The NJ Highlands is a 1,250 square mile area (see image to right, click for larger version) in the Northwest part of the state noted for its scenic beauty and environmental significance. The region stretches from Phillipsburg in the Southwest to Ringwood in the Northeast and lies within portions of 7 counties (Hunterdon, Somerset, Sussex, Warren, Morris, Passaic, and Bergen) and includes 88 municipalities. The Highlands yields approximately 379 million gallons of water daily and is a vital resource of drinking water for over 5 million residents of New Jersey. Protecting NJ's drinking water is critically important to maintaining the future economic viability of the entire state. Along with drinking water, The Highlands has diverse natural communities including its extensive forests, wetlands, rivers and streams which are of statewide importance. Over 70 percent of its lands are considered environmentally sensitive. The concern over the Highlands is directly related to the problem of sprawl as the area is increasingly at risk of being overdeveloped. Within a five year period (1995-2000), the Highlands lost 17,000 acres of forests and 8,000 acres of farmland. Growth pressures continue to consume land at a rate of approximately 3,000 acres every year. Development is threatening the region's significant natural resources and the state's drinking water supply. While growth management efforts by individual municipalities continue under the Municipal Land Use Law, the State Legislature determined that a coordinated regional effort is necessary to safeguard the Highlands region. The Highlands Act provides the necessary mechanism to enhance local land use planning efforts. More information: Land Use Regulation website (NJ Dept of Environmental Protection)