in Somerville, Somerset County, Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette announced today.

August 29, 2024 – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency celebrated the selection of Camden Lutheran Housing Inc. to receive a $1 million grant for the cleanup of the Former West Jersey Paper Manufacturing Site. 

To address the air emissions of PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” three state environmental agencies today submitted a petition to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to add four specific PFAS chemicals to the list of Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs) under the Clean Air Act. 

Governor Phil Murphy today announced the launch of a new website that will serve as a one-stop shop to guide municipalities and solar developers as they plan, fund, and complete solar plus landfill capping projects. 

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities $156 million under the Solar for All Program to develop long-lasting solar programs that enable low-income and disadvantaged communities to benefit from solar power.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is advising residential and business owners across the state to respond to letters that they may receive in the mail in the coming weeks indicating that their water system has not been able to determine the materials used in service lines to their properties.

New Jersey waterways will be freshly stocked with more than 180,000 rainbow trout, as well as larger broodstock, for anglers eagerly awaiting the beginning of spring trout season on Saturday, April 6. 

Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that three New Jersey Superfund sites are among the over 100 sites across the country getting more than $1 billion for cleanup projects as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. This funding is made possible by the President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and will launch new cleanup projects at 25 Superfund sites and continue other cleanups at over 85 Superfund sites. The New Jersey Superfund sites included are the Matlack, Inc. site in Woolwich, the Raritan Bay Slag site in Old Bridge Township, and the Roebling Steel site in Florence Township. 

As part of its commitment to promoting sustainability and clean communities, the Murphy Administration is awarding nearly $16.2 million in grants to communities across the state to support waste reduction and recycling programs, Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette announced today. 

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Forest Fire Service and local officials today showcased a partnership with the Department of Defense that is helping to protect properties adjacent to military installations in the Pinelands from the increased risks of wildfire due to a changing climate. 

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has begun accepting applications for more than 800 peak-season part-time jobs throughout state parks, forests and historic sites, Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette announced today. 

Plan for First Time Assesses Challenges Presented by Climate Change

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection today released its draft 2024 New Jersey Statewide Water Supply Plan, which for the first time assesses water supply challenges resulting from climate change and offers climate resilience solutions.

Public Invited to Comment on Task Force Recommendations

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection will host a public meeting of the Liberty State Park (LSP) Design Task Force to discuss alternatives for potential active recreation, arts, and cultural amenities in LSP-North (Phase 1B), as well as elements for inclusion in the Master Plan for LSP-South (Phase 2). Following the Task Force meeting, an open comment period will be held for members of the public to offer comments to the Design Task Force. 

PROPOSALS FROM COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS DUE MARCH 21

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is seeking to partner with up to five community-based organizations for the fourth year of its successful Youth Inclusion Initiative to help young people in overburdened communities get involved in environmental protection and support a more diverse workforce, Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette announced today.

Public comment sought on 303(d) List of Impaired Waters

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection today made available its draft Integrated Water Quality Assessment Report. The report shows improving and stabilizing conditions for key water quality parameters over time. 

428-Acre Section Closure Now in Effect as Site Preparation Begins

The public is invited to attend a Thursday, Feb. 8 meeting to learn about and comment on a $37.5 million ecological restoration project expected to begin later this month at the Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area in Cape May County.

Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette today announced the launch of a groundbreaking program that will protect school children from harmful air pollutants, particularly in overburdened communities, by providing grants for school districts and school bus operators to purchase electric school buses and install charging infrastructure. 

RGGI Revenue Will Be Used to Purchase Electric Trucks, Buses

Leveraging proceeds from New Jersey’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), Governor Murphy has announced a nearly $13 million investment to further protect residents, the environment and the economy from the worsening impacts of climate change. The latest round of auction proceeds will be used to increase the number of electric trucks and buses that traverse communities overburdened by air pollution, Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn M. LaTourette said.

To address New Jersey’s increasing flood risks under climate change, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette, Department of Community Affairs Acting Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez, and Division of Consumer Affairs Acting Director Cari Fais today unveiled new and enhanced tools and technologies designed to provide prospective homebuyers and renters with critical information needed to make better informed decision on where they choose to live and how best to protect their property from flood damage. 

Governor Phil Murphy today signed S1311/A594, which establishes the NJ State Parks and Open Space Foundation within the Department of Environmental Protection. The foundation will be incorporated as a nonprofit corporation and will be responsible for raising funds for the maintenance and development of New Jersey’s state parks and forests, as well as county and municipal parks and open spaces.

Building upon its commitment to robust public engagement, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is now accepting online comments from the public for the proposed Wharton State Forest Visiting Vehicle Use Map. The proposed map, released today, designates legal driving routes within New Jersey’s largest state forest. 

The Murphy Administration’s Interagency Council on Climate Resilience has released a Two-Year Anniversary Accomplishments Report highlighting New Jersey state agencies’ climate resilience success stories covering a spectrum of initiatives ranging from financial and tax implications of mitigation strategies to new flood protection measures for inland communities, Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette announced today. 

Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette today announced the availability of Green Acres and Urban Parks grants and loans to local governments and nonprofits to develop or update parks and preserve open space. The 2024 funding round includes an expanded initiative to fund construction of completely inclusive playgrounds, specifically developed to encourage municipalities to apply for funding.

Governor Phil Murphy and Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette today announced the filing of the Advanced Clean Cars II rule for adoption on December 18, setting the state on the road toward better air quality and cleaner choices for new car buyers while combatting the worsening climate crisis. New Jersey joins a growing number of states that are requiring vehicle manufacturers to make zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) an increasing percentage of their new light-duty vehicle sales beginning in model year 2027, ramping up to 100% ZEVs by 2035. 

DEP Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette joined U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox as she announced the Get the Lead Out (GLO) Initiative. This new effort will help ensure safer drinking water for communities as part of President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda. New initiative funded by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help 200 underserved communities access technical assistance to identify and remove lead service lines and ensure safer drinking water. 

Governor Phil Murphy and Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette today announced the filing of the Advanced Clean Cars II rule for adoption on December 18, setting the state on the road toward better air quality and cleaner choices for new car buyers while combatting the worsening climate crisis. New Jersey joins a growing number of states that are requiring vehicle manufacturers to make zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) an increasing percentage of their new light-duty vehicle sales beginning in model year 2027, ramping up to 100% ZEVs by 2035.

First Lady Tammy Murphy and Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn M. LaTourette today kicked off Climate Week by announcing the release of the Summary of Climate Change in New Jersey, an important resource developed by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to help teachers throughout the state understand and incorporate climate science into their lesson plans. 

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is announcing the start of a 30-day public comment period for the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) for New Jersey.

The Department of Environmental Protection today announced the launch of an online mapping tool that will help the public, stakeholders and government officials advance work that is needed to bolster the resilience of New Jersey’s coastal areas to climate change.

“I am deeply saddened by the sudden passing of my friend and partner in climate policy, Joseph Fiordaliso."

To recognize the start of National Preparedness Month and the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season, State Police Superintendent and Director of Emergency Management Patrick J. Callahan and Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn M. LaTourette today urged the public to practice responsible planning for before, during and after hurricanes and other extreme weather events that have become more frequent as a result of climate change. 

New Jersey’s premier program to honor environmental protection leaders in a variety of categories is accepting nominations through Sept. 10 for the 24thAnnual Governor’s Environmental Excellence Awards Program, Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette announced today.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and BASF Corp. have reached a revised, final settlement agreement that secures natural resource restoration and resolves state-based natural resource damage claims for natural resource injuries at and related to the Ciba-Geigy Superfund Site in Toms River, Ocean County.

New Jersey is fortunate to have an engaged community of environmental advocates who work hard to improve and protect our natural resources while holding government and private sector actors accountable to our environmental values.

The Department of Environmental Protection is seeking recruits for its 24th year of the AmeriCorps NJ Watershed Ambassadors Program that helps protect New Jersey watersheds while creating environmental career opportunities for young people, Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette announced today.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection today launched its third annual Youth Inclusion Initiative summer program to engage young people from overburdened communities that have disproportionately less open space by providing hands-on training and exposure to career opportunities within the environmental field, announced Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette.

Governor Phil Murphy today announced the Administration’s upcoming adoption of the landmark Inland Flood Protection Rule to better protect New Jersey’s communities from worsening riverine flooding and stormwater runoff. The rulemaking has been filed with the Office of Administrative Law and will become effective upon publication in the New Jersey Register next month. A courtesy copy of the rule and additional information are available here.

TRENTON – Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Shawn M. LaTourette today announced eight new environmental enforcement actions targeting polluters across the State whose toxic legacies continue to threaten public health, safety, and the environment. They also announced that settlement agreements had been reached in two other environmental justice cases.

Governor Phil Murphy today announced a proposed investment of nearly $100 million for projects to develop or update parks and preserve open space, including a new initiative to fund construction of inclusive playgrounds for differently abled children.

New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection has charged itself with damaging habitat for threatened and endangered birds that it was supposed to protect. The work was designed to create habitat for one species of bird, but actually wound up destroying habitat for two others. The department acknowledged it sent a violation notice and threatened penalties against its own Division of Fish and Wildlife regarding unauthorized work in February and March at the Glassboro Wildlife Management Area in Clayton, Gloucester County.

On the first day of Earth Week, Governor Phil Murphy today announced the final adoption of regulations to implement New Jersey’s landmark Environmental Justice (EJ) Law. The EJ Law and implementing rules are the first in the nation aimed at reducing pollution in historically overburdened communities and communities of color that have been subjected to a disproportionately high number of environmental and public health stressors.

Following through on the Murphy Administration’s recent outline of six pillars that will serve as the foundation for a cleaner, greener, and more resilient New Jersey, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU), and New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) today announced $70 million in Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) auction proceed awards to help reduce the upfront costs of electric trucks, buses, and equipment in overburdened communities. The state agencies also announced a series of sessions in April for the public to comment on possible future investments with RGGI funds.

TRENTON – From 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 18 at Mill Hill Park in Trenton, Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette will host an event to announce and congratulate the state’s inaugural recipients of the Natural Climate Solutions Grant Program.

Local governments and eligible nonprofit organizations interested in acquiring open space, creating or rehabilitating parks, completing stewardship projects, or creating inclusive playgrounds are invited to apply for Green Acres grant and loan funding, Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette announced today.

Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn M. LaTourette today announced the winners of the 23rd Annual Governor’s Environmental Excellence Awards, as well as the recipients of the Richard J. Sullivan Award and the inaugural James J. Florio Emerging Environmental Leader Award, honoring the memory of the former Governor and Congressman.

Today, the Fish and Game Council voted to approve emergency regulations amending the Game Code and adopting a new Comprehensive Black Bear Management Plan (CBBMP) to control the black bear population and reduce the threat of dangerous encounters between bears and humans through regulated hunting and non-lethal management measures.

To protect public safety and support a healthy wildlife population, Governor Phil Murphy announced that the New Jersey Fish and Game Council will discuss the approval of the State’s Comprehensive Bear Management Policy (CBBMP) and consider amendments to the Game Code at its upcoming meeting on Tuesday, November15.

Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman and New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette today announced the Department has awarded additional funding to continue helping communities implement inclusive initiatives that increase recreational access to coastal resources for individuals with disabilities.

State Accuses Defendants of Deceptive Business Practices in Concealing the Risks Posed by Oil and Gas for Decades, Driving Ongoing Use of Fossil Fuels

View Complaint: 2022-1018_NJ-Climate-Complaint-FILED.pdf

As we approach the 10-year anniversary of Super Storm Sandy, the NJDEP has created a microsite to remember the storm, complete with resources to better prepare for future storms. You can find out more at the following link:

Four regional groups have released regional climate action plans in advance of the 10th anniversary of Superstorm Sandy, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Climate Resilience announced today. The “Resilient NJ” plans are an outgrowth of a National Disaster Resilience Competition award to New Jersey intended to advance regional planning in areas most impacted by Sandy. The plans set forth resilience actions across 24 communities in the four regions.

TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy and Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn M. LaTourette today announced the Administration’s intent to propose an Inland Flood Protection Rule to better protect New Jersey’s communities from worsening riverine flooding and stormwater runoff.

Resilient Northeastern NJ -- a partnership between the NJ Department of Environmental Protection, Jersey City,  Hoboken, Bayonne, Newark, Hudson County, Ironbound Community Corporation, HOPES CAP, Inc. and Arcadis -- is seeking feedback on a proposed action plan to address current climate-related challenges, as well as to better prepare the Hudson County region for changing conditions.

Join the NJ WasteWise Business Network and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Bureau of Sustainability for a webinar covering topics such as the societal benefits of reuse, plastic film pelletizing and recycling, etc. 

To mark Climate Week, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities announced the selection of additional research projects designed to ensure environmentally responsible development of wind energy off New Jersey’s coastline.

Governor Phil Murphy today signed Executive Order No. 307, increasing New Jersey’s offshore wind goal by nearly 50 percent to 11,000 megawatts (MW) by 2040. The Executive Order, which increases the state’s current goal of 7,500 MW, also directs the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities to study the feasibility of increasing the target further.

The Department of Environmental Protection is urging New Jersey residents to check trees on their property for signs of beech leaf disease and report their findings to the New Jersey Forest Service, Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette announced today. Beech leaf disease was first detected in Bergen and Essex counties in summer 2020 and is now confirmed in 10 additional counties.

This is to inform you that the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is publishing a Preliminary Notice in the September 19, 2022 New Jersey Register (NJR) seeking public comment on a proposed Water Quality Management (WQM) Plan amendment.

Join us Saturday, September 24, 2022 for National Public Lands Day (NPLD) on the Wharton State Forest (WSF)! NPLD is the nation's largest single-day volunteer event for public lands. Established in 1994 and held annually on the fourth Saturday in September, this celebration brings out thousands of volunteers to help restore and improve public lands around the country.

6 small areas within the five listed Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) that were closed in May 2022, have reopened as of Tuesday, September 6, 2022.  

Please join us on Saturday, September 17, 2022  for our 5th Annual Delaware River Cleanup in Hunterdon and Mercer Counties! The NJ State Park Service is co-sponsoring our 5th Annual Delaware River Cleanup to help tackle the litter along the shores of our Wild and Scenic Delaware River.  This year's cleanup includes 15 cleanup sites from the Reigelsville Boat Launch in Holland Township, Hunterdon County all the way downstream to the freshwater tidal section in Hamilton Township in Mercer County.

TRENTON, N.J. (August 31, 2022) – Today, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) released information on the Brownfields Redevelopment Incentive (BRI) Program for public feedback. Established by the New Jersey Economic Recovery Act of 2020 (ERA), the Brownfields Redevelopment Incentive Program is a $300 million tax credit program designed to compensate developers of redevelopment projects located on brownfield sites for remediation costs.

The Brownfields Redevelopment Incentive Program covers specific costs associated with brownfield remediation and redevelopment., including the investigation and remediation of environmental contamination, as well as building and structural remediation activities.

Wilmington, DE – The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation announced today 36 Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund awards totaling $14 million, which includes $4.9 million in funds made available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Grantees have committed $14.2 million in match, for a total conservation impact of $28.2 million that will restore and protect our land and water resources.

“The Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund has been critical to The Nature Conservancy’s work restoring New Jersey’s waterways and aquatic wildlife" said Eric Olsen, Director of Conservation, The Nature Conservancy of New Jersey. “The continued funding for this program will help us restore rivers to ensure migratory fish and aquatic wildlife can adapt to changing climate conditions into the future.”

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection will host the first in a series of virtual public stakeholder meetings at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 27, 2022, launching a Visitor and Vehicle Use Survey to develop an access and use plan for Wharton State Forest, Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette announced. At 124,350 acres, Wharton State Forest is the largest tract of land within the New Jersey State Park system, receiving more than 800,000 visitors annually. The new survey seeks input on what types of recreation the public enjoys at the forest, what areas of the forest are most important to users, and the routes they use to access those activities.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) is pleased to invite Cumberland County residents to attend a community engagement session in Bridgeton regarding environmental justice with DEP Deputy Commissioner Sean Moriarty and EPA Region 2 Chief of Staff & Senior Advisor for Equity Olivia Glenn.

The next public meeting of the Drinking Water Quality Institute (DWQI) will be held on September 8, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. This meeting will be held virtually via Microsoft teams. A call-in number is also available if you are only able to access the meeting by phone.