32:20A-2 Findings, declarations relative to Greenwood Lake.

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.

L.1999,c.402,s.2.