New Jersey is the most densely populated state in the nation.
One of the consequences of this distinction is the extreme pressure that is placed on our natural resources. As the population grows we continue to lose or impact the remaining natural areas of the state. As more and more habitat is lost, people are beginning to appreciate the need to maintain land in its natural state. For example, we now know that wetlands are critical for recharging aquifers, lessening the damage from flooding and naturally breaking down contaminants in the environment. Forests and grasslands protect the quality of our drinking water, help purify the air we breathe and provide important areas for outdoor recreation.