587-Acre Empire Tract Saved!

15-Year Environmental Effort Ends In Greatest

Urban Wetlands Preservation Victory In U.S. History

 

On March 25, 2005, the Meadowlands Conservation Trust, the state agency chartered to acquire, hold and manage conservation properties within the Hackensack River watershed, took full public ownership of the 587-acre Empire Tract. A spectacular wetland has now been preserved for the benefit of wildlife and the permanent enjoyment of the public. Until recently, the Virginia-based Mills Corporation proposed what would have been the biggest mall east of the Mississippi River for the site. Now the Tract lies at the heart of an 8,400-acre urban wildlife preserve within sight of the Empire State Building.

Mills yielded in its original plan thanks to one of the most successful urban wetlands preservation campaigns in U.S. history. Relentless grassroots pressure was applied by a massive and diverse coalition which came to include thousands of concerned citizens, dozens of environmental and community groups, 14 municipalities, U.S Congressmen, two New Jersey governors, state federal regulatory agencies, and two conservation coalitions that ultimately engaged hundreds of thousands of people: the Hackensack Meadowlands Preservation Alliance and the Meadowlands Partnership.

“We’re at the beginning of a new era here in the Meadowlands - an era that will prove once and for all that a strong economy and a healthy environment can - and must - be the hallmarks of truly successful people,” said Hackensack Riverkeeper Captain Bill Sheehan.