Did you know that Green Acres Money is used to purchase land for Wildlife Management Areas?

On November 3, you will be asked to vote on a Public Question concerning the GREEN ACRES, WATER SUPPLY AND FLOODPLAIN PROTECTION, AND FARMLAND AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION BOND ACT OF 2009. Please read the Public Question in its entirety, then please VOTE NO!

You'll see references to "recreation" and the Interpretative Statement reads, in part: "The Green Acres program acquires land that protects water supplies and preserves open space, including parks, "fish and wildlife habitat", and flood prone or affected areas.

www.njelections.org/2009results/09general/09-public-question-090909.pdf

All of us care about the environment and want it protected from yet more development. We typically think of Green Acres as bike trails, hiking paths, or local parks. However, Green Acres money also goes to purchase land for Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) which are primarily used for hunting, fishing, and trapping. As you look through the table, you'll probably see a number of WMAs in your county.

Before voting on the public question, consider the following:

Go to the New Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife www.njfishandwildlife.com/wmaland.htm. You'll see a table which lists all state WMAs as of August 2009. The table then shows how the land was acquired.

Between 1961 and 2007: 324,674.90 acres were purchased as WMAs. Here's how the land was acquired:

Green Acres: 215,513.47 acres (66%)
Division of Fish & Wildlife: 98,542.81acres (30%)
Waterfowl Stamp Program **: 10,618.62 acres (3%)

Of the 120 properties:

62 were purchased solely by Green Acres funds.
12 were acquired solely by the Division of Fish & Wildlife
1 was purchased solely by the Waterfowl Stamp Program

While we know how much money will be allocated to Green Acres, we will not know how the money will be spent until it has been allocated. There is no way to assure that it will not be used to purchase yet more land for hunters, fishers, and trappers.

Peace for all life,
Terry

** More on stamps: www.fws.gov/DUCKSTAMPS/Info/Stamps/stampinfo.htm