New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection

NJDEP invites the public to get outside and connect with nature during National Trails Day this Saturday, June 6, by participating in one of 22 guided hikes throughout state parks, forests and historic sites! Learn more at dep.nj.gov/parksandfore... 🔗News release at dep.nj.gov/newsrel/26_0...

DEP Commissioner Ed Potosnak today announced that the DEP has filed a rulemaking proposal that will be published in the New Jersey Register on Monday, June 1, to extend the legacy provisions of the Resilient Environment and Landscapes (REAL) rule by 1 year. News release: dep.nj.gov/newsrel/26_0...

LAUNCH YOUR CAREER IN ENVIRONMENTAL PERMITTING 🌱♻️ Join our hiring blitz to power the Permit Efficiency Initiative under Governor Sherrill’s Saving You Time and Money agenda. Help fast-track permits, protect New Jersey’s air, water, and land, and keep responsible development moving— (1/2)

New Jersey’s beaches and ocean water quality are in excellent shape as the state kicks off what’s expected to be a banner summer tourism season with large numbers of visitors eager to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday and FIFA World Cup activities. 🔗News release at dep.nj.gov/newsrel/26_0...

NJ’s state parks, forests & historic sites are ready for anticipated record summer visitation as residents, along with visitors from across the country and the globe come for the USA's 250th anniversary to experience the places that helped shape the nation! 🔗News release dep.nj.gov/newsrel/26_0024/

Individuals, local governments, organizations and business leaders are invited to submit nominations for the state’s annual Recycling Awards Program to recognize outstanding recycling, waste reduction and sustainability achievements. 🔗News release at dep.nj.gov/newsrel/26_0... (1/2)

Anglers of all ages and skill levels are invited to participate in the Garden State Surf Fishing Classic, the state’s premier fishing tournament being held this Sunday, May 17, at Island Beach State Park in Ocean County! 🎣🐟 🔗News release at dep.nj.gov/newsrel/26_0...

The Sherrill Administration today announced the award of $25.2 million in annual Clean Communities grants to municipalities and counties for local litter removal programs that help keep trash out of the environment and beautify New Jersey’s communities. 🔗News release at dep.nj.gov/newsrel/26_0...

The Sherrill Admin. today urged the public to continue voluntarily conserving water as the statewide Drought Warning remains in place entering the warmer months, a time when demand for water for lawns, landscaping and gardening increases across NJ. 🔗News release at dep.nj.gov/newsrel/26_0...

Marking the 100th day of the Sherrill Administration, the DEP today launched Operation FAST, a comprehensive effort to make the DEP more efficient and responsive to the public and businesses. 🔗News release at dep.nj.gov/newsrel/26_0019/ (1/2)

The Sherrill Admin. rounded out Earth Week and celebrated Arbor Day today by announcing the avail of $250k in grants to support municipal tree maintenance statewide during a tree-planting ceremony in Paramus. 🔗News release at dep.nj.gov/newsrel/26_0018/ (1/2)

Marking Earth Week, DEP Acting Commissioner Ed Potosnak today released a report that demonstrates New Jersey is making meaningful progress toward its goal of reducing food waste in the municipal solid waste stream. 🔗News release at dep.nj.gov/newsrel/26_0... (1/2)

Marking Earth Week, DEP Acting Commissioner Potosnak today announced the award of $14.8M in grants for three projects in Cape May, Cumberland, & Ocean counties that will restore coastal ecosystems to provide natural storm-surge and flood protection. 🔗News release at dep.nj.gov/newsrel/26_0...

It's Earth Week and DEP Acting Commissioner Ed Potosnak today announced the addition of two regions to DEP’s Resilient NJ program, a unique effort that brings together multiple municipalities to plan regionally to protect communities from flooding. 🔗News release at dep.nj.gov/newsrel/26-0015/ (1/3)

Celebrating 🌎Earth Week 2026: Our Commitment to Climate Education 📖🌱 The Climate Change Resource Library for Educators now contains over 500 entries, including lessons, books, videos and other resources that can be utilized in classrooms throughout the state at no cost. (1/2)

DEP Acting Commissioner Ed Potosnak today celebrated the start of Earth Week 2026 by announcing the joint acquisition of the site of a vacant building in Union City, Hudson County, that the city will transform into a youth soccer field. (1/2)

Anglers will get to enjoy 19 extra days of fishing, more than 20 additional ponds into which to drop their lines, & simplified regulations to follow when the much-anticipated trout season opens at 8 a.m. Saturday, April 11 in waterways across NJ. 🎣 🔗News release at dep.nj.gov/newsrel/26-0013/

With the onset of spring, black bears are actively foraging for food and may wander into neighborhoods in search of an easy meal. NJDEP is reminding residents to be bear aware by securing garbage and other potential food sources that can attract them. 🔗News release at dep.nj.gov/newsrel/26_0012/

The bald eagle population in New Jersey experienced a slight decline in active nests last year likely due to the impacts of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, according to the annual New Jersey Bald Eagle Project Report released today. 🔗News release at dep.nj.gov/newsrel/26_0011/

DEP Acting Commissioner Ed Potosnak and DEP Forest Fire Service officials today dedicated the Veterans Fire Tower in Jackson Township to enhance wildfire protection in Monmouth and Ocean counties. News release at dep.nj.gov/newsrel/26-0...

NJDEP and NJ Department of Community Affairs today highlighted the success of a major state-led effort to collect and safely destroy PFAS-containing firefighting foams from hundreds of fire departments across the state at no cost to them. 🔗News release at dep.nj.gov/newsrel/26_00320/ (1/3)