You have probably seen signs marking projects and spaces as "Green Acres." Created in 1961, the New Jersey Green Acres Program is the state's premier initiative for land conservation and park development. Operated under the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), its primary mission is to protect undeveloped land, counter rapid urban sprawl, and ensure that every community in the nation’s most densely populated state has access to outdoor recreation.
Over its history, voters have consistently supported the program through a dozen bond referendums, establishing a permanent funding source through a dedicated portion of the state's Corporate Business Tax. To date, Green Acres has directly or indirectly helped protect over 1.6 million acres of open space across New Jersey.
An offshoot of that program, Blue Acres focuses on climate resilience and flood protection.Established in 1974, this program allows private non-profit organizations to be exempt from local property taxes on land they own, provided that the land is kept natural and completely open to the public for conservation and recreation.
New Jersey's Blue Acres program is a state-led, voluntary buyout initiative that purchases flood-prone residential properties from willing sellers. Managed by the DEP, the program demolishes the damaged homes and permanently preserves the land as open space for natural flood storage, wetlands, and passive recreation.
Property must be residential and located in a flood-prone or chronically storm-damaged area. There is no minimum number of neighbors required to participate.
The state offers Fair Market Value based on independent appraisals. Eligible participants may also qualify for supplemental assistance, incentives, and relocation services to help clear existing mortgages or debt and secure comparable housing.
