Tell the NJ Assembly to Support Open Space Protection

January 11, 2016
New York-New Jersey Trail Conference

Title

Tell the NJ Assembly to Support Open Space Protection

Body

 

Vernon ValleyEmail and call your legislators, or join us in Trenton this Monday, Jan. 11

In November 2014, an Open Space ballot measure was overwhelmingly passed by New Jersey voters to ensure funding for the protection of natural areas. Now, the only thing holding this funding back is the adoption of an implementation bill that will allow this money to start going towards the protection of open space!

We need your help making sure bill A4197 is put to vote by the Assembly and wins approval. The bill was already passed unanimously by the State Senate, but needs to be put on the Assembly ballot this Monday, Jan. 11. A no-vote at this juncture could drastically delay important funding going to many groups dedicated to conservation efforts and land stewardship in New Jersey, including the Trail Conference.

The greatest help would be to show up this Monday, Jan. 11, in Trenton to remind legislatures in person, before they go onto the floor, that New Jersey voters want these funds for open space protection, and that the programs they support are critical and benefit the entire state--from urban centers to farm land, from shoreline to forested trail.

If you are able to join us in Trenton, please meet at the State House Café at 11 a.m. We will then proceed to the halls of the statehouse, where it's imperative that legislators see and hear us before they attend their voting session. Please wear Trail Conference gear if you have it.

We also ask that you send e-mails and call your state legislators today, voicing the importance of this bill and its positive impacts for the future of the state. Contact information for all state legislators can be found here.

The following is sample language to help craft your thoughts:

"I strongly support A4197, which would implement the November 2014 Open Space Ballot Measure. As an avid outdoor enthusiast and New Jersey resident, I am grateful for the actions of the Legislature in allowing voters to continue their long-time support of this legacy program. It is critical that action is taken now to pass implementation language to ensure these funds are protected and used as the voters intended."

Thank you for your continued support on this most important issue. We greatly appreciate all the help you can offer!