Connecting Habitat Across New Jersey (CHANJ): Guidance Document, Version 1.0

Abstract

Animals need to be able to move through the landscape to find food, shelter, mates, and other resources. Without that ability to move, healthy populations simply cannot persist over the long term. Here in New Jersey, wildlife are up against steady urbanization, a dense network of roads, and now a changing climate, all of which put the connectedness of our habitats and wildlife populations in jeopardy. CHANJ is an effort to make our landscape more permeable for terrestrial wildlife by identifying key areas and actions needed to preserve and restore habitat connectivity across the state. This initiative is designed to help 1) prioritize land protection, 2) inform habitat restoration and management, and 3) guide mitigation of barrier effects on wildlife and habitats. CHANJ offers tools and resources to guide these goals forward in a strategic way and help target local, regional, and state planning efforts.