It may seem a bit insensitive to be talking about saving land when our economy is in such dire straits, but the issue is very important in both good times and in bad. Well-funded open space programs are not as dramatic as stimulus programs, but they are a wise investment in our economy and in our personal well-being.

There was a time when I focused on protecting open spaces to offer citizens a quiet place to exercise, relax and shed the tensions of overdeveloped communities and heavily trafficked highways, and to protect the fast-disappearing flora and fauna. I still believe that, but the past few decades have revealed a new urgency — open spaces are necessary for our physical and economic well-being.

To the health issue first. Researchers tell us that when a watershed area is 10 percent developed, environmental degradation starts to show. Ask yourself, do you recall childhood memories of playing along some delightful wooded stream that now bears the scars of garbage, erosion and pollution because of overdevelopment? Your experience isn't anecdotal. Twentyfive years ago, after our nation's first Clean Water Act was enacted, 75 percent of New Jersey's waterways are still polluted.

Talk to planning experts. They predict that even with New Jersey's growth rate temporarily stunted, we eventually will need more drinking water than we currently have. Some state officials even whisper that the only thing that may stop out-of-control growth will be limited drinking water.

Clearly, our health is at stake. We must protect our water supplies.

Open space also is important for our economy, because study after study shows that constantly emphasizing development instead of open spaces only increases taxes to pay for ever-expanding government services — schools and teachers; police, fire and rescue; new roads and sewers, etc.

In fact, studies also show that preserving open space actually slows down tax increases — a point ignored by New Jersey officials who have imposed on us the highest taxes in the country. In addition, well-run communities with parks and open spaces are more desirable and retain higher home resale values — a fact not to be lost in this economic turn down.

What we need is a sustainable source of funding for open space. We once had the New Jersey Garden State Preservation Trust, a nationally applauded program that supported Green Acres, farmland and historic preservation programs. Now we have nothing but legislative excuses, as the trust is broke. Some officials opportunistically argue that our current economic meltdown precludes environmental niceties. Not true. Our short-term future may be distressing, but our legislators should not opt for shortsightedness over statesmanship.

Certainly, our economy is confusing, but one thing is clear: An effective open space program requires more than Band-Aids. It needs permanent funding to protect our land and also our longterm health and economic welfare.

As important as creating jobs is at the moment, a fully funded open-space program will sustain our health and well-being for decades to come.

Tell our legislators to take the long view and permanently fund the Garden State Preservation Trust.
Judith Stanley Coleman
President
Monmouth Conservation
Foundation