[Congressman Jim Saxton - News Release]
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: {December 22, 2005}
PR-142-05
 CONTACT: JEFF SAGNIP HOLLENDONNER
(609) 261-5801
www.house.gov/saxton
 

Saxton Joins Open Space Caucus

Saxton: Open space is needed for wildlife habitat;

South Jersey bases benefited from land conservation

 
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Jim Saxton announced today that he has joined the House Open Space Caucus in an effort to work with other Members of the House of Representatives who have similar concerns about overdevelopment.

"We in New Jersey, perhaps like no other state, know the value of open space and land preservation," Saxton said. "We are in the top 10 most populated states, yet we're the 5th smallest state. That makes us the most densely populated state and most in need of land to be set aside for open space."

The bipartisan group is led by Mike Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Mark Udall (D-CO), Earle Blumenauer of (D-OR) and Rob Simmons (R-CT).

The caucus aims to advance understanding of the effects of growth and suburban development on the environment, recreational space, historic preservation and farmland protection. Its goal is to identify relevant issues and study how federal policy and programs can foster responsible development, and help the ability of local and state governments to address them. The goal of the Caucus is to identify realistic policies for encouraging environmentally and fiscally responsible urban and suburban growth that preserves open space

Saxton has been active in setting aside land in his district through the federal Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program and expansion of the Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge.

"We need space for our wildlife to live," said Saxton, chairman of the Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and Oceans Subcommittee from 1994-2000 and the current vice chairman.

Open space can have multiple benefits. The rural and forested nature of South Jersey played a significant role in the recent Base Realignment and Closure process, Saxton said.

"In addition to providing habitat for wildlife and protecting water quality, open space can have ancillary benefits," Saxton said. "I believe that the National Pinelands Reserve, in which Fort Dix, McGuire AFB and Lakehurst Navy Base are jointly located, plus local farm preservation projects, provide a critical buffer. Other bases around the country suffer from encroaching development, a big downside during the BRAC proceedings. I think the open space that characterizes South Jersey helped keep the bases off the BRAC list and protect the 20,000 people who work or live there."
 
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