4 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

The Service’s Role in the Highlands In 1993, the New Jersey Field Office In 1997, the Service’s Coastal Program The Highlands support extensive federal and the New Jersey Endangered and produced a landmark report entitled trust resources under U.S. Fish and Nongame program documented Significant Habitat Complexes of the The Highlands Region Wildlife Service (Service) jurisdiction, the endangered bat in New New York Bight Watershed that includes including migratory , two National Jersey’s Highlands at a time when the a detailed description of the wildlife Wildlife Refuges, and six federally listed species was believed to be extirpated resources of the Highlands Region. Landscape Planning to Protect species in New Jersey alone. Service from the State. Subsequently, the The Service’s Division of Migratory involvement in the Highlands is also Service has worked with the Endangered Birds participates in several Vital Water and Wildlife consistent with regional and national and Nongame Species program and conservation initiatives that have priorities including water supply and other partners to install a conservation identified unfragmented forests such as Resources delivery, restoration, landscape-level gate at one of the Indiana bat’s winter those of the Highlands as essential to the planning, and partnerships. hibernation sites, and to identify the conservation of long-distance migratory bat’s maternity habitat. To date at least songbirds in the Northeast. seven maternity colonies have been documented, all located at least partially The Service is building on past in the Highlands. Additionally, the New conservation work in the Highlands Jersey Field Office’s Adopt-a-Swamp- through: administration of the federal Pink Population program includes sites Highlands Conservation Act; review in the Highlands where volunteers are of the State Highlands Master Plan; monitoring this threatened plant.

USFWS technical assistance to the State Bog turtle (Clemmys muhlenbergii) Highlands Council; implementation of conservation tasks for federally In the 1990s, the Service’s New Jersey listed species, species of concern, and Field Office provided support for migratory birds; and continued habitat conservation initiatives at localized areas restoration projects through the Partners of the Highlands including Beaver Brook, program. The Service is also building Mount Hope Bog, Farney Highlands, and and strengthening partnerships for Sterling Forest. Since 1994, the Service’s conservation of the Highlands. Panoramic view looking south from Wildcat Ridge, Rockaway Township, Morris County, New Jersey Photo: Clifford G. Day / USFWS Partners for Fish and Wildlife (Partners) program and its partners have carried out 46 projects in New Jersey’s Highlands to What is the Highlands Region? restore 575 acres of uplands, 215 acres Approximately 5,500 square miles in size, the

Photo Dr. J. Scott Altenbachr Photo Dr. State Boundaries of wetlands, and 16 miles of riparian four-state (Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, habitat. In one Partners project, through Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis) and ) Highlands Region is a rugged Federal Highlands Region the Bring Back the Natives initiative, corridor of forested ridges and valleys, wetlands, New Jersey Highlands Region portions of Beaver Brook were restored U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and grasslands located on the western edge of a in Morris County. Since 1997, the Bring Back The Natives coastal metropolis that extends from Hartford, Planning Area U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Ecological Services New Jersey Field Office Spawning Partnerships in New Jersey Service has reviewed over 1,200 project 927 N. Main St., Bldg. D Connecticut through New York City to . Pleasantville, NJ 08232 Preservation Area [email protected] e-mail proposals in the New Jersey Highlands 609/646 9310 This publication emphasizes the New Jersey portion 609/646 0352 Fax Federal Relay Service for the deaf and hard-of-hearing 1 800/877 8339 http://njfieldoffice.fws.gov web site and made recommendations to protect June 2003 of the Highlands Region, which is about 1,250 fish and wildlife resources. square miles and covers parts of 88 municipalities in ntinalis) elinus fo trout (Salv Brook 7 counties.

) USFWS

Alosa pseudoharengus Goals Alewife ( Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) The Highlands Region is distinguished by ancient The goals of the BBN program are to: ) is ) al (1) restore aquatic species to their iv st Perca flavescens ae historic range; a Yellow perch ( os and complex geology that includes the oldest rocks l (A (2) improve and enhance aquatic and g rin er riparian habitats to support native fish k h Artwork: USFWS/Duane Raver ac eb species; lu B (3) restore the health of aquatic in New Jersey, formed by volcanic activity as much systems to benefit native species in the Nation’s waters and watersheds; and How to Establish a (4) develop conservation partnerships between federal and non-federal Project as 1.3 billion years ago. These hard, crystalline entities for restoration of aquatic Introduction systems. Proposed projects are evaluated for restoration potential, available rocks are resistant to erosion and form a hilly, Bring Back the Natives (BBN) is matching funds, and the program’s a cooperative effort between the Areas in Need of goals and guidelines. The Service National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Restoration will help develop and submit grant northeast-southwest-trending upland rising above (Foundation), U.S. Fish & Wildlife proposals for qualifying projects, but Service (Service), Bureau of Land Areas with the highest restoration projects selected by the Foundation Management, USDA Forest Service, potential in New Jersey include: must match or exceed federal funding Bureau of Reclamation, and Trout waterways with dams or spillways with non-federal contributions. the surrounding terrain to elevations of 600 to 1,200 Unlimited to restore native aquatic currently impeding migratory fish Matching funds can be monetary species and their habitats through passage; fish nursery areas; grazed contributions or in-kind services such local and regional partnerships. The and urban riparian areas; native trout as labor, machinery, or materials. If U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service feet. Within interspersed belts of softer, sedimentary Service’s New Jersey Field Office streams; State reservoirs; and the Foundation selects the project, (NJFO) implements this program previously disturbed waterways the Service will administer the grant throughout New Jersey. Under BBN, supporting native fish species. and provide technical assistance. The New Jersey Field Office the Foundation matches federally However, any project meeting the Foundation accepts BBN project rock, major streams—including headwaters of the funded challenge grants with program’s goals and guidelines is proposals on a continuing basis. 927 North Main Street, Building D contributions from private foundations, eligible. In addition to native fish If you are interested in BBN or for corporations, individuals, state and species, BBN provides the opportunity additional information please note the Passaic, Raritan, Wallkill, and Hudson Rivers—have local governments, and non-profit to restore habitat for native mussel, contact information at the top of this Pleasantville, New Jersey 08232 organizations for conservation projects. invertebrate, and amphibian species. page. formed long, steep-sided, parallel valleys. The P: 609/646 9310 Highlands Region is bisected from east to west by 0 25 50 Miles F: 609/646 0352 Fax the southern limit of the most recent (Wisconsin) E: [email protected] W: http://www.fws.gov/northeast/njfieldoffice glacial advance, along a line roughly followed Topographic relief map Federal Relay Service for the deaf and by Interstate Route 80. The northern half of the from U.S. Geologic Survey hard-of-hearing 1 800/877 8339 Robert W. Hines / USFWS Robert W. On the internet at Highlands is overlain by glacial deposits left when Brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) http://www.fws.gov/northeast/ the ice retreated approximately 10,000 years ago. njfieldoffice/Partners/Partners.htm October 2006 2 3

Threats to the Highlands Laws Protecting the Highlands New Jersey’s Highlands Region into Highlands Resources The New York and New Jersey portions of The vital resources of the Highlands The Highlands Region received federal Preservation and Planning Areas. Stricter New Jersey’s Highlands provide an the Highlands support at least 150 species of are at risk. The crystalline rocks that recognition with the issuance of major environmental regulations were adopted essential source of clean and plentiful breeding birds, 45 species (a high diversity) Federally Listed Species in transmit drinking water are poor filters studies by the U.S. Forest Service in 1992 for the Preservation Area in June 2005, drinking water for one-half of the State’s of and amphibians, and 40 species of New Jersey’s Highlands of pollution, making both ground and and 2002. In 2004, Congress passed the including requirements for 300-foot population from only 13 percent of the . The Highlands harbor important surface water supplies vulnerable to Highlands Conservation Act (P.L. 108- buffers along open waters and limits State’s land area. Over 10 percent of the populations of bats and regional strongholds Endangered degradation. As watersheds become 241), “to recognize the importance of on impervious surface, upland forest New Jersey Highlands, about 110,000 for several rare reptiles and amphibians. Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis) developed, water quality inevitably the water, forest, agricultural, wildlife, clearing, and development on steep dwarf wedgemussel (Alasmidonta heterodon) acres, is in agriculture, with some of the suffers. As forests and wetlands are recreational, and cultural resources of slopes. The New Jersey Highlands most productive soils in the world. The One quarter of the Nation’s neotropical bird Threatened fragmented, sensitive and area-dependent the Highlands region, and the national Council is preparing a Master Plan to New York and New Jersey portions of species are found in the Highlands. Of the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) elements of biodiversity are lost significance of the Highlands region to manage growth in both the Planning and the Highlands contain more than 311,000 460 species of avifauna reported in New bog turtle (Clemmys muhlenbergii) (e.g., grassland and forest birds, large the .” The law establishes Preservation Areas, as directed by the acres of public park lands with over 14 Jersey, 273 species have been documented swamp pink (Helonias bullata) mammals, rare communities). a federal Highlands Region in parts of State law. small-whorled pogonia (Isotria medeoloides) million visitor days per year. One in nine in the Highlands, including about 150 of Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Americans lives within a 2-hour drive the State’s 210 species of breeding birds. Suburban sprawl is also accompanied and Pennsylvania, and authorizes up to A second element of New Jersey’s of the outstanding outdoor recreational Nearly half of the bird species of regional by invasions of non-native species, $10 million per year to preserve lands of strategy to conserve the Highlands is a opportunities provided by the Highlands. conservation concern are known to breed which already threaten the integrity of high conservation value, with the funds substantial State commitment to land in the New Jersey Highlands Highlands ecosystems. An estimated 62 to be matched by the States. Funds are acquisition. Through the Garden State (see box). Nineteen species of percent of New Jersey’s plant species are distributed among eligible land acquisition Preservation Trust Act (P.L. 1999 c. Birds of Conservation Concern that raptors follow Highlands ridges nonindigenous, threatening our rich and projects through a joint review process 152), New Jersey has committed nearly Breed in New Jersey’s Highlands during migration, including 10 diverse native flora. Purple loosestrife by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and $2 billion for land preservation and park that breed in the area. (Lythrum salicaria) is a major threat to the U.S. Forest Service. The Highlands development over 10 years—the second Acadian flycatcher (Empidonax virescens) wetlands, forming dense monocultures. Conservation Act also directs the U.S. largest land preservation program in black rail (Laterallus jamaicensis) Over half of New Jersey’s Purple loosestrife is particularly invasive Forest Service to continue and expand its the Nation. These funds are allocated black-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus erythropthalmus) Highlands are forested. Forests in the Highlands, first documented in the study and technical assistance efforts. through two State programs. The Green warbler (Wilsonia canadensis) cerulean warbler (Dendroica cerulea) of the Highlands Region are region over 100 years ago. Pervasive Acres program acquires open lands, golden-winged warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) dominated by upland mixed upland invaders in the Highlands include The New Jersey State Plan, which watersheds, and wildlife habitats, and Henslow’s sparrow (Ammodramus henslowii) oak (Quercus spp.) and hickory Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii) guides development, first recognized creates and improves recreational parks. Kentucky warbler (Oporornis formosus) (Quercus spp.) hardwoods and Japanese stilt grass (Microstegium the importance and vulnerability of the The Farmland Preservation program waterthrush (Seiurus motacilla) on the ridges and valley vimineum). invaders include Highlands in 2001. In March 2004, acquires the development rights on northern saw-whet owl (Aegolius acadicus) peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) slopes, and red maple (Acer brown-headed cowbirds (Molothrus a New Jersey Highlands Task Force privately owned farmland. In New prothonotary warbler (Protonotaria citrea) rubrum) swamps in the valleys. Bill Cook, Michigan State University, www.forestryimages.org ater), exotic earthworms, and the insect recommended establishing a Highlands Jersey’s Highlands Region to date, red-headed woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) Numerous rare vegetational Eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae), a major Council, initiating regional planning, and the Green Acres program has acquired sedge wren (Cistothorus platensis) communities contribute to the threat to hemlock forests. strengthening environmental regulations 108,699 acres of open space, and the upland sandpiper (Bartramia longicauda) region’s biodiversity (see box), to protect the Highlands’ critical water Farmland Preservation program has whip-poor-will (Caprimulgus vociferus) which also includes six federally A majority of Highlands forest land and forest resources. The State acted on preserved 24,648 acres of agricultural wood thrush (Hylocichla mustelina) Rare Highlands Communities worm-eating warbler (Helmitheros vermivorum) listed species in New Jersey is owned by private individuals and these recommendations, passing the New lands on 267 farms. The Green Acres yellow-bellied sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius) alone (see box). The Highlands’ rocky summit grasslands organizations, and therefore subject to Jersey Highlands Water Protection and program also serves as an important biodiversity is bolstered by land use changes. Of the forest land in Planning Act (N.J.S.A. 13:20-1 et seq.) source of matching funds under the the southernmost occurrences pitch pine (Pinus rigida)-oak-heath the New York and New Jersey Highlands in June 2004. The State law delineates federal Highlands Conservation Act. of several northern species and plant (Ericaceae spp.) rocky summit counties, 84 percent is privately owned, communities, such as northern bogs. The communities half in small lots of 10 acres or less. The Highlands are regionally important New Jersey Natural Heritage program has rocky slope (talus) communities Since 1984, 65,000 acres (over 100 for biodiversity, particularly breeding and designated over 70 Highlands locations as dominated by chestnut oak (Quercus square miles) of New Jersey’s Highlands migratory birds, resident amphibians and priority sites because of the significant levels michauxii), scrub oak (Quercus have been lost to development, and the reptiles, and rare plants and communities. of biodiversity they sustain. ilicifolia), Eastern white pine rate of loss of forested lands and wetlands The area’s ecological significance stems (Pinus strobus), and sweet birch more than doubled since 1995. From (Betula lenta) from its large, unfragmented forests 1995 to 2000, the New Jersey Highlands and wetlands that support disturbance- Atlantic white-cedar (Chamaecyparis lost 17,000 acres of forests and 8,000 sensitive species, as well as a diversity of thyoides) swamps acres of farmland to development. Prior plants, communities, and unique to the passage of recent legislation, to this region. Species in the Highlands dwarf shrub (heath) peat bogs development continued to consume land indicative of undisturbed forest and black spruce (Picea mariana)- in New Jersey’s Highlands at a rate of wetland habitats include wood turtle tamarack (Larix laricina) bogs approximately 3,000 acres every year. (Clemmys insculpta), timber ( horridus), red-shouldered hawk Eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) (Buteo lineatus), (Strix varia), ravines warblers and thrushes, black bear (Ursus americanus), bobcat (Lynx rufus), and Photo: Hollingsworth / USFWS Wild columbine native Eastern brook trout (Salvelinus Prothonotary warbler (Protonotaria citrea) (Aquilegia canadensis) Photo: Clifford G. Day / USFWS fontinalis). 2 3

Highlands Resources The New York and New Jersey portions of Threats to the Highlands Laws Protecting the Highlands The State law delineates New Jersey’s New Jersey’s Highlands provide an the Highlands support at least 150 species of The vital resources of the Highlands The Highlands Region received federal Highlands Region into Preservation and essential source of clean and plentiful breeding birds, 45 species (a high diversity) are at risk. The crystalline rocks that recognition with the issuance of major Planning Areas. Stricter environmental drinking water for one-half of the State’s of reptiles and amphibians, and 40 species of Federally Listed Species in transmit drinking water are poor filters studies by the U.S. Forest Service in 1992 regulations were adopted for the population from only 13 percent of the mammals. The Highlands harbor important New Jersey’s Highlands of pollution, making both ground and and 2002. In 2004, Congress passed the Preservation Area in June 2005, including State’s land area. Over 10 percent of the populations of bats and regional strongholds surface water supplies vulnerable to Highlands Conservation Act (P.L. 108-241), requirements for 300-foot buffers along New Jersey Highlands, about 110,000 for several rare reptiles and amphibians. Endangered degradation. As watersheds become “to recognize the importance of the water, open waters and limits on impervious acres, is in agriculture, with some of the Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis) developed, water quality inevitably forest, agricultural, wildlife, recreational, surface, upland forest clearing, and dwarf wedgemussel (Alasmidonta heterodon) most productive soils in the world. The One quarter of the Nation’s neotropical bird suffers. As forests and wetlands are and cultural resources of the Highlands development on steep slopes. The New New York and New Jersey portions of species are found in the Highlands. Of the Threatened fragmented, sensitive and area-dependent region, and the national significance of the Jersey Highlands Council is preparing a the Highlands contain more than 311,000 460 species of avifauna reported in New bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) elements of biodiversity are lost Highlands region to the United States.” Master Plan to manage growth in both acres of public park lands with over 14 Jersey, 273 species have been documented bog turtle (Clemmys muhlenbergii) (e.g., grassland and forest birds, large The law establishes a federal Highlands the Planning and Preservation Areas, as million visitor days per year. One in nine in the Highlands, including about 150 of swamp pink (Helonias bullata) mammals, rare communities). Region in parts of Connecticut, New directed by the State law. small-whorled pogonia (Isotria medeoloides) Americans lives within a 2-hour drive the State’s 210 species of breeding birds. York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, and of the outstanding outdoor recreational Nearly half of the bird species of regional Suburban sprawl is also accompanied authorizes up to $10 million per year to A second element of New Jersey’s opportunities provided by the Highlands. conservation concern are known to breed by invasions of non-native species, preserve lands of high conservation value, strategy to conserve the Highlands is a in the New Jersey Highlands (see box). which already threaten the integrity of with the funds to be matched by the States. substantial State commitment to land Nineteen species of raptors follow Highlands Highlands ecosystems. An estimated 62 Funds are distributed by the Secretary of acquisition. Through the Garden State ridges during migration, percent of New Jersey’s plant species are Interior among land acquisition projects Preservation Trust Act (P.L. 1999 c. including 10 that breed in the Birds of Conservation Concern that nonindigenous, threatening our rich and that have been deemed eligible and 152), New Jersey has committed nearly area. Breed in New Jersey’s Highlands diverse native flora. Purple loosestrife ranked by a committee comprised of $2 billion for land preservation and park (Lythrum salicaria) is a major threat to State, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, development over 10 years—the second Acadian flycatcher (Empidonax virescens) Over half of New Jersey’s wetlands, forming dense monocultures. U.S. Forest Service, and National Park largest land preservation program in the black rail (Laterallus jamaicensis) Highlands are forested. Forests Purple loosestrife is particularly invasive Service representatives. The Highlands Nation. These funds are allocated through black-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus erythropthalmus) of the Highlands Region are in the Highlands, first documented in Conservation Act also directs the U.S. two State programs. The Green Acres Canada warbler (Wilsonia canadensis) dominated by upland mixed the region over 100 years ago. Pervasive Forest Service to continue and expand its program acquires open lands, watersheds, cerulean warbler (Dendroica cerulea) oak (Quercus spp.) and hickory golden-winged warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) upland invaders in the Highlands include study and technical assistance efforts. and wildlife habitats, and creates and Henslow’s sparrow (Ammodramus henslowii) (Quercus spp.) hardwoods Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii) improves recreational parks. The Kentucky warbler (Oporornis formosus) on the ridges and valley and Japanese stilt grass (Microstegium The New Jersey State Plan, which Farmland Preservation program acquires Louisiana waterthrush (Seiurus motacilla) slopes, and red maple (Acer vimineum). Animal invaders include guides development, first recognized the development rights on privately northern saw-whet owl (Aegolius acadicus) rubrum) swamps in the valleys. peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) brown-headed cowbirds (Molothrus the importance and vulnerability of owned farmland. In New Jersey’s Numerous rare vegetational Bill Cook, Michigan State University, www.forestryimages.org prothonotary warbler (Protonotaria citrea) ater), exotic earthworms, and the insect the Highlands in 2001. In March 2004, Highlands Region to date, the Green red-headed woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) communities contribute to the Eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae), a major a New Jersey Highlands Task Force Acres program has acquired 108,699 sedge wren (Cistothorus platensis) region’s biodiversity (see box), threat to hemlock forests. recommended establishing a Highlands acres of open space, and the Farmland upland sandpiper (Bartramia longicauda) which also includes six federally Council, initiating regional planning, and Preservation program has preserved whip-poor-will (Caprimulgus vociferus) listed species in New Jersey A majority of Highlands forest land strengthening environmental regulations 24,648 acres of agricultural lands on 267 wood thrush (Hylocichla mustelina) alone (see box). The Highlands’ Rare Highlands Communities worm-eating warbler (Helmitheros vermivorum) is owned by private individuals and to protect the Highlands’ critical water and farms. The Green Acres program also biodiversity is bolstered by yellow-bellied sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius) organizations, and therefore subject to forest resources. The State acted on these serves as an important source of matching the southernmost occurrences rocky summit grasslands land use changes. Of the forest land in recommendations, passing the New Jersey funds under the federal Highlands of several northern species pitch pine (Pinus rigida)-oak-heath the New York and New Jersey Highlands Highlands Water Protection and Planning Conservation Act. and plant communities, such (Ericaceae spp.) rocky summit counties, 84 percent is privately owned, Act (N.J.S.A. 13:20-1 et seq.) in June 2004. as northern bogs. The New Jersey Natural The Highlands are regionally important communities half in small lots of 10 acres or less. Heritage program has designated over 70 for biodiversity, particularly breeding and Since 1984, 65,000 acres (over 100 Highlands locations as priority sites because rocky slope (talus) communities migratory birds, resident amphibians and square miles) of New Jersey’s Highlands of the significant levels of biodiversity they dominated by chestnut oak (Quercus reptiles, and rare plants and communities. michauxii), scrub oak (Quercus have been lost to development, and the sustain. The area’s ecological significance stems ilicifolia), Eastern white pine rate of loss of forested lands and wetlands from its large, unfragmented forests (Pinus strobus), and sweet birch more than doubled since 1995. From (Betula lenta) and wetlands that support disturbance- 1995 to 2000, the New Jersey Highlands sensitive species, as well as a diversity of Atlantic white-cedar (Chamaecyparis lost 17,000 acres of forests and 8,000 plants, communities, and animals unique thyoides) swamps acres of farmland to development. Prior to this region. Species in the Highlands to the passage of recent legislation, indicative of undisturbed forest and dwarf shrub (heath) peat bogs development continued to consume land wetland habitats include wood turtle black spruce (Picea mariana)- in New Jersey’s Highlands at a rate of (Clemmys insculpta), timber rattlesnake tamarack (Larix laricina) bogs approximately 3,000 acres every year. (Crotalus horridus), red-shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus), barred owl (Strix varia), Eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) warblers and thrushes, black bear (Ursus ravines americanus), bobcat (Lynx rufus), and native Eastern brook trout (Salvelinus Photo: Hollingsworth / USFWS Wild columbine fontinalis). Prothonotary warbler (Protonotaria citrea) (Aquilegia canadensis) Photo: Clifford G. Day / USFWS 4 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

The Service’s Role in the Highlands In 1993, the New Jersey Field Office In 1997, the Service’s Coastal Program The Highlands support extensive federal and the New Jersey Endangered and produced a landmark report entitled trust resources under U.S. Fish and Nongame Species program documented Significant Habitat Complexes of the The Highlands Region Wildlife Service (Service) jurisdiction, the endangered Indiana bat in New New York Bight Watershed that includes including migratory birds, two National Jersey’s Highlands at a time when the a detailed description of the wildlife Wildlife Refuges, and six federally listed species was believed to be extirpated resources of the Highlands Region. Landscape Planning to Protect species in New Jersey alone. Service from the State. Subsequently, the The Service’s Division of Migratory involvement in the Highlands is also Service has worked with the Endangered Birds participates in several bird Vital Water and Wildlife consistent with regional and national and Nongame Species program and conservation initiatives that have priorities including water supply and other partners to install a conservation identified unfragmented forests such as Resources delivery, restoration, landscape-level gate at one of the Indiana bat’s winter those of the Highlands as essential to the planning, and partnerships. hibernation sites, and to identify the conservation of long-distance migratory bat’s maternity habitat. To date at least songbirds in the Northeast. seven maternity colonies have been documented, all located at least partially The Service is building on past in the Highlands. Additionally, the New conservation work in the Highlands Jersey Field Office’s Adopt-a-Swamp- through: administration of the federal Pink Population program includes sites Highlands Conservation Act; review in the Highlands where volunteers are of the State Highlands Master Plan; monitoring this threatened plant.

USFWS technical assistance to the State Bog turtle (Clemmys muhlenbergii) Highlands Council; implementation of conservation tasks for federally In the 1990s, the Service’s New Jersey listed species, species of concern, and Field Office provided support for migratory birds; and continued habitat conservation initiatives at localized areas restoration projects through the Partners of the Highlands including Beaver Brook, program. The Service is also building Mount Hope Bog, Farney Highlands, and and strengthening partnerships for Sterling Forest. Since 1994, the Service’s conservation of the Highlands. Panoramic view looking south from Wildcat Ridge, Rockaway Township, Morris County, New Jersey Photo: Clifford G. Day / USFWS Partners for Fish and Wildlife (Partners) program and its partners have carried out 46 projects in New Jersey’s Highlands to What is the Highlands Region? restore 575 acres of uplands, 215 acres Approximately 5,500 square miles in size, the

Photo Dr. J. Scott Altenbachr Photo Dr. State Boundaries of wetlands, and 16 miles of riparian four-state (Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, habitat. In one Partners project, through Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis) and Pennsylvania) Highlands Region is a rugged Federal Highlands Region the Bring Back the Natives initiative, corridor of forested ridges and valleys, wetlands, New Jersey Highlands Region portions of Beaver Brook were restored U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and grasslands located on the western edge of a in Morris County. Since 1997, the Bring Back The Natives coastal metropolis that extends from Hartford, Planning Area U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Ecological Services New Jersey Field Office Spawning Partnerships in New Jersey Service has reviewed over 1,200 project 927 N. Main St., Bldg. D Connecticut through New York City to Philadelphia. Pleasantville, NJ 08232 Preservation Area [email protected] e-mail proposals in the New Jersey Highlands 609/646 9310 This publication emphasizes the New Jersey portion 609/646 0352 Fax Federal Relay Service for the deaf and hard-of-hearing 1 800/877 8339 http://njfieldoffice.fws.gov web site and made recommendations to protect June 2003 of the Highlands Region, which is about 1,250 fish and wildlife resources. square miles and covers parts of 88 municipalities in ntinalis) elinus fo trout (Salv Brook 7 counties.

) USFWS

Alosa pseudoharengus Goals Alewife ( Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) The Highlands Region is distinguished by ancient The goals of the BBN program are to: ) is ) al (1) restore aquatic species to their iv st Perca flavescens ae historic range; a Yellow perch ( os and complex geology that includes the oldest rocks l (A (2) improve and enhance aquatic and g rin er riparian habitats to support native fish k h Artwork: USFWS/Duane Raver ac eb species; lu B (3) restore the health of aquatic in New Jersey, formed by volcanic activity as much systems to benefit native species in the Nation’s waters and watersheds; and How to Establish a (4) develop conservation partnerships between federal and non-federal Project as 1.3 billion years ago. These hard, crystalline entities for restoration of aquatic Introduction systems. Proposed projects are evaluated for restoration potential, available rocks are resistant to erosion and form a hilly, Bring Back the Natives (BBN) is matching funds, and the program’s a cooperative effort between the Areas in Need of goals and guidelines. The Service National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Restoration will help develop and submit grant northeast-southwest-trending upland rising above (Foundation), U.S. Fish & Wildlife proposals for qualifying projects, but Service (Service), Bureau of Land Areas with the highest restoration projects selected by the Foundation Management, USDA Forest Service, potential in New Jersey include: must match or exceed federal funding Bureau of Reclamation, and Trout waterways with dams or spillways with non-federal contributions. the surrounding terrain to elevations of 600 to 1,200 Unlimited to restore native aquatic currently impeding migratory fish Matching funds can be monetary species and their habitats through passage; fish nursery areas; grazed contributions or in-kind services such local and regional partnerships. The and urban riparian areas; native trout as labor, machinery, or materials. If U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service feet. Within interspersed belts of softer, sedimentary Service’s New Jersey Field Office streams; State reservoirs; and the Foundation selects the project, (NJFO) implements this program previously disturbed waterways the Service will administer the grant throughout New Jersey. Under BBN, supporting native fish species. and provide technical assistance. The New Jersey Field Office the Foundation matches federally However, any project meeting the Foundation accepts BBN project rock, major streams—including headwaters of the funded challenge grants with program’s goals and guidelines is proposals on a continuing basis. 927 North Main Street, Building D contributions from private foundations, eligible. In addition to native fish If you are interested in BBN or for corporations, individuals, state and species, BBN provides the opportunity additional information please note the Passaic, Raritan, Wallkill, and Hudson Rivers—have local governments, and non-profit to restore habitat for native mussel, contact information at the top of this Pleasantville, New Jersey 08232 organizations for conservation projects. invertebrate, and amphibian species. page. formed long, steep-sided, parallel valleys. The P: 609/646 9310 Highlands Region is bisected from east to west by 0 25 50 Miles F: 609/646 0352 Fax the southern limit of the most recent (Wisconsin) E: [email protected] W: http://www.fws.gov/northeast/njfieldoffice glacial advance, along a line roughly followed Topographic relief map Federal Relay Service for the deaf and by Interstate Route 80. The northern half of the from U.S. Geologic Survey hard-of-hearing 1 800/877 8339 Robert W. Hines / USFWS Robert W. On the internet at Highlands is overlain by glacial deposits left when Brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) http://www.fws.gov/northeast/ the ice retreated approximately 10,000 years ago. njfieldoffice/Partners/Partners.htm October 2006