Forest Legacy Feature Tract:
Macopin, New Jersey
December 2000

Phase III of the 34,000-acre Newark Watershed project was completed on December 27, 2000. The State of New Jersey’s Green Acres Program acquired a conservation easement for $1,432,000 on 700 acres of Newark watershed land, known as the Macopin property. The Forest Legacy Program contributed $700,000 to the purchase of the conservation easement. The development rights were purchased from the City of Newark, which owns the property as part of its watershed lands. The conservation easement permanently protects the land from development and ensures that the land will remain forested forever.

The City of Newark has been under pressure in recent years to sell off some of its watershed lands to offset the city’s increasing property tax payments. Proceeds from the sale of the conservation easement enable the City of Newark to cover the cost of ownership without selling the land for development.

Development pressure is high in this area and forested tracts around the New York metropolitan area are highly sought after. Most recently this land had been proposed for a retirement community. Previously, single-family homes and a golf course were proposed for the site.

The tract is part of the watershed and reservoir system that provides drinking water for northern New Jersey residents. Protection of this important watershed property ensures that high quality drinking water will remain available to New Jersey residents for generations to come. The conservation easement on this property also guarantees that the land remains available to the public for passive recreation activities.

The State of New Jersey is currently negotiating to preserve an additional 9,000 acres of Newark City watershed lands as Phase IV of the watershed project.

The Forest Legacy Program protects important forests from conversion to nonforest uses. These forests provide essential wildlife habitat, protect water quality, offer outstanding recreation opportunities, afford outstanding scenic views, are home to historic sites, and/or provide the opportunity to continue traditional forest uses. A Federal-State partnership allows landowners to keep their land private while at the same time ensuring it remains forest forever through the use of conservation easements.