This layer represents recreational resource priorities in the Highlands region. This layer is intended to inform the Highlands Conservation Act Grant Program. The Highlands Conservation Act authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to provide financial assistance to the States of Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania (Highland States) to preserve and protect high priority conservation land in the Highlands region.
This layer was developed in 2024 as part of an updated Highlands mapping process facilitated by the USFWS in partnership with the Highlands Science Advisory Team and Steering Committee. Values range from 0 to 4, with 4 being highest priorities for recreation opportunities in the Highlands Region. The layer prioritizes areas that are known to have recreational access for both trails and water recreation for fishing and boating. Trails were buffered by 150 feet and 300 feet and ranked 1 and 2 respectively. Fishing and boating access areas were buffered by 300 feet and ranked 2. Data for trails, fishing, and boating areas were obtained from publicly available state datasets.