New Jersey § 32:20a-2

§ 32:20a-2.

The Legislature finds and declares that the States of New Jersey and New York and

their respective citizens share a common concern to protect the quality of the environment

through the preservation of natural and scenic resources and open space to the maximum

extent possible along their common border; that the two states and their respective

citizens also share the benefits of several environmentally significant waterbodies

and watersheds that cross the interstate border region, including Greenwood Lake and

its watershed; that, because of the geology and hydrology of the land in the border

region, development, land use, and land management practices and patterns in each

state necessarily impact, often negatively, upon the natural and scenic resources

of, and the extent of open space and recreational opportunities within, both states;

that Greenwood Lake is the largest lake in the Highlands region of northern New Jersey

and southern New York and is a prime source of enjoyment and recreation for the people

who live in or visit the bi-state border area; that Greenwood Lake is vital to the

recreation and economy of the Highlands region of northern New Jersey and southern

New York; and that there has been a long history of cooperation among state and local

governmental entities and various private organizations and individuals in the vicinity

of Greenwood Lake and its watershed to ensure the preservation of Greenwood Lake. The Legislature therefore determines that there is a need to endorse and formalize

that bi-state cooperative effort to help ensure that the natural, scenic, and recreational

resources of Greenwood Lake and its watershed are protected from despoliation due

to environmental and other threats from both sides of the border, so that the pristine

beauty of the area will be preserved and maintained for the enjoyment and recreation

of present and future generations; and that the creation of a bi-state commission

is an appropriate means to accomplish that very important goal.