In pre-European times, The Meadowlands was composed of estuarine marsh, freshwater marsh and Atlantic White Cedar swamp covering about 20,000 acres of land. It was home to thousands of aquatic birds, plants and other wildlife. 

Degradation of the site continued through the mid 1900’s. Population pressure and the lack of perceived value allowed The Meadowlands to become a nearby location for indiscriminate dumping and regulated waste disposal. Use of the area as a disposal site was conducted without any environmental oversight in place.

The New Jersey Meadowlands Commission (NJMC) was created in 1969 in order to help control the destruction of The Meadowlands. Upon establishment, only 7,700 acres of degraded wetland remained and 2,508 acres within the district were either devoted to landfills or slated to become a landfill. The Commission was given three mandates: Environmental Protection, Economic Development and Solid Waste Management.

NJMC plans to improve the habitat and water quality of the Hackensack Estuary and to preserve natural and open space areas. Site improvements include marsh enhancement, clean up of the site, proper closure and mitigation of existing landfills and environmental awareness through education. Improving the site is a long-term endeavor requiring funding and support. The Commission’s mandate for economic development provides a means for funding and means for attaining the goals established for the meadows. However, matching their vision to an economic plan has proven challenging.

In October 1999, EnCap Golf Holdings, LLC was awarded the exclusive rights to a development agreement with NJMC for the closing, capping and development of 1,230 acres within The Meadowlands District including five landfills ranging from 4 feet to 100 feet in elevation.

EnCap had enough vision to look beyond the preceived "mosquito breeding grounds" and current conditions of the site. They imagined a picturesque, rolling landscape with the New York City skyline as a backdrop. Also evident was the fact that the site is surrounded by nature, is secluded and serene and has an unprecedented proximity to New York City. They saw potential beyond anyone’s imagination: A revitalized habitat for local wildlife, 72 holes of championship golf, a state of the art golf resort and mixed-use village and a complete open space experience for the enjoyment and education of this and the surrounding communities. EnCap’s vision for the site was a solution that’s beneficial to both the economics and environment of the area.