The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has extended its deadline for receiving recommendations for nominees with experience in open space, preservation, land stewardship, environmental education, and environmental equity and justice to fill six vacancies for the inaugural board of directors for the New Jersey State Parks and Open Space Foundation, authorized by state law signed by Governor Phil Murphy at the beginning of the year. Nominations are now due by November 22, 2024.
Recognizing the immense fundraising value of these foundations in other parts of the nation, Governor Murphy on Jan. 12 signed the groundbreaking law establishing the New Jersey State Parks and Open Space Foundation to create opportunities to further grow and invest in New Jersey’s state parks, forests and historic sites, as well as county and local government open space. The NJDEP State Park Service manages 42 state parks, 11 state forests, five recreation areas and more than 50 historic sites and districts, encompassing more than 454,000 acres.
The New Jersey State Parks and Open Space Foundation will be incorporated as a nonprofit corporation and will be responsible for raising funds for the maintenance and development of New Jersey’s state parks and forests, as well as county and municipal parks and open spaces, supplementing existing funding sources.
“Thanks to this monumental legislation, our state’s natural treasures will only become more invaluable as we continue to invest in their preservation, resilience, and accessibility,” said Governor Murphy when he signed the law. “From Liberty State Park to Island Beach State Park, our state parks and forests will continue to attract visitors to the Garden State while providing physical and mental health benefits for countless New Jersey families.”
“The New Jersey State Parks and Open Space Foundation is a game-changing moment for parks and open space in New Jersey," added Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette. “By establishing this Foundation, Governor Murphy and our Legislature have created the avenue for passionate outdoor enthusiasts to champion improvements in the parks and open spaces they love and the greater environment we share. With this new tool, we will create a lasting conservation and outdoor recreation legacy that brings people and communities together to enjoy our natural treasures."
Park foundations have been established in many states in support of state park systems as well as for the National Park System, raising significant funding to acquire park land, improve park amenities, support access to parks for a wide range of users and uses, and assist parks with significant capital needs.
Recommendations for nominations must be submitted by November 22, 2024:
Background
Nominees for the six public member vacancies should have expertise in open space preservation, recreational development, natural lands management, or fundraising. The foundation board of directors will be appointed by the Governor, subject to the review and consent of the New Jersey Senate. The Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection will serve as an ex-officio member and chair the board. Other ex-officio non-voting members will include the Secretary of State, State Treasurer, and the chairperson of the Garden State Preservation Trust. In addition, one member of the public will be appointed by the President of the Senate and one member of the public will be appointed by the Speaker of the General Assembly.
At least three of the six members to be appointed should represent nonprofit organizations and have open space preservation or environmental education as their corporate purpose. Two members shall have experience advancing the causes of equity or environmental justice. All public members of the board of directors shall be residents of the State. The board will work to augment funding of the park system, which receives a portion of the Corporation Business Tax (CBT) for park development and stewardship. Specifically, CBT funds are utilized to address significant facility needs and new construction of amenities within parks.
The DEP values and welcomes diversity and applications from individuals of all racial, gender, religious, and ethnic groups and all geographic areas of New Jersey are encouraged. Please share this information with any groups or individuals who may be interested and email questions or comments to appointments@dep.nj.gov. Please note that application material submitted to the Department may be subject to provisions of the Open Public Records Act.