Protecting and Managing New Jersey’s Public Lands
The Open Space Conservation Cooperative was created to bridge the gap between the growing amount of publicly owned open space and the critical need for effective, long-term land management.
Over the past 15+ years, more than one billion dollars has been invested across New Jersey to acquire open space at the municipal, county, and state levels.
While this investment has successfully preserved thousands of acres, many of these properties transitioned from privately managed land to public ownership—often without sufficient resources dedicated to ongoing stewardship.
As a result, many open spaces face challenges such as invasive species, declining habitat quality, and reduced ecological function.
Turning Preservation into Stewardship
The Cooperative focuses on moving beyond land acquisition to ensure these properties are actively managed and maintained for long-term environmental health.
Key goals of the program include:
- Preserving and improving water quality
- Enhancing productive farmland and soil health
- Controlling and reducing invasive species
- Expanding wildlife habitat and biodiversity
- Supporting threatened and endangered species
- Restoring and strengthening riparian buffers
Through coordinated planning and implementation, the program helps transform under-managed lands into resilient, functioning ecosystems.
A Collaborative, Regional Approach
The Open Space Conservation Cooperative brings together local, county, and state partners to evaluate properties within a broader landscape context. By considering surrounding land uses, agricultural activity, waterways, and ecological priorities, the program identifies opportunities for meaningful, strategic improvements.
Each project is guided by site-specific assessments and may include conservation planning, forestry management, habitat restoration, and long-term maintenance strategies.
Explore the featured projects below:
The Cooperative supports a growing number of open space projects throughout the region. Each site presents unique opportunities and challenges, with tailored solutions designed to enhance ecological value and community benefit.
Looking Ahead
As more land is preserved across New Jersey, the importance of active management continues to grow. The Open Space Conservation Cooperative is committed to ensuring that these protected lands are not only preserved—but also maintained, restored, and enhanced for future generations.