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The Nature Conservancy

New Jersey is rapidly approaching “functional build-out,” a time when all land is either conserved or developed. As we accelerate toward that reality, development has surged while conservation has hit historic lows in our state. That means every unprotected New Jersey acre is now at real risk of being lost just as communities are calling for more open space and the cleaner water, flood protection, wildlife habitat, outdoor recreation space and economic benefits it provides. Residents have already funded these desired outcomes through the Corporate Business Tax, permanently approved in 2014, but administrative hurdles and a lack of state conservation vision have slowed meaningful progress in achieving them.

A graphic of facts about the 50x50 campaign.
The 50x50 Framework Learn more about the 50x50 campaign and goals. © TNC

To reach 50x50, we need to conserve at least 25,000 acres per year, but we are currently averaging less than 5,000. Without 50X50’s renewed action, updated tools and reinvigorated investments, New Jersey risks losing the natural assets that make the state competitive, resilient and beautiful. We have a time window to ensure that our landscape legacy includes clean water—not just warehouses—and dragonflies along with data centers, but it is closing quickly.

What is 50x50?

A land conservation framework, created by more than 70 experts, stakeholders and residents.

© Tetyana Ohare/Shutterstock

50x50 is a land conservation framework, created in consultation with more than 70 experts and backed by a wide variety of stakeholders and residents, that:

  • Calls on state leadership to preserve ~50% (500,000 acres) of New Jersey’s best remaining lands by 2050.
  • Prioritizes New Jersey’s most critical lands for growing food, safeguarding drinking water, sustaining wildlife and providing places for people to enjoy the outdoors. (See Conservation Blueprint)
  • Uses already-approved funding and carries out a directive made by residents of New Jersey in 2014, with no additional allocations needed.
  • Preserves the essential role and services conservation contributes to the state economy.
  • Protects New Jersey’s legacy as the Garden State and positions us as a model for other states as they move toward buildout.

Explore the Benefits of 50x50

A river runs through rolling, forested terrain under blue sky with puffy clouds.
Delaware River View of the river from Roebling’s Delaware Aqueduct, Pike County, PA. © Nicholas Tonelli

Clean Water

  • Conserved forests provide free filtration for New Jersey’s reliable, inexpensive and clean drinking water sources. Every 10 percent increase in forest cover decreases water treatment and chemical costs decreased by 20 percent.1 And, protecting land in one part of the state, like in the Delaware River Basin, benefits millions of people—locally and miles away.
  • New Jersey industry depends on clean, forest-filtered water; without it the state stands to lose billions of dollars in economic investment.
  • Water from the Highlands region supports 70% of state residents, including many in urban centers, but contains 19,000 individual developable lots (~230 square miles) that if converted will impact drinking water.
  • The 50X50 framework empowers conservation of critical areas that supply our drinking water.

1New Jersey Keep it Green Coalition

Two bobcats crossing the center of a road.
Resilient and Connected Future New grant recipients will increase the pace and scale of conservation amidst our changing climate. © Gordon Ellmers

Wildlife

  • New Jersey is home to 800+ animal species, but more than 10% of them are endangered. Habitat conversion and fragmentation for residential, commercial and infrastructure development remains the top threat to wildlife.
  • Protected areas of our state are too frequently disconnected as “habitat islands” that do not allow wildlife to move freely through the landscape, which they must do to survive and reproduce. Isolated populations cannot persist over the long term.
  • The 50x50 initiative gives us tools and funding to expand and connect priority habitats so wildlife can thrive.
Aerial image of a tractor and trailer loaded with fresh harvested ripe red tomatoes.
Agriculture Aerial image of a tractor and trailer loaded with fresh harvested ripe red tomatoes. © Shutterstock

Agriculture

  • Agriculture is New Jersey’s third largest industry, with nearly 10,000 farms bringing in roughly $1.5 billion in revenue annually, helping New Jersey live up to its “Garden State” nickname and serving as a major source of fresh produce for the Northeast region.
  • Productive, taxpaying farmland covers more than 710,000 acres and is the largest single source of scenic vistas throughout the state, but only about 250,000 of those acres are permanently preserved.
  • The 50X50 framework accelerates farmland preservation that maintains our state’s uniquely diverse character; invests tax dollars directly in New Jersey farmers, ranchers, fishermen, and communities; and increases the amount of local, high quality food reaching residents and businesses.
Hiker crosses a rushing river over wet rocks after snowmelt.
Agriculture Hiker crosses river with wet rocks after snowmelt. © Kristi Blokhin/Shutterstock

Health and Recreation

  •  New Jersey forests and urban trees filter air, reduce temperatures and store carbon, providing essential, cost-effective (free!) air quality improvements for residents.
  •  Open space offers proven physical and mental health benefits, promoting lower disease rates and boosting wellbeing.
  • From parks to preserves, 50X50 prioritizes natural areas that offer outdoor experiences and enhance the health of residents.
An elevated view of miles of distant forested mountain ridges with dazzling pink wildflowers in the foreground.
TNC Preserves Whether you’re hiking, birdwatching or exploring TNC’s efforts to protect and restore local habitats, each preserve highlights the importance of conservation. © Shutterstock

Economics

  • Nature in New Jersey provides a spectacular canvas for residents and visitors to enjoy, powering a robust local recreation economy of $14.5 billion in annual spending, supporting 123,000 jobs (three times as many as the chemical industry), generating $1.2 billion in state and local taxes and providing $7.3 billion in wages and salaries.1
  • Proximity to open space increases property values. When located near a preserved natural area, the price of an average home grows by 16 percent and vacant lot values increase by 35 percent. Parks contribute up to 20 percent of the value of homes in urban areas.2
  • Conserving land and expanding green spaces through the 50x50 campaign supports property owners and powerful economic sectors.

1Outdoor Industry Association
2New Jersey Keep It Green Coalition

A river flows toward the sea with flat wetlands on one side and housing and development on the other side.
Coastal Communities Aerial image of Beach Haven West, New Jersey, on the mainland side of Manahawkin Bay, and across the water from Long Island Beach. © George Steinmetz

Community Resilience

  • New Jersey experienced 14 federally declared climate disasters between 2011 and 2024, with every one of the state’s 21 counties facing at least five disaster declarations.1
  • Hurricanes, extreme rainfall, heat waves, and drought have cost taxpayers more than $7.9 billion in New Jersey, ranking the state fifth in the nation for per capita disaster spending.1
  • Natural areas protected under the 50X50 plan function to ease impacts of flooding and other climate challenges. Forests, fields and floodplains absorb excess water during heavy rainfalls and storms; trees and vegetation slow winds and anchor soil. These services buffer communities from damage to roads, bridges, buildings and sewer lines, reducing the need for costly repairs.

1Rebuild by Design

50x50 in the Media