For natural resources, this can mean enhancing biodiversity through habitat, wildlife, and forest management practices. The benefits of responsible stewardship are many. Broadly categorized, the benefits include the economic, recreational, educational and environmental. New Jersey tourism directly supports nearly one-half million jobs. Each year, parks, forests, recreation areas, wildlife management areas, historic sites and other recreation areas attract millions of visitors who in turn contribute tourism dollars to the State's economy.
Tourists invest in services, commodities and food, providing a strong boost to local economies.
The forest industry employs 45,000 people and contributes significantly to the State's economy. Finally, construction or rehabilitation of park facilities, trails, roadways or interpretive centers can be an important source of construction and supplier jobs. Once built, the permanent facilities prompt other long-term investments and jobs, such as concession stands, hotels and inns, restaurants and rental shops, map publishers, and event organizers. Clearly, eco- and heritage tourism and recreation are an increasingly important business sector in New Jersey. Locales with these attributes do better at attracting and retaining quality employers and employees than places lacking them.