Highlands Conservation Act in the Mid-Atlantic Regions: A Comprehensive Overview
The Highlands Conservation Act, a federal law designed to protect and conserve the natural resources of the Mid-Atlantic Highlands, is currently under reauthorization. This reauthorization seeks to double the yearly funding from $10 million to $20 million, providing increased opportunities for conservation projects and management of these vital areas.
The Mid-Atlantic Highlands, a forested region stretching through northwestern Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, have historically provided natural resources for forestry, iron mines, tanneries, and more. However, development from suburbs has led to the loss and fragmentation of the Highlands in some areas. Today, the Mid-Atlantic Highlands are more oriented towards outdoor recreation and providing habitat and clean drinking water to downstream communities.
The Highlands region is visited and loved by millions of people, making it both threatened and cherished. It offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, backpacking, camping, summer camps, downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, wildlife watching, hunting, rock climbing, section-hiking portions of the Appalachian Trail and the Highlands Trail, spelunking, and Breakneck Ridge, considered the most popular day hike in America.
The Highlands Conservation Act helps preserve distinctive natural landscapes, such as Beartown Woods Natural Area in Pennsylvania's Michaux State Forest. The Act provides for the purchase and preservation of threatened lands in the four-state Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic corridor.
The reauthorization legislation aims to expand opportunities for government agencies and nonprofit land trusts to be involved in more Highlands open space projects. The Highlands Coalition, which AMC helps to lead, is mounting a campaign to ensure passage of the Highlands Conservation Act reauthorization bill before the end of 2021.
For those interested in supporting conservation efforts, staying informed, contacting representatives, joining conservation groups, and participating in public comment periods are crucial steps. AMC will be sending out advocacy alerts to encourage supporters to speak up in support of the Highlands throughout 2021.
In 2019, Congress authorized $10 million to be allocated to land conservation projects. In 2020, this allocation was increased to $20 million. The reauthorization of the Highlands Conservation Act in 2021 focuses on incorporating climate change science and updating the protected areas based on the best available science.
Members of Congress from the region are being asked to join the bills as co-sponsors and supporters, with many already supportive and planning to be listed as original co-sponsors at introduction. Joining AMC's Conservation Action Network will alert you when your voice can make a difference in supporting the Highlands Conservation Act reauthorization. For specific updates on the Highlands Conservation Act or similar conservation efforts, visit official government or conservation group websites for the most current information.
- As part of the reauthorization of the Highlands Conservation Act, climate-change science will be incorporated to update the protected areas based on the best available science.
- The Mid-Atlantic Highlands, a region known for outdoor-living opportunities, provides a variety of recreational activities such as hiking, hunting, and even rock climbing.
- With the reauthorization of the Highlands Conservation Act aiming to double the yearly funding to $20 million, there will be increased opportunities for environmental-science projects and management of these vital areas, contributing to the home-and-garden and lifestyle of those living nearby.
