[vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content”][vc_column][breadcrumb-shortcode][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_single_image image=”2326″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” css=”” el_id=”Back-to-top”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content” css=”.vc_custom_1762961127830{margin-right: 50px !important;margin-left: 50px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1763052057898{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;}”][vc_single_image image=”2277″ img_size=”200×200″ alignment=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1762962524007{margin-top: 0px !important;}”][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1762962438980{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-top-width: 1px !important;border-right-width: 1px !important;border-bottom-width: 1px !important;border-left-width: 1px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;background-color: #FFFFFF00 !important;border-left-style: solid !important;border-right-style: solid !important;border-top-style: solid !important;border-bottom-style: solid !important;border-color: #00000000 !important;}”][vc_column_inner][vc_text_separator title=”In This Report:” i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-solid fa-file-lines” i_color=”custom” title_align=”separator_align_left” color=”custom” style=”double” css=”” add_icon=”true” i_custom_color=”#2C6087″ accent_color=”#2C6087″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1762967515323{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-top-width: 2px !important;border-right-width: 2px !important;border-bottom-width: 1px !important;border-left-width: 2px !important;padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #FFFFFF !important;border-left-style: solid !important;border-right-style: solid !important;border-top-style: solid !important;border-bottom-style: solid !important;border-color: #D1D1D1 !important;}”]Introduction[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1762967529434{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-top-width: 1px !important;border-right-width: 2px !important;border-bottom-width: 1px !important;border-left-width: 2px !important;padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #FFFFFF !important;border-left-style: solid !important;border-right-style: solid !important;border-top-style: solid !important;border-bottom-style: solid !important;border-color: #D1D1D1 !important;}”]Section 1: Principles and Priorities for Natural Resource Restoration[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1762967544750{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-top-width: 1px !important;border-right-width: 2px !important;border-bottom-width: 1px !important;border-left-width: 2px !important;padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #FFFFFF !important;border-left-style: solid !important;border-right-style: solid !important;border-top-style: solid !important;border-bottom-style: solid !important;border-color: #D1D1D1 !important;}”]Section 2: Public Engagement and Communication[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1762967557315{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-top-width: 1px !important;border-right-width: 2px !important;border-bottom-width: 1px !important;border-left-width: 2px !important;padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #FFFFFF !important;border-left-style: solid !important;border-right-style: solid !important;border-top-style: solid !important;border-bottom-style: solid !important;border-color: #D1D1D1 !important;}”]Section 3: Development of Restoration Project Catalog[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1763057295099{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-top-width: 1px !important;border-right-width: 2px !important;border-bottom-width: 2px !important;border-left-width: 2px !important;padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #FFFFFF !important;border-left-style: solid !important;border-right-style: solid !important;border-top-style: solid !important;border-bottom-style: solid !important;border-color: #D1D1D1 !important;}”]Section 4: Partnerships and Opportunities for Collaboration[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1762962438980{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-top-width: 1px !important;border-right-width: 1px !important;border-bottom-width: 1px !important;border-left-width: 1px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;background-color: #FFFFFF00 !important;border-left-style: solid !important;border-right-style: solid !important;border-top-style: solid !important;border-bottom-style: solid !important;border-color: #00000000 !important;}”][vc_column_inner][vc_text_separator title=”For More Information” i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-solid fa-arrow-pointer” i_color=”custom” title_align=”separator_align_left” color=”custom” style=”double” css=”” add_icon=”true” accent_color=”#2C6087″ i_custom_color=”#2C6087″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1763662682960{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-top-width: 2px !important;border-right-width: 2px !important;border-bottom-width: 1px !important;border-left-width: 2px !important;padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #FFFFFF !important;border-left-style: solid !important;border-right-style: solid !important;border-top-style: solid !important;border-bottom-style: solid !important;border-color: #D1D1D1 !important;}”]Administrative Order No. 2023-08[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1763662695785{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-top-width: 1px !important;border-right-width: 2px !important;border-bottom-width: 1px !important;border-left-width: 2px !important;padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #FFFFFF !important;border-left-style: solid !important;border-right-style: solid !important;border-top-style: solid !important;border-bottom-style: solid !important;border-color: #D1D1D1 !important;}”]Proposed & Finalized Settlements[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1763662706483{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-top-width: 1px !important;border-right-width: 2px !important;border-bottom-width: 2px !important;border-left-width: 2px !important;padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #FFFFFF !important;border-left-style: solid !important;border-right-style: solid !important;border-top-style: solid !important;border-bottom-style: solid !important;border-color: #D1D1D1 !important;}”]Natural Resource Restoration Advisory Council Webpage[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner css=”.vc_custom_1762961264328{margin-right: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=””]

Natural Resource Restoration Advisory Council Annual Report 2025

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1762955815392{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}” el_class=”#Introduction”]

Introduction

[/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”custom” border_width=”5″ css=”” accent_color=”#2C6087″][vc_column_text css=””]The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) is committed to the conservation, restoration, and protection of the state’s natural resources, which are the land, fish, shellfish, wildlife, air, groundwater, lakes, rivers and streams and other resources held in trust for the public by the State. As the Trustee of New Jersey’s natural resources, the Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection is entrusted with the responsibility to ensure natural resource injuries are assessed, that injured natural resources are restored and that public is compensated for their injuries. The pursuit of Natural Resource Damage (NRD) is not meant to be punitive, or to penalize, but to compensate the public for the lost use and enjoyment of those resources. Through restoration, the Department strives to replace natural resources, enhance ecological values, and improve public access and recreational opportunities. As required by the State’s Constitution, natural resource restoration projects should be as close to the injury as possible and address the services that were lost. 

This annual report serves as a comprehensive overview of the Department’s efforts and progress in implementing the Natural Resource Restoration Policy as outlined in Administrative Order No. 2023-08. It includes recommendations to guide the Department’s restoration efforts and improve communication with stakeholders.  [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1762955951951{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}” el_class=”#Background-here”]

Background

[/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”custom” border_width=”5″ css=”” accent_color=”#2C6087″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text css=””]On March 14, 2023, the NJDEP issued Administrative Order No. 2023-08, supplemented and amended with Administrative Order 2025-03 (together these are referred to here as AO), to formalize the State’s Natural Resource Restoration Policy. The policy underscores the importance of restoring injured natural resources to their pre-discharge condition and compensating the public for the duration of any injuries. With the Commissioner of Environmental Protection acting as Trustee, the Department is empowered to pursue restoration through various means, including collaborative processes with responsible parties and, when necessary, legal actions. The policy aims to balance the Department’s fiduciary duty to ensure comprehensive restoration with the judicious use of its finite resources.  

The Natural Resource Restoration Advisory Council (NRRAC), established by the AO, was tasked with providing feedback on the identification, planning, and implementation of restoration projects. The NRRAC’s advisory functions include developing recommendations for publicly accessible mechanisms to catalog restoration opportunities, facilitating public engagement, establishing priorities for project implementation, and producing annual reports to the Commissioner. These reports are intended to identify potential restoration project opportunities statewide, thereby promoting transparency and encouraging community participation in the restoration process.  

This annual report is developed in accordance with the directives of the AO, and reflects the NJDEP’s ongoing commitment to restoring, conserving, enhancing, and protecting New Jersey’s natural resources for the benefit of its residents and ecosystems.  [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content” css=”.vc_custom_1763406919739{margin-right: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1763407558911{margin-right: 10px !important;margin-left: 10px !important;}”][vc_column_inner][vc_separator][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1763137089684{margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;border-bottom-width: 35px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}”]

2025 Appointments and Meetings

[/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”custom” border_width=”5″ css=”” accent_color=”#2C6087″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1763407583708{margin-right: 10px !important;margin-left: 10px !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text css=””]NRRAC Members:   

• Elizabeth Dragon, Assistant Commissioner CIER   

• Gary Nickerson, Office of Natural Resource Restoration   

• Ms. Elizabeth Semple, The Nature Conservancy   

• Ms. Melissa Miles, New Jersey Environmental Justice Alliance   

• John Evangelista, Groundwork Elizabeth    

• Martin McHugh Sr., GES   

• Dr. Daniela Shebitz, Kean University   

• Richard Dodds, Lower Delaware Wild and Scenic, Hunterdon County, & Kingwood Township   

• Jane Engel, public member   

• Teresa Doss, public member 

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text css=””]Meeting Dates:  

• March 20, 2025 – Introductions, Background and Expectations  

• April 30, 2025 – Principles and Priorities  

• May 14, 2025 – Public Engagement and Communication  

• June 12, 2025 – Potential Restoration Project Catalog  

• September 25, 2025 – Website updates, Tableau Dashboard, Draft Report Discussion 

• October 30, 2025 – Partnerships 

• November 20, 2025 – Final Report & Website Review 

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Section 1: Principles and Priorities for Natural Resource Restoration  

[/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”custom” border_width=”5″ css=”” accent_color=”#2C6087″][vc_column_text css=””]The effective restoration of New Jersey’s natural resources requires a strategic approach guided by well-defined principles and priorities. These principles serve as the foundation for decision-making processes, ensuring that restoration efforts align with the broader objectives of environmental stewardship, community engagement, and economic sustainability. The priorities are established to focus efforts on the most critical areas, maximizing the benefits to the public and enhancing the ecological resilience of the state’s natural habitats.  

In accordance with the Administrative Order No. 2023-08, supplemented and amended with Administrative Order 2025-03, (together these are referred to here as AO), the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), supported by the Natural Resource Restoration Advisory Council (NRRAC), is dedicated to identifying and implementing restoration projects that address the diverse challenges facing the state’s natural resources. This section outlines the guiding principles and strategic priorities that inform the selection, planning, and execution of restoration initiatives. By adhering to these principles, the NJDEP aims to ensure transparency, efficiency, and inclusivity in its restoration efforts, ultimately leading to the sustainable recovery and enhancement of New Jersey’s natural environment.  

Principles: The principles serve as the fundamental beliefs or guidelines shaping the approach to restoration projects. They ensure that restoration efforts are comprehensive and responsive to community needs and ecological realities.  [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_tta_accordion section_title_tag=”p” c_icon=”chevron” active_section=”1″ css=”.vc_custom_1763408187014{margin-right: 10px !important;margin-left: 10px !important;}”][vc_tta_section title=”Adherence to Constitutional and Policy Guidelines:” tab_id=”1763137539390-425f71d2-979c”][vc_column_text css=””]

• Ensure all restoration projects adhere to the guidelines established by the constitutional amendment, with a focus on the priority system for fund usage: immediate area, watershed management region, and statewide if necessary.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Protect and Restore Natural Resources and their Benefits (Ecosystem Services):” tab_id=”1763137539406-88eb9fba-78a5″][vc_column_text css=””]

• Through primary and compensatory restoration efforts, the lands, fish, shellfish, wildlife, biota, waters and other such resources, which are held in trust by the State, that have been injured by a discharge of hazardous substances will be restored.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Base Decisions on the Best Available Scientific Data and Methodologies:” tab_id=”1763143269008-a31e27ed-0591″][vc_column_text css=””]

• Utilize robust scientific data and methodologies to inform the planning and implementation of restoration projects. This includes ecological assessments, feasibility studies, and adaptive management practices.  
• Prioritize ecological connectivity and ensure restoration efforts provide significant ecological benefits.  

[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Community Engagement and Participation:” tab_id=”1763143324646-128d3783-dc0f”][vc_column_text css=””]

• Foster meaningful engagement with local communities to incorporate their insights and needs into restoration projects. This includes transparent communication of project goals, progress, and outcomes.
• Emphasize understanding and communicating scientific issues to local communities for meaningful engagement.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Transparent Stakeholder Communication:” tab_id=”1763143403213-5a5a93ef-df76″][vc_column_text css=””]

• Develop and maintain channels for ongoing communication with stakeholders, including updates and feedback loops to ensure project transparency and accountability.  
• Incorporate basic education on scientific issues to enhance community understanding and engagement.  

[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Address the Needs and Enhance the Well-being of Underserved and Overburdened Communities:” tab_id=”1763143454234-f59d0a53-7f86″][vc_column_text css=””]

• Prioritize projects that improve the quality of life and environmental conditions in underserved and overburdened communities, ensuring equitable access to restored natural resources. 
• Advocate for urban restoration despite challenges due to their overburdened status.  

[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Balance Economic, Environmental, and Social Factors:” tab_id=”1763143546984-d2adeb4a-13b0″][vc_column_text css=””]

• Consider the interconnected benefits to ecosystems and societal health, balancing these factors to maximize the overall impact of restoration efforts. 
• Ensure economic benefits are specific and focused on natural-focused activities rather than commercial development.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Scale Resources and Planning Effectively:” tab_id=”1763143613020-a5aa3aff-4dd3″][vc_column_text css=””]

• Strategically allocate resources and planning efforts to accommodate both current and future restoration projects, ensuring sustainable outcomes.  
• Highlight the importance of committed stewardship for long-term project maintenance. 

[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_accordion][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1763407863528{margin-right: 10px !important;margin-left: 10px !important;}”][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text css=””]Priorities: The priorities are specific focus areas or goals emphasized in restoration efforts, sometimes in the order of importance. They direct restoration activities toward achieving maximum ecological and community benefits. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_tta_accordion section_title_tag=”p” c_icon=”chevron” active_section=”1″ css=”.vc_custom_1763473583012{margin-right: 10px !important;margin-left: 10px !important;}”][vc_tta_section title=”Preserving and Enhancing Natural Areas to Protect Wildlife and Biodiversity:” tab_id=”1763144299016-55a30ee0-f940″][vc_column_text css=””]

• Focus on projects that conserve and enhance habitats, promoting biodiversity and ecological resilience.  
• Consider transformative projects that have significant impacts on human and ecological use.  

[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”2410″ img_size=”600×350″ add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” css=”” link=”https://deptest.nj.gov/nrr/restoration/completed-restoration-projects/cramer-hill-waterfront-park/”][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Enhance Ecological Corridors to Restore Habitat Connectivity:” tab_id=”1763144299065-d5227cef-13cd”][vc_column_text css=””]

• Implement strategies that restore habitat connectivity, facilitating the movement and health of wildlife populations.

[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”2414″ img_size=”600×350″ add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” css=”” link=”https://deptest.nj.gov/nrr/restoration/completed-restoration-projects/raritan-river-dam-removals/”][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Integration of Climate Resilience:” tab_id=”1763144299112-b7feb7e3-28e3″][vc_column_text css=””]

• Integrate climate resilience measures into restoration projects, protecting natural resources from the impacts of climate change and natural disasters.

[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”2440″ img_size=”600×350″ add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” css=”” link=”https://deptest.nj.gov/nrr/restoration/active-restoration-projects/higbee-beach/”][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Consider Areas of Significant Cultural or Recreational Importance:” tab_id=”1763144299204-688573e6-612c”][vc_column_text css=””]

• Identify and prioritize projects in areas with cultural, historical, or recreational significance, enhancing community engagement and value.

[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”2415″ img_size=”600×350″ add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” css=”” link=”https://deptest.nj.gov/nrr/restoration/active-restoration-projects/liberty-state-park/”][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Ensuring Future Land Management and Maintenance:” tab_id=”1763144299250-06916914-862b”][vc_column_text css=””]

• Establish long-term stewardship plans for restored areas, ensuring their continued management and ecological health.  
• Emphasize public access in priority areas to enhance community engagement.  

[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”2441″ img_size=”600×350″ add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” css=”” link=”https://deptest.nj.gov/nrr/restoration/grant-programs/hudson-raritan-estuary-urban-rain-gardens-grant-summary/”][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Consider Economic Benefits:” tab_id=”1763144299298-92addc01-7460″][vc_column_text css=””]

• Emphasize on natural-focused economic activities that complement restoration efforts, such as ecotourism and recreation, while avoiding commercial developments that could undermine ecological goals. 
• Consider economic benefits associated with resilience, such as increased property values and reduced disaster risk.  

[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”2442″ img_size=”600×350″ add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” css=”” link=”http://www.nj.gov/dep/nrr/restoration/stowcreek-athos.html”][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_accordion][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1763407863528{margin-right: 10px !important;margin-left: 10px !important;}”][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text css=””]The refined principles and priorities outlined above provide a comprehensive framework for guiding restoration projects across New Jersey. By aligning with these guidelines and incorporating insights from NRRAC discussions, the Office of Natural Resource Restoration can effectively restore and protect the state’s natural resources while addressing community needs and enhancing environmental resilience. These collaborative efforts ensure that restoration projects are transparent, equitable, and impactful, fulfilling the fiduciary duty to the public as mandated by the administrative order.  [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1763407924998{margin-right: 10px !important;margin-left: 10px !important;}”][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1763563521808{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]

Section 2: Public Engagement and Communication 

[/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”custom” border_width=”5″ css=”” accent_color=”#2C6087″][vc_column_text css=””]The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) values transparent public engagement in its natural resource restoration initiatives, prioritizing effective communication and active community involvement to address the needs of residents and ecosystems. 

Programmatic Engagement 

The Office of Natural Resource Restoration (ONRR) emphasizes public outreach by incorporating communication guidelines in settlement documents and Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for grants, ensuring transparency in project funding announcements.

Recommendations[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_tta_accordion section_title_tag=”p” c_icon=”chevron” active_section=”1″ css=”.vc_custom_1763473583012{margin-right: 10px !important;margin-left: 10px !important;}”][vc_tta_section title=”Collaborative Settlements:” tab_id=”1763563268302-7c1b3d2b-6159″][vc_column_text css=””]

• Include language in collaborative settlements to ensure responsible parties engage in outreach related to those projects and emphasize transparency.  Outreach efforts should be appropriate for the scale and objectives of the project.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Grants and Funding:” tab_id=”1763563719465-6a85e910-37eb”][vc_column_text css=””]

• Extend grant application timelines to suit municipal decision-making and foster community monitoring programs. Communicate directly with municipal clerks and environmental commissions for invitations to submit applications.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”ONRR Announcements:” tab_id=”1763563829879-730ae00f-59ca”][vc_column_text css=””]

•  Provide regular updates through Gov.delivery and use multimedia strategies to educate the public.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_accordion][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1763564567921{margin-right: 10px !important;margin-left: 10px !important;}”][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text css=””]Project Outreach

Public engagement should be adaptable to different communities and projects, using plain language in communications to enhance understanding. Community outreach plans can structure engagement throughout project lifecycles, incorporating diverse communication channels and interactive technology for feedback.

During outreach efforts, time should be invested in educating the community to familiarize them with to concepts of natural resource damage, restoration, the injured resources to allow for more meaningful engagement.

Community Outreach Plans 

These plans should be tailored based on public involvement needs, focusing on early, culturally sensitive outreach, diverse communication channels, interactive technology, stakeholder identification, and capacity building. Community outreach plans may not be necessary in all situations. 

NRRAC’s recommendations emphasize the importance of effective dialogue and community involvement in restoration projects. By prioritizing early outreach, using diverse communication platforms, and providing continuous updates, NJDEP promotes a collaborative environment that respects and integrates community perspectives into the restoration process. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_single_image image=”2331″ img_size=”600×350″ add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” onclick=”img_link_large” img_link_target=”_blank” css=”.vc_custom_1765394422048{border-color: #1E73BE !important;}”][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1763564606205{margin-right: 10px !important;margin-left: 10px !important;}”][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1763992212411{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]

Section 3:  Partnerships and Opportunities for Collaboration

[/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”custom” border_width=”5″ css=”” accent_color=”#2C6087″][vc_column_text css=””]The Office of Natural Resource Restoration (ONRR) strives to harness the power of strategic partnerships, acknowledging that these collaborations can amplify resources, share expertise, and significantly enhance the scale and impact of restoration projects. Guided by the insights of the Natural Resource Restoration Advisory Council (NRRAC), which consistently emphasizes the vital role of partnerships, ONRR outlines key strategies for cultivating robust collaborations that align with the principles and priorities detailed in this report.

Strengthening Local and NGO Collaborations 

Partnerships with local governments and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are instrumental in enhancing transparency and fostering community engagement. By collaborating with these entities, ONRR can improve access to information, increase accountability, and gain greater community support. Such partnerships facilitate data sharing and incorporate public feedback into the decision-making process, ensuring regular updates and accountability. NGOs can offer valuable expertise in monitoring and evaluation, contributing to ONRR’s transparency practices through targeted training and capacity-building initiatives. Establishing joint platforms for dialogue and innovative solutions will streamline communication and leverage technology, fostering a more informed and engaged public. This collaborative approach builds trust and creates local champions for restoration projects that help ensure their long-term success. 

Engaging Academic Institutions 

NRRAC recommends pursuing partnerships with colleges and universities to facilitate community-engaged learning. This model provides multifaceted benefits: ONRR gains access to academic expertise that could be used for developing feasibility studies, long-term research, monitoring plans, and conceptual designs for restoration projects. Students benefit from hands-on educational experiences, reinforcing coursework while offering opportunities for professional growth and community service. Communities receive essential support and resources to address local environmental needs, creating a symbiotic relationship between academic institutions and local stakeholders. 

Enhancing Grant Program Partnerships 

To strengthen relationships with external entities, ONRR will consider pre-proposal phases within its grant opportunities. The pre-proposal phase will foster early collaboration by providing feedback opportunities, offering guidance on how to strengthen grant submissions and better align them with program goals. This iterative process will not only enrich the quality of proposals but also nurture a collaborative spirit among participants, reinforcing the shared mission of ecological restoration and stewardship. 

By embedding these partnership strategies within its operational framework, ONRR aims to advance its mission of conserving and restoring New Jersey’s natural resources. Through collaborative efforts, ONRR will ensure that restoration projects are inclusive, impactful, and reflective of the collective commitment to environmental resilience and community well-being. [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1763992227335{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]

Section 4: Development of Restoration Project Catalog 

[/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”custom” border_width=”5″ css=”” accent_color=”#2C6087″][vc_column_text css=””]Guided by the insights and recommendations of the Natural Resource Restoration Advisory Council (NRRAC), the Office of Natural Resource Restoration (ONRR) is committed to enhancing transparency and public outreach through the expansion of its restoration project catalog. ONRR will integrate potential restoration projects into its publicly accessible “ONRR Project Viewer“ on ONRR’s website. This initiative ensures comprehensive access to both completed and potential projects to increase public awareness and community involvement. Below are key strategies committed to enhancing transparency and public outreach through the expansion of our restoration project catalog.  

Enhanced Public Interaction and Submission Process  

We aim to streamline the submission of potential restoration projects by collecting them through an online submission portal. This portal will allow stakeholders to submit detailed proposals, including precise location data and comprehensive project information.     

Clear submission criteria will be set to ensure that all proposals align with the principles and priorities outlined in Section 1. Each proposal should provide detailed information about the project type, its goals, and overall benefits, including cultural advantages, the extent of community support or outreach, and resiliency benefits. Additionally, to facilitate the project’s long-term success, proposals should outline plans for ongoing management and associated costs.  

Strategic Management and Implementation  

ONRR will strategically manage the intake and evaluation of project submissions, employing quality assurance and control measures to maintain the integrity of the project catalog. By establishing regular review cycles, ONRR will ensure that the catalog remains up-to-date and reflective of the state’s restoration priorities. Additionally, ONRR can pair this tool with targeted communication strategies to focus on specific types of projects or geographic areas as funding is available. This strategic expansion, informed by NRRAC’s expertise, will solidify New Jersey’s leadership in natural resource restoration, guaranteeing impactful and enduring environmental stewardship.  [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content”][vc_column][vc_btn title=”Access the Restoration Project Submission Portal” color=”primary” align=”center” css=”” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeptest.nj.gov%2Fnrr%2F%3Fpage_id%3D2494%26preview%3Dtrue|title:Access%20the%20Restoration%20Project%20Submission%20Portal|target:_blank”][vc_separator color=”custom” css=”” accent_color=”#2C6087″][vc_column_text css=””]

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