For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Anjuli.Ramos@sierraclub.org
Sierra Club Joins NJDEP’s Outside, Together! Initiative Launch
Secaucus- Sierra Club, New Jersey Chapter joins the the NJ Department of Environmental Protection as they launch its Equitable Investment in Outdoor Recreation Planning initiative called Outside, Together! This initiative takes the role of the Department’s 5-year recurring requirement to National Park Service for the Federal Land and Water Conservation Funds and broadens the planning effort through deep and robust community outreach and a reformation of funding policies and acquisition prioritizations for the DEP’s Green Acres, Fish and Wildlife and Parks, Forestry & Historic Sites programs.
Outside, Together! includes the following foundational principles:
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Expanding high-quality open space and recreational opportunities for all New Jerseyans;
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Enhancing climate resilience and sustainability through acquisition and development;
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Empowering communities through investment in ecotourism and outdoor Recreation;
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Embracing the role of technology in conservation and outdoor recreation;
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Furthering equity and environmental justice through outdoor recreation; and
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Continuing the commitment to stewardship and the conservation and restoration of biodiversity
Anjuli Ramos-Busot, New Jersey Director of the Sierra Club, released the following statement:
“Protection of parks, lands, and wildlife is an integral part of the Sierra Club which is why we are very excited about NJDEP’s Outside, Together! initiative. New Jersey is one of the most unique places in the country. From the Highlands to the Pinelands, to the beautiful beaches of Sandy Hook to the massive Lake Hopatcong. These types of areas need to move forward with appropriate growth and development and utilize its historic eco-tourism potential. At the same time they need to be resilient to climate impacts. Lake Hopatcong is a great example of the environmental and economic impacts that climate change and development can have on NJ’s unique places.
“Management of our parks and open space should include long-term planning based on the best available science and technology. GIS and Aerial Imagery for example have been an excellent way to gain information on the physical characteristics of land, wildlife and more. As habitats and ecosystems undergo alteration as a result of climate change, many plants and animals will need connected natural landscapes and innovative conservation strategies if they are to adapt and survive. The role of citizen science data collection is also very helpful for communities to research questions, make new discoveries and even sometimes solve environmental problems. Mobile Apps like Instagram are also an incredible way to depict and share the beauty of nature while educating at the same time.
“The State’s parks and forests constitute a vital natural resource for the residents of New Jersey. These areas provide not only environmental but also substantial economic benefits. Our state parks are some of the most heavily used in the country. That is why it’s critical that we have adequate funding for maintenance and improvements for our parks system so we can continue to grow and improve the open space that belongs to all of us.
“Open space, parks, historic sites and more must be accessible to all. Urban areas have a real shortage of open space and parks. The lack of parks also discourages redevelopment and hurts economic growth. Funding inequities continue to enhance those disparities in green spaces. Residents in many lower-income and minority communities must travel significant distances just to go to a park or find an open swimming area. It is critical that the
“The key to protecting and preserving our parks and lands for generations to come is multifaceted and very much intertwined with the principles of NJDEP’s Outside, Together initiative. Adequate Funding, Resiliency, Equitable Accessibility and Technology are some of the ingredients for a successful outdoors program.
“We look forward to working with NJDEP and the Murphy Administration so that New Jersey can have a successful Outdoors Initiative that provides green space for all while protecting our unique ecosystems for future generations to come.”