[vc_row full_width=”stretch_row”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]In order to improve transparency and enhance public engagement regarding the development and implementation of natural resource restoration projects, the Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) issued Administrative Order 2023-08 in 2023, which affirms the NJDEP’s duties as trustee for the State’s natural resources and directs the Office of Natural Resource Restoration (ONRR) to develop and maintain a repository of potential natural resource restoration projects for public viewing.  Potential projects will be included in the Project Viewer.   

ONRR invites the public to recommend potential restoration projects. These projects may be considered for funding if they provide appropriate restoration to satisfy injuries.  They also help the Department understand local restoration needs and inform Department planning efforts.   

What types of projects would be considered? 

In broad terms, restoration projects help to offset damage to injured natural resources. Projects can restore, replace or rehabilitate injured or lost natural resources and the services that they provide. Examples of restoration projects include: 

• Habitat Restoration or enhancement
• Wildlife habitat connectivity
• Land acquisition/preservation
• Green Infrastructure
• Public Access/Recreation Improvement
• Stream Daylighting
• Dam removal or fish passage
• Coastal Resilience

Types of restoration projects that will not be considered include:

• Projects outside of New Jersey
• Projects that do not benefit injured resources
• Projects that are only recreational based
• Projects that are required by statue, regulation, court-ordered or other regulatory requirements.

If you would like to submit a potential restoration project, ONRR has created the Potential Restoration Project Submission Form where you can recommend restoration projects for consideration by ONRR. The form also has fields where you can upload supporting documents, plans or photographs.  Prior to submitting a project, please review the Potential Restoration Project Submission Questions to ensure you have all required information available to complete the form. 

A key requirement for all projects is the Property Owner Certification Form. This form identifies the parcels of land where the restoration project is proposed and the corresponding property owner(s). Each property owner must sign the form and also indicate if they would like to have the project depicted in the ONRR Project Viewer. Property owners can also indicate that they are in support of a project but prefer not to have the restoration project publicly displayed. You can access the Property Owner Certification for here: Property Owner Certification Form.  

If you would like to submit a restoration project, you must register to request a username and password. Please allow for 2-3 business days to receive a response. Access to the Potential Restoration Project Submission Form is sent only to individuals that are registered users. [/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Request a Username and Password” color=”primary” align=”center” css=”” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fsurvey123.arcgis.com%2Fshare%2F1ad2ac78f3f049f99f07fafff667ddfb|title:Request%20a%20Username%20and%20Password|target:_blank”][vc_column_text css=””]Submitted potential restoration projects will be reviewed by ONRR staff and added to the ONRR Project Viewer in quarterly updates if appropriate.  ONRR reserves the right to refrain from posting projects that it deems inappropriate and to withhold projects from public view to protect environmentally sensitive areas or threatened and endangered species. The posting of a project on the potential project viewer does not guarantee the project will be selected for restoration or funding. ONRR may also contact you to discuss a project. ONRR may periodically reach out and ask that you update any submitted project to ensure that projects are up to date.  

Potential restoration projects will be visible in the project viewer. A project can be removed from the ONRR Project Viewer anytime by making a request to NRDrestoration@deptest.nj.gov.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Explore the ONRR Project Viewer” color=”primary” align=”center” css=”” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fexperience.arcgis.com%2Fexperience%2F304507d5bd514878bfba3c25e1e3399e|title:ONRR%20Project%20Viewer|target:_blank”][/vc_column][/vc_row]