Garden State Preservation Trust (GSPT)
Dear Editor:
New Jersey is a leader in open space preservation, but if we do not act quickly, our Garden State risks becoming the Concrete State. The Officers and Trustees of Citizens United to Protect the Maurice River and Its Tributaries, Inc. find this an unacceptable state of affairs and urge your support for strengthening and renewing the Garden State Preservation Trust (GSPT).
GSPT has been the funding vehicle for open space acquisition through programs like Green Acres and Farmland Preservation. It is anticipated that this year the Trust's cupboard will be out of the green stuff—dollars that is! The citizens of NJ must act now or we will be unable to create any new recreational areas or preserve natural and historic areas.
Recently our voters supported dollars for capital improvements. But that does not address acquisition or the costs of operation which are critical to visitor enjoyment.
To adequately address these needs, we need $225 million a year for acquisition, $100 million a year for capital projects, and $56 million a year for operations. The acquisition and capital funds could be provided by bonding an annual dedicated stream of approximately $150 million.
This level of funding would address maintenance, the need for urban area parks, and continuance of natural areas, all of which are currently short-changed. Clean air, clean water and places to enjoy the great out-of-doors can't be taken for granted. Please let your state legislative representatives know you value NJ's natural treasures.
Sincerely,
Jane Morton Galetto
President, Citizens United to Protect the Maurice River and Its Tributaries, Inc.
