Additional Sourland Mountain Land Purchased

Always wonderful to hear of new preservation in the Sourland Mountain region.

This originally appeared in the Hunterdon County Democrat.

EAST AMWELL TWP. — The township is buying open space in two areas for conservation and to expand trail networks. Both sets of properties are wooded.

The Township Committee unanimously approved the acquisitions this month of two lots on South Hill Road, the Polhemus properties, and two at the intersection of Rocktown and Mountain Roads, the Wiedemer properties.

Each set of properties adds about 10 acres to existing public lands for passive recreation.
The Polhemus properties cost $49,200 and the cost is being split with D&R Greenway Land Trust. Professional fees are an additional $2,000, the township reported.

These lots will become part of the Cat Tail Brook Preserve in the Sourland Mountains.
Glorianne Robbi, township Farmland and Open Space Preservation Committee chairwoman, said that D&R Greenway has been preserving land for the Cat Tail Brook Preserve for many years and the Polhemus properties were particularly attractive.

“They are completely wooded,” she said. “And they haven’t been logged in a long time.”

Therefore they provide uninterrupted forest canopy for birds. The Polhemus properties are land-locked, near Lindbergh Road.

The Wiedemer properties are across Rocktown Road from the Omick Preserve, which started with 63 acres and was previously expanded this year with the purchase of the 23-acre Lang property.

The original Omick tract fronted on Route 31, said Robbi, and the township wanted safer access. Visitors now may park on Rocktown Road to enter the preserve, but Robbi said the township has applied for a state grant to build a small parking area, and should receive word in the spring.

She said that acquiring the Wiedemer property will allow expansion of the Omick Preserve’s trails, which have been cut by township and D&R Greenway volunteers. The Wiedemer property is costing $180,000, plus $5,000 in professional costs. Half of that will be covered by state Green Acres grant money, said Robbi.

The township’s share of both properties will be paid from the open space trust fund.
Township property owners pay a dedicated open space tax of 4 cents per $100 of assessed value.

South Branch Preserve Gets 18 More Acres, Mount Olive

Now, here is something to be thankful for!

This originally appeared in The Daily Record

MOUNT OLIVE — The Land Conservancy of New Jersey closed on two properties totaling 18 acres to be added to the South Branch Preserve.

“The Preserve is an important water management resource in Morris County, providing drinking water for 1.5 million New Jersey residents,” said Glenn Schweizer, executive director of the Morris County Municipal Utilities Authority.

These are the first two of four projects the Morris County Utilities Authority and New Jersey Water Supply Authority are working on in conjunction with the Land Conservancy, according to a prepared statement from the Conservancy.

These are the fifth and sixth properties to be added to the Preserve since its establishment in 2010, according to the statement, which said that the long-term vision is to increase the South Branch Preserve to 1,000 acres to serve as a showcase for watershed

“We hope this project will inspire our state, county and local agencies to continue to fund these important preservation initiatives to ensure our water resources remain secure and plentiful,” said David Epstein, president of the Land Conservancy.

The South Branch Preserve contains rich forests, agricultural fields, and wetlands. It flows into the main stem of the Raritan River, the largest river basin located entirely within the state of New Jersey and one of its most critical water supply sources, the statement said.

The Land Conservancy and its partners have added five properties to the Preserve, which now totals 390 acres and includes three-quarters of a mile of the river flowing through the Preserve, the statement said.

The Land Conservancy of New Jersey is a member supported nonprofit land trust whose mission is to preserve land and water resources, conserve open space, and inspire and empower individuals and communities to protect our natural land and environment. They have worked with 89 municipalities in 13 counties to preserve a total of 19,500 acres in 330 projects, helping towns secure $224 million in county, state, and federal grants.

122 Acres Preserved in Frelinghuysen Twp., Warren County

(Originally posted in the Warren Reporter)

The Township of Frelinghuysen and The Land Conservancy of New Jersey are pleased to announce the recent preservation of the 122 acre Linz Farm in Frelinghuysen.

“The Township of Frelinghuysen is please to add another valuable piece of farmland to its preservation effort,” stated Charlie Schaffer, Chairman of the Frelinghuysen Township Farmland Preservation Committee.

Prior to the preservation of the Linz Farm there were 1,659 acres of permanently preserved farmland in Frelinghuysen Township and with the addition of the Linz Farm, there are now 1,780 acres, ensuring a permanent agricultural legacy in the Township.

“Frelinghuysen Township deserves credit for spearheading this project,” explained Corey Tierney, Director of the Warren County Department of Land Preservation. “Mayor Charles and the Township Committee, Chairman Schaffer and the Farmland Preservation Committee, and Gail McDonald from The Land Conservancy of New Jersey all deserve special thanks for their hard work and commitment to preserving farmland. This is an investment in the future. Farmland preservation helps keep agriculture viable for generations to come and ensures that we’ll always have access to locally grown produce and products. We’re happy to see Frelinghuysen Township taking advantage of this great program. By teaming up on this project, the county and municipality each paid less than 15% towards the total purchase price. Working together, we were able to leverage our combined investment in farmland preservation and secure state funding for the 70% balance. We are immensely grateful to the State Agriculture Development Committee for its substantial contributions to this and other preserved farms throughout Warren County.”

“The Land Conservancy of New Jersey appreciates the landowner’s commitment to preservation and the Township and County’s proactive approach to farmland preservation,” stated Gail McDonald, Land Preservation Specialist with The Land Conservancy. “Each partner plays a significant role in the preservation of each farm, and The Land Conservancy is pleased to have been able to assist in preserving this beautiful farm in perpetuity.”
The Linz Farm has been a family farm for three generations. This farm consists mostly of gently rolling open farmland with moderately sloped woodland areas in the easterly portion of the tract and small areas of steep slopes. There is a small stream that flows through the center of the property. The land is currently farmed for hay. In the past, the farm was one of the best working dairies in the area. Corn and other grain crops have also been grown on the farm.

“Since some of that region is already protected, this will provide a wider buffer of protection, while still maintaining viable farmland,” said Freeholder Richard D. Gardner, who is liaison to the Warren County Agriculture Development Board. “As properties become available, the county is pleased to participate in protecting them,” Gardner said. “The open space we have, we owe much to the diligence of the state working hand-in-hand with the county and municipalities,” he said.

Founded in 1981, The Land Conservancy of New Jersey is a member supported non-profit land trust dedicated to preserving and protecting our vital natural lands and water resources. We are working to inspire and empower individuals and communities to take action to preserve land and protect the environment in New Jersey. The Conservancy has preserved more than 20,000 acres of land and helped towns secure $220 million in county, state, and federal grants for their land conservation projects. We have worked in 89 municipalities in 13 counties benefiting millions of people who live, work, or visit our state. Accredited by the National Land Trust Accreditation Commission in 2009, The Conservancy joins 181 organizations nationwide recognized for meeting the highest quality standards for protecting open space, upholding the public trust, and ensuring that our conservation efforts are permanent.

For more information, to volunteer or make a donation, call (973) 541-1010, or visit our website at tlc-nj.org.

Salem County Town Adding 17 Acres to Park

Be vewy qwiet, I'm hunting open space.

Sorry.

This article originally appeared in South Jersey Times.

Officials will look to expand Elmer Community Park with new open space purchase

ELMER — Though Salem County currently leads the state in total acres of preserved farmland under the New Jersey Farmland Preservation Program, local and county officials this week announced the first major “open space” acquisition in the county.

Salem County freeholders, in cooperation with officials in Elmer and Upper Pittsgrove, have reached an agreement to set aside 17 acres of land in Elmer as open space, with the goal of eventually expanding Elmer Community Park.

According to Upper Pittsgrove Mayor Jack Cimprich, his township had been looking to preserve a 117 acre piece of property known as the “Anthony Estate Farm.”

Most of the farm — roughly 100 acres — falls in Upper Pittsgrove, but 17 acres of the land is located in eastern Elmer, along Harding Highway adjacent to the borough’s baseball fields.

“We were looking at preserving the entire property as farmland,” said Cimprich. “But when (Deputy Freeholder Director) Ben Laury took me out there to walk the property, he pointed out that the Elmer parcel could be preserved as open space and used to expand Elmer Community Park — providing much-needed space for all our residents.”

As a result, the decision was made to move forward with sectioning off the 17-acres to set aside the parcel as open space, marking the first major open space project for Salem County, officials said.

Since 2002, two-cents of every tax dollar paid by Salem County taxpayers has been directed into a fund for open space and farmland preservation. Until this point, however, those funds have been used exclusively toward funding farmland preservation.

The 17-acre parcel will cost $160,000 to purchase. Fifty-percent of the cost, or $80,000, will be provided through a state grant under the New Jersey Green Acres program. An additional $40,000 will be provided through the county’s dedicated fund, and the remaining $40,000 will be funded by Elmer.

According to Elmer Councilman Steve Schalick, the borough became interested in the property nearly five years ago when it was put up for sale.

“We looked at it then, and thought it would be a good place to expand the park,” said Schalick.

Freeholder Lee Ware — liaison to county Agricultural Development Board, which oversees farmland preservation and open space programs — said obtaining the property marked a win for everyone involved.

“This is a good thing for Elmer and a good thing for the county,” said Ware. “It’s a win all around, and it fits in perfectly with everyone’s master plans.”

Laury added that an expanded park in Elmer will benefit all Salem County residents.

“This park expansion gives residents throughout the area access to a large open space for athletic fields to promote healthy activities," he said. "We are proud to work with all the interested parties in finding a way to give our neighbors a gift we can all share.”

The remaining 100-acres of the Anthony Estate are still slated to enter into farmland preservation, though that part of the process is still in the works, officials said.

36 Acres Preserved in Harmony Township, Warren County

With a name like "Harmony," you know it has to be good. 
This post originally appeared on Warren Reporter.

Recently preserved land in Warren County connects local hiking trails

J. Scott Morrison was a man who appreciated the outdoors, having owned a farm in Hunterdon County after growing up in the rolling hills of Virginia.

After Morrison’s death earlier this year at the age of 76, there was never a question in his three children’s minds that a wooded 36-acre parcel he owned in Harmony Township should be preserved.

New Jersey Conservation Foundation purchased the Morrison property on Oct. 12, expanding a green belt of preserved land and allowing for local hiking trail connections.

“I think my father would be proud of the choice we made,” said daughter Cindy Morrison of Sarasota, Fla. “He always appreciated beautiful land. I’m glad it’s going to be preserved.”

Using grants from Warren County and the state Green Acres program, New Jersey Conservation Foundation purchased the property on Scotts Mountain, between Harmony Brass Castle and Fiddler’s Elbow roads, for $177,500.

The Morrison family sold the property at a “bargain sale” price, or below market value. “It’s what we all wanted to do,” said Cindy Morrison. “It’s a good thing to do.”

The property, which has an existing unpaved lane, is now open to the general public for passive recreational activities like hiking and bird watching.

The property will be linked with a hiking trail on an adjacent New Jersey Conservation Foundation property connecting to the Merrill Creek Reservoir trail system. Nearby are nearly 500 acres of preserved state lands, known as the Warren County Trail State Park.

“The Green Acres Program is happy to have assisted the New Jersey Conservation Foundation in completing this important acquisition,” said Martha Sapp, acting administrator of the Green Acres program. “We continue to work with our partners to protect the streams and natural areas near Scott’s Mountain, the Merrill Creek Reservoir, and throughout the Highlands.”

“Partnering with the New Jersey Conservation Foundation has been very beneficial to the public in term of our recreational directives in the county,” said Warren County Freeholder Richard D. Gardner, liaison to the county’s Municipal and Charitable Conservancies Trust Fund Committee.

“By partnering with New Jersey Conservation Foundation on this project, the County was able to leverage its investment in open space and contribute only a fraction towards the cost of permanently preserving this property,” added Corey J. Tierney, administrator of the Warren County Department of Land Preservation. “Not only do they deserve special thanks for all of their hard work on this project, but for their continuing commitment to preserving natural lands throughout Warren County.”

Preservation of the property protects local water quality and flood control efforts. The pristine Lopatcong Creek flows through it, ultimately making its way into the Delaware River. A small pond on the upper reaches of the Lopatcong Creek helps trap sediment from the top of the mountain.

The land contains a healthy forest with a diverse array of plant and animal species and is known as home to many endangered species, including barred owl, bobcat and red-shouldered hawk.

For more information about New Jersey Conservation Foundation and its programs and preserves, visit njconservation.org or call 1-888-LANDSAVE (1-888-526-3728).

West Orange Letting Nature Take Over on 10,000 Sq. Ft. Parcel

Here's one more we somehow missed last summer. At 10,000 square feet, this plot is less than 1/4 an acre, but we appreciate that West Orange plans to just let nature take its course there.

This article was originally posted on West Orange Patch.

West Orange Adds to Its Open Space

The amount of open space in West Orange continues to grow. 

The property at 7 Belgrade Terrace was acquired by the township at the beginning of July. The 10,000 square-foot lot was purchased for approximately $60,000 using money from the Open Space Trust Fund and the township. 

The township should receive a reimbursement of at least half of the purchase price from New Jersey Green Acres Planning Incentive Grant. 

Municipal Engineer Leonard Lepore said that said the township was in communication with the neighbors on Belgrade Terrace and they supported the purchase. 

By purchasing the property, Lepore said it prevents anyone from removing trees, which could negatively affect water runoff in the surrounding area. 

“West Orange has long supported open space preservation for our growing conservation and recreation needs,” wrote Mayor Robert Parisi in a press release. “A permanent deed restriction on land helps preserve historic, scenic and recreational areas of our Township.”

The township owns two other lots on the street at 15 and 19 Belgrade Terrace, and both are also about 10,000 square feet. These other two properties were acquired in a swap with the property owner in an effort to prevent development on the properties, said Lepore.  

“In this one we will just let nature keep taking over,” said Lepore, “because that’s what it is now.” 

Former Auction Site in Swedesboro Preserved

Somehow we missed this back in July. Alas. It's a small purchase, but as we once saw on press material for one town's preservation organization, "Every Acre Counts."

This originally was posted on the Gloucester County Times

Gloucester County, Swedesboro to preserve former auction site on Leahy Avenue

The former Swedesboro Auction property is located on Leahy Avenue.

SWEDESBORO — Swedesboro officials have big plans for the Swedesboro Auction property, a three-acre tract of land on Leahy Avenue that wasincorporated into the county’s open space plan this week.

“We are only three-quarters of a square mile, but we are rich in history,” said Diane Hale, a Swedesboro councilwoman.

Until the mid 1990s, area farmers would bring their produce to the Swedesboro market to be sold. Campbell’s Soup Co. was known to make its tomato soup with tomatoes grown at borough farms.

To preserve the history, the county chipped in about $255,000 to the borough’s $85,000 to purchase the land from Swedesboro Auction, Inc. The Gloucester County Freeholders voted to authorize the payment and will incorporate the land into the Open Space Preservation Program.

When the property settlement is complete, the borough will own it, leaving Hale and the Economic Development Commission to enact plans for the plot.

“We’re going to make it into a park and do some history so people can see it,” said Helen Fromm, member of the town’s economic development commission.

While the plans are only rough sketches of what the group envisions, Fromm said the site could include historical information about Swedesboro and Woolwich’s agricultural heritage. Plus, the site — which includes several buildings where farmers would showcase and bid on produce — could be transformed into a music venue or temporary ice skating rink in the winter.

Marco Lentini, a member of the borough economic development commission, said the reinvigoration of Swedesboro shouldn’t stop at its downtown area.

“You have a revitalization of downtown,” he said. “But you can’t neglect other parts of Swedesboro.”

106 Acres to be Preserved in West Deptford (Gloucester County)

You know it's an election season when these reports start coming at a pretty speedy clip. But, hey, we'll take it.

This article originally posted on West Deptford Patch

$1M to Preserve Large West Deptford Farm

More than 100 acres of West Deptford farmland is on track for permanent preservation through Gloucester County’s Farmland Preservation Program, Freeholder Director Robert Damminger announced today.

The 106-acre George H. Urban Farm had been targeted for inclusion in the program since its inception. And the Urban family fought off development offers for years, according to a 2001 Philadelphia Inquirer article.

“This property has been in the Urban family since 1938 and has been an active farm every since. It is one of the last large active farm parcels remaining in West Deptford Township and it is adjacent to more than 42-acres of previously preserved open space,” Damminger said in a statement.

“We are fortunate to be able to preserve 106 acres in West Deptford Township—that much contiguous land is a rare find.”

County freeholders will vote to authorize the farm’s development rights, agreement of sale and other documents at their meeting tonight, Oct. 17. If all goes well, settlement should occur in the next few weeks.

The farm costs $1,010,800 to preserve, an amount based on a certified value by the State Agriculture Development Committee (SADC), according to the county. Gloucester County is eligible for about $600,000 in reimbursement from SADC. The remaining costs will be covered by the county’s open space funds.

Urban Farm straddles Ogden Station Road and includes field crops and vegetables.

“The county is grateful that the Urban family has now chosen to preserve the property through the Farmland Preservation Program,” Damminger said, “as this will ensure that the property’s agricultural operations remain in place in perpetuity and that its rich agricultural heritage will never be lost.”

343 Acres Added to Sourland Mountain Preserve

Hooray, more land taken from Bryce Thompson Land and put into permanent preservation! Of course, they get a tidy sum for their generosity, but we cannot look a preserved horse in the mouth, can we?

This was originally posted on NJ.com.

Ribbon cutting ceremony for newest Sourlands acquisition is Oct. 16 in Hillsborough

Somerset County and Hillsborough Township officials, along with representatives from the New Jersey Conservation Foundation, will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, Oct. 16, at noon, to celebrate the addition of another 343 acres to the Sourland Mountain Preserve. Rain date for the event is Oct. 17 at noon.

Due to accessibility issues with the tract itself, the ceremony will be held at the Hillsborough Golf & Country Club, directly across from the property. For GPS and online mapping, the address is 146 Wertsville Road, Hillsborough, NJ 08844. Or for directions go to bit.ly/HillsbOpenSpace. Upon arriving, proceed up the driveway to the parking area next to the clubhouse. The ceremony will be held a few yards past the clubhouse.

The property will be permanently preserved as open space. The New Jersey Conservation Foundation has secured an option agreement to purchase the property from landowner Bryce Thompson and will transfer the agreement to the county.

The 343 acres, which are made up of several tracts in Hillsborough Township near the intersection of Wertsville and Montgomery roads, are contiguous to other open space lands acquired by Somerset County in recent years and will encourage the expansion of the Sourlands Preserve to the Hunterdon County border, where many local, county and nonprofit preservation initiatives are currently underway.

For information or further directions, contact Linda Van Zandt in the Somerset County Public Information Office at 908-231-7020 or publicinfo@co.somerset.nj.us.

A PDF of Preserved NJ Farms from Jan. 1, 2012- September 11, 2012

Just found this while searching for a story on the Gimbel Farm, a 32-acre farm on Whipporwill Valley Road (this was the scary dirt road we'd drive down as teens, where the legend was there had been KKK meetings and such, to scare people), which was preserved in September. Couldn't find a proper story to post here, but this is a list of farms preserved from Jan. 1, 2012 through to Sept. 11. It may be updated over time or this is it for this list. Either way, take a few minutes out and pore through the list and say "thanks" to those that made it possible!

http://www.nj.gov/agriculture/sadc/farmpreserve/progress/preserved/2012farmsto200,000acres.pdf

Here's a sample, which includes the Gimbel Farm! Seriously, it's like stepping back in time.

Franklin Township (Hunterdon County) Farm Preserved

Chalk up another 36 acres for all of us acre whores!

This story originally appeared in the Hunterdon County Democrat.

Franklin Township's High Plains Farm to be preserved

FRANKLIN TWP. — High Plains Farm is in the farmland preservation process, says John DeMarrais, chairman of the township Open Space Committee.

The farmland consists of 36 acres on the Cherryville-Quakertown Road that belong to Linda Peterson and are adjacent to her family’s farmland, which is already preserved.

The development rights to High Plains Farm will cost $223,200, with the state paying 60% and the county and township each paying 20%.

With only a few administrative details pending, the closing will take place any month now, says DeMarrais.

The land has the desirable “Quakertown soil,” a sandy loam “that is some of the best in the state” for agriculture, says DeMarrais.

The township’s open-space tax garners about $270,000 a year, with much of it going to pay off previous purchases, he said.

South Brunswick Preserves 36 Acres

A little love for Patch.com, where this story comes from.

Township Acquires 36 Acres of Open Space

In an ongoing effort to stave off development and preserve South Brunswick's rural character, the Township Council last week approved the joint purchase of 36 acres of open space on Davidson Mill Road.

The township contributed $275,000 from the Open Space Trust Fund for the purchase, with Middlesex County matching South Brunswick's 20 percent contribution and the state chipping in the remaining 60 percent of the cost. The newly preserved Voight Farm lies adjacent to the recently preserved 229 acre Van Dyke Farm.

"These large parcels of land face development pressure," said Deputy Mayor Chris Killmurray. "More open space is something that's important for the township and the area as a whole."

The purchase followed the addition by the county in May of about 40 acres of open space from the Himmell Property. That parcel, located in the area of Broadway Road and Friendship Road, joins together with the existing Ireland Brook Conservation Area to create 484 acres of contiguous, undeveloped land.

County officials said the purchase fell in line with the Open Space Master Plan’s objective of pursuing properties that can be added to existing parkland.

“Since 1995, Middlesex County has made land preservation a top priority,” said Freeholder Director Christopher D. Rafano.  “With the support of constituents, both the Freeholders and the Middlesex County Improvement Authority have worked tirelessly to protect what remains of our undeveloped lands. In doing so, we’ve been able to preserve forever 7,457 acres of open space property to date.”

In the last 8 years, South Brunswick has added over 2,000 acres of open space.

"(The Open Space Trust Fund) is an important tool we have and that we should use," said Councilman Joseph Camarota. "Farms are disappearing. This (purchase) preserves farmland and stops development."

NJ to Spend $3M on Preservation of Islands, Forest, Wetlands and $8M on Pinelands

This story is from September, prior to the 200,000 acre preservation announcement. So, I think these would be included in that figure? Who knows? Either way, always good news!

This article originally appeared in APP.com.

New Jersey will spend $3 million to buy islands, forest and wetlands in the Barnegat Bay watershed and $8 million in the Pinelands

A $123 million shopping list for open-space lands approved by the Garden State Preservation Trust includes $3 million for islands, wetlands and forest around Barnegat Bay, $8 million for Pinelands forest and $12 million to buy out repeat flood victims along the Passaic River, state Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Martin said Tuesday.

The list has $66.2 million in cost sharing from the Green Acres fund for local open space and parks projects, such as $600,000 each for Trader’s Cove, the Barnegat Bay waterfront park in Brick, and boardwalk repairs in Long Branch.

Neptune Township will receive $600,000 for new bulkheading and boardwalks at its Shark River marina, while Ocean Township will get $325,000 in Blue Acres funding to help complete its buyout of 32 Poplar Village housing units that were heavily damaged by flooding during Hurricane Irene, which was downgraded to a tropical storm when it reached New Jersey.

Besides the Barnegat Bay and Pinelands purchases, state acquisition projects include $8 million for purchases in the Highlands region and an additional $5 million in purchases to link up public parcels in the upper Delaware River ridge-and-valley region.

The 2013 funding round comes out of the 2009 open space referendum and needs an appropriation from the state Legislature to go forward.

200,000 Acres Preserved!

We hope they are not just blowing smoke up our skirts when they say land preservation is a non-partisan issue.

This article originally appeared on PhillyBurbs.com.

County lauded as farmland preservation leader as state saves 200,000th acre

As the Garden State celebrated the milestone of preserving its 200,000th acre of farmland Tuesday, Burlington County was recognized as a leader in the race to protect it.

Burlington is the leader in the number of preserved farms and the total farmland acreage saved under the county grants program of the state's Farmland Preservation Program, state officials said. It also ranks among the top 10 in the country for preserved farmland.

To date, Burlington County has preserved 171 farms and a total of 21,191 acres through the program. The county ranks third in the state, behind Salem and Hunterdon, when all state preservation programs are considered.

New Jersey Agriculture Secretary Douglas H. Fisher recognized the county’s efforts Tuesday during a ceremony in Upper Pittsgrove, Salem County, where he and farmland preservation leaders celebrated the 200,000th acre preserved statewide.

The Cassaday Farm, one of the largest vegetable farms in the state, became the latest of more than 2,000 preserved farms in New Jersey.

“The preservation of 200,000 acres of farmland is an extraordinary achievement that underscores New Jersey’s continued reputation as a national leader in farmland preservation,” Fisher said. “This accomplishment would not have been possible without the strong commitment of all the farmland preservation partners — all levels of government, the nonprofit community, farm owners and the voters, who have consistently supported farmland preservation funding.”

More than 10 percent of the 200,000 acres is in Burlington County, which began its preservation efforts in 1985 and has been supported since 1996 by a dedicated tax overwhelmingly approved by voters at the polls.

The county currently collects a voter-approved 4 cents per $100 of assessed property value to support its program of farmland and historic preservation, open space acquisition and park development.

Through its highly ranked and well-regarded program, the county buys the development rights to farmland, deed-restricts the property to eliminate the threat of residential or commercial development, and then auctions the land to return it to private ownership and agricultural production. Proceeds of the sale help replenish the fund for future acquisitions.

“Agriculture contributes mightily to the economy in Burlington County, so preserving farmland preserves farming as an industry,” said Bruce Garganio, director of the Burlington County Board of Freeholders, on Tuesday. “At the same time, it’s been proven time and again that saving farmland, and keeping it on the property tax rolls, saves tax dollars, especially if the alternative is sprawling residential development.”

The State Agriculture Development Committee administers New Jersey’s Farmland Preservation Program, which was established in 1983. The first farms were saved in 1985.

The county has been aggressively pursuing farmland since 1985, when the threat of development of 500 acres in Chesterfield sparked the freeholders to take action.

“They were really concerned about the rapid pace of development and loss of farmland in the county,” said Mary Pat Robbie, director of the county's Department of Resource Conservation. “The pace of acquisition really picked up after 1996, when voters approved the first tax.”

While the county has set aside about 22,000 acres as part of the state Farmland Preservation Program, it has saved a total of about 25,000 acres when other programs are considered, including preserved Pinelands farms and those protected under the transfer of development rights (TDR) program, Robbie said.

“Our goal is to preserve 40,000 acres,” she said. “We’re getting close, and there is still a lot of interest. We probably have about 2,500 acres in the pipeline right now. Burlington County has always been looked upon as leaders in farmland preservation and something we can all be proud of.”

61 Acres Preserved in East Amwell, Hunterdon County

Man, East Amwell always turns up on this blog. Longterm plan: move to East Amwell.

This article originally appeared on the Hunterdon County Democrat:

East Amwell Township is a rural haven tucked away in the southeast corner of the county. The township has worked for many years to make East Amwell a place where farming comes first. That commitment has paid off, and the township is home to many preserved farms, including a 61-acre farm on Wertsville Road recently preserved by the township with the help of the Hunterdon Land Trust.

“We have wanted to preserve this farm for many years,” said Dick Ginman, a member of the township’s farmland and open space committee. “We are indebted to Kate Buttolph (Hunterdon Land Trust’s director of acquisition and stewardship) for working with the owner to make this preservation happen.”

The recently preserved property adjoins other preserved farms and is in an area of interest for both East Amwell Township and the Hunterdon Land Trust. East Amwell Township’s farmland preservation plan recognizes that “agriculture is important in East Amwell’s history and its future, providing a rural lifestyle valued by farmers and non-farmers alike, while also contributing breathtaking scenic views, promoting the local economy and utilizing a valuable natural resource.” The farm on Wertsville Road is a perfect example of the type of place that the township’s plan is geared to protect. It is surrounded by other large farms and across the street from East Amwell Elementary school that together create a beautiful and peaceful rural vista. It is one of four properties totaling 243 acres preserved in East Amwell over the past year.

“It is a pleasure to partner with townships like East Amwell that value the many benefits of preserving their farming legacy,” said Patricia Ruby, executive director of the Hunterdon Land Trust. “In addition to ensuring we’ll always have access to local, healthy food, preserving farmland is a sound investment in many ways including future farmers, flood control, and wildlife habitat.”

In a recently completed comprehensive land preservation plan, the Hunterdon Land Trust also identified the area of the newly preserved farm as one of particular interest due to its agricultural soils and its proximity to the headwaters of the Neshanic River. The Neshanic is a major tributary to the South Branch of the Raritan and vital to the water quality within the Raritan basin. “I am so pleased that East Amwell and the Hunterdon Land Trust were able to partner to protect this property,” said Kate Buttolph of the Hunterdon Land Trust. “This farm fit perfectly with both of our goals and will help ensure that a rural way of life in Hunterdon County will endure for future generations to enjoy.”

In addition to the Hunterdon Land Trust and East Amwell Township, The New Jersey Office of Natural Lands Management has recognized the importance of preserving land in East Amwell. Much of the township is part of a designated Natural Heritage Priority Site due to its significance for grassland wildlife, particularly ground nesting birds including the state-threatened Bobolinks and Savannah Sparrows and species of state-special concern Eastern Meadowlarks.

Funding for preserving the 61-acre property, which is currently a horse farm, was obtained from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Federal Farm and Ranchland Program, in the amount of $158,119 and East Amwell Township in the amount of $141,881.

Incorporated as a nonprofit organization in 1996, the Hunterdon Land Trust is committed to protecting the rural landscapes and natural resources of Hunterdon County. The land trust works with landowners interested in preserving their land through donation or sale of land or development rights. To learn more about land preservation in Hunterdon County please visit hunterdonlandtrust.org.

DEP Grant Preserves Ocean County Boy Scout Reservation

One benefit to Election Season: A lot of these deals move through much quicker, as to help the ruling party look better. When it comes to acres, I'll take it!

Post originally appeared on Ocean County Family & Community News:

Barnegat-(PR)–An agreement that will permanently preserve a 544-acre tract in the Barnegat Bay watershed in Ocean County was completed today when the Department of Environmental Protection acquired a conservation easement from the Jersey Shore Boy Scout Council and the New Jersey Conservation Foundation, DEP Commissioner Bob Martin announced.

The $1.1 million agreement with the Scout Council will preserve the Joseph A. Citta Boy Scout Reservation Camp in Ocean Township, which contains camping facilities used by the Boy Scouts and many other outdoor user groups. The property, which offers public hiking trails, also is environmentally important, containing Pine Barrens habitat in the headwaters of the Oyster Creek, which is a tributary to Barnegat Bay.



The preserved land will link Ocean County’s Wells Mill Park to other preserve land in the Forked River Mountains, an ecologically unique area of rolling forests in the Pinelands National Reserve. The Scouts will be able to continue to own and manage the camp for camping and recreational use, and in turn have extinguished their development rights on the property while agreeing to providing a public trail system linking other open space.

As part of the 544-acre preservation deal, the Conservation Foundation assigned to the DEP an 84-acre conservation easement that it held since the 1970s on a portion of the Citta Camp. This acreage was included in the purchase agreement at no cost to the state.


This 544-acre easement acquisition brings the state’s total of preserved land in the Barnegat Bay watershed to 2,895 acres since Governor Christie announced his comprehensive 10-point Barnegat Bay restoration plan in December of 2010.

“New Jersey Conservation Foundation is pleased to play a role in the preservation of the Joseph A. Citta Scout Reservation,” said Michele S. Byers, executive director of New Jersey Conservation Foundation. “The Boy Scouts had the foresight to preserve 84 acres of the camp with New Jersey Conservation Foundation back in 1979, and we congratulate them and the Department of Environmental Protection for now preserving the entire camp"

Byers noted that over the past 30 years, New Jersey Conservation Foundation and the DEP have worked together, and with other partners, to preserve thousands of acres in the Forked River Mountain area of Ocean and Lacey townships.

The easement purchase is financed by $1.1 million in voter-approved state Green Acres Program funds. Ocean County provided funding for the survey work needed for the acquisition.

Stewardship of this easement will be provided by DEP’s Green Acres Program and the Division of Parks and Forestry as part of Brendan T. Byrne State Forest. The trails through the Boy Scout Camp will be an expansion of the trail system at Wells Mill County Park and open for public use.

Commissioner Martin first announced a pending deal for the Citta Camp in December, 2011 at an event to mark the first anniversary of Governor Christie’s Barnegat Bay plan. At that time the agreement called for a 436-acre easement purchase. But detailed surveying of the Scout Council’s tract found it to be much larger, resulting in a 544-acres easement purchase, with an adjusted extra cost of $56,681.

Denville to Knock Down 11 Homes, Return to Open Space

This is at least one very good thing to come out of Hurricane Irene's fury last year!

This article originally appeared in The Citizen:

DENVILLE – It’s been about a year since Tropical Storm Irene lashed out on Denville and the surrounding areas, not to mention a good portion of the East Coast.

But on Tuesday, Aug. 14, residents of Riverside Drive finally saw some light at the end of a dark, stormy tunnel.

 

The council passed an ordinance that allows the township to purchase eleven residential properties for a total of $3.7 million through funding from the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management, the state Green Acres Program and Morris County.

With the grants the township will buy the homes, knock them to the ground and create an open space area.

“We have to have the properties restored to their natural state,” Denville Business Administrator Steven Ward said on Monday.

Denville was hit hard during last August’s tropical storm, experiencing unprecedented damage. But Riverside Drive was one of the worst hit areas.

“The (eleven) properties were just decimated,” Ward said.

“Five were abandoned.”

During the storm the surge from the Rockaway River was 9.5 feet, far surpassing the previous high of 6.22 feet, according to Department of Public Works (DPW) Supervisor John Egbert in August 2011.

“We have been declared a disaster area,” Michael Feravolo, the township’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) coordinator said, immediately following last year’s tropical storm.

Seventy-five businesses and 350 homes were affected to some degree, Ward said, which made choosing how to use the funding a bit of challenge.

“We had a rough idea of how many homes we could acquire,” Ward said.

Ward and other Denville officials then mapped out where Tropical Storm Irene and other storms hit the hardest, perused Federal Emergency Management (FEMA) data and identified a group of neighboring homeowners who were interested in the buyouts—Riverside Drive.

The area of Riverside Drive suffers from even moderate storms, Ward said.

“This is one of the worst areas in town,” Ward said.

The purchases will likely be closed on in the first or second week of October,

“Once the closings take place, we'll be bringing in a contractor to demolish the properties and restore them to their natural state,” Ward said.

Hopefully, the entire process will be done by the end of the year, he added.

44 Wooded Acres Preserved on Schooley's Mountain, Morris County

I have a work associate that lives in this area, and I am supremely jealous.

Original press release courtesy NJConservation.org:

 WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP – The green belt of preserved land on Schooley’s Mountain is growing, thanks to New Jersey Conservation Foundation and its partners.

New Jersey Conservation Foundation, a private nonprofit organization, just purchased a 44-acre property off Zellers Road. The parcel is surrounded by more than 1,000 acres of preserved farmland and open space.

“We’re very pleased to add this property to the impressive inventory of preserved land in the Schooley’s Mountain area, and make it available to the public for passive recreation like hiking and nature observation,” said Michele S. Byers, executive director of New Jersey Conservation Foundation.

The property was purchased for $370,000, using funding from the Morris County Preservation Trust, the Victoria Foundation, the state Green Acres Program and the Washington Township Land Trust. The Teetertown Brook, a pristine, trout-producing tributary of the South Branch of the Raritan River, flows through the property. The South Branch is a drinking water supply for more than 1.5 million New Jersey residents.

 “The Morris County freeholders are delighted to partner in this project with these groups who value, as we do, the preservation of open space and the protection of our essential water resources,” commented Freeholder Ann Grossi.

The wooded property includes habitat for several endangered and threatened species, including the bobcat, barred owl and longtail salamander. The Newark-based Victoria Foundation, in addition to providing funding toward the purchase of the property, also gave $10,000 to assist with the stewardship of the land.

 “Victoria Foundation is firmly committed to open space preservation and stewardship, particularly for protecting water quality,” said Dale Robinson Anglin, senior program officer with Victoria Foundation. “We are pleased to continue our long-term partnership with the New Jersey Conservation Foundation to preserve this critically important property.”

The property is located near the Columbia Trail and Hunterdon County’s Teetertown Preserve, and is a short distance southwest of New Jersey Conservation Foundation’s Drakestown preserve, also in Washington Township. It is located in the “Special Environmental Zone” designated in the Highlands Regional Master Plan, meaning it has the highest priority ranking for preservation.

“The Washington Township Land Trust is delighted to use part of our state Green Acres grant toward this purchase of this property, which will provide recreation while protecting wildlife habitat and our water supply,” said Karen Richards, president of the land trust.

New Jersey Conservation Foundation’s mission is to preserve land and natural resources throughout New Jersey for the benefit of all. Since 1960, the Foundation has helped preserve more than 120,000 acres of open space and farmland. For more information on the Foundation’s programs and preserves, visit www.njconservation.org or call 1-888-LAND-SAVE (1-888-526-3728).

Princeton Nurseries, 1,900 Acres, Preserved

This is a big, big, big one that pretty much anyone in the know already knows about. But, since this is a site of record, and we are definitely acre whores around here, it's certainly one that must be included.

This article originally appeared in Times of Trenton. Photograph by Michael Mancuso:

A wide swath of rolling hills and rich farmland in three counties ... will will be permanently preserved after the state finalized a $28 million purchase yesterday from a family that cultivated the land for generations.

The land runs in large part along Crosswicks Creek and stretches across 1,900 acres in Mercer, Monmouth and Burlington counties, the Department of Environmental Protection said. It will be used for open space, farms and wildlife refuges.

“This has been a long time in the works, and this is a wonderful opportunity for the central part of New Jersey,” DEP spokesman Larry Hajna said. “It’s beautiful property, surrounded by rolling countryside, and we’re going to preserve some spectacular scenery.”

The terrain covers nearly three square miles, including the largest portion in Upper Freehold and the rest in Hamilton and North Hanover. It was previously part of Princeton Nurseries, once one of the largest commercial plant nurseries in the country.

Founded by the Flemer family in 1913, the company moved to Allentown in the 1980s and its former properties were gradually developed, sold to Princeton University and other buyers or targeted for preservation.

“Future generations of farmers and nature lovers will together enjoy these beautiful lands that have meant so much to the William Flemer and John Flemer families,” the family said in a DEP news release. “We are grateful to the people of the state of New Jersey for their support of the preservation of precious open space and irreplaceable farmland in our state.”

Covering an area where the three counties meet, the purchase will help connect thousands of acres of existing county park lands and greenways along the creek, the DEP said. It includes grasslands, mature forests and forested wetland, and recreational activities such as hiking, horseback riding, fishing, hunting and bicycle riding will be available throughout.

More than 1,000 acres will be preserved as open space, including a 512-acre state wildlife management area, which will be overseen by the DEP’s Division of Fish and Wildlife. An additional 847 acres will be permanently available for agricultural uses thanks to the acquisition of development rights on the land, the agency said.

“Everyone always kind of had their eye on this property for preservation, but not until (the Flemer family members) were ready did we pursue anything,” said Renee Jones, a spokeswoman for the DEP’s Green Acres program. “We had many, many, many meetings about how to divide out the property, about what the owners wanted to keep as farmland versus what they wanted as open space.”

Funding came from several sources, including Green Acres Program, the State Agriculture Development Committee and Burlington and Monmouth counties. Mercer County contributed $1.6 million, according to the law firm Drinker Biddle, whose Princeton office represented the Flemer family in the deal.

835 Acres Preserved in Jefferson Twp, Morris County

This is AWESOME news.

Originally appeared on Jefferson Patch

The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will announce the protection of 835 acres in the New Jersey Highlands in Morris County, creating a link to 3,000 acres of existing public land.

The Baker residential property has been a high priority for preservation for more 20 years due to its varied habitat, water resources and adjacency to over 3,000 acres of preserved lands, accourding to the DEP. The property contains environmentally sensitive wetland areas, steep slopes and habitat for a number of important state and federally listed species including bobcat, golden-winged warbler, timber rattlesnake, red-shouldered hawk, Indiana bat, Cooper’s hawk and barred owl.

The agreement calls for ownership to be split between Jefferson Township and the DEP as an addition to the Rockaway River Wildlife Management Area. The project is being funded by federal Highlands Conservation Act funds, the state Green Acres Program and the Morris County Open Space Trust Fund.

And some more info from a NJDEP press release:

A pristine 835-acre tract located in the heart of the North Jersey Highlands in Jefferson Township, and once slated for residential development, will be permanently preserved through a $4.6 million agreement announced today by project partners, the Department of Environmental Protection, the federal government, the Trust for Public Land, Morris County, and Jefferson Township.

The newly preserved land, long known as the Baker Firestone or Baker Residential property, will greatly expand the DEP’s Rockaway River Wildlife Management Area and provide land for local parks, said DEP Commissioner Bob Martin.

The property, long sought by conservation groups, had recently been bought by the Trust for Public Land as an interim conservation purchaser for $4.6 million. Title to the land is being formally conveyed to the State of New Jersey and Jefferson Township, which will take ownership of 647 acres and 188 acres respectively.

94 Acres to be Preserved in Delaware Township, Hunterdon County

I can remember Thompson Land owning a property in Princeton where I lived. They would cut down a couple trees a year and call it a "Christmas Tree Farm." Still, it's great whenever more land gets off the development rolls.

Originally appeared in NJ.com.

DELAWARE TWP. — Township officials agreed unanimously on Monday to a local conservation group's request to use local open-space tax and state grant money to help preserve 94 of 101 aces owned by Thompson Land.

Renee Kiriluk-HillDelaware Township Committee members at their July 16 meeting.

The property is at Pavlica and Pine Hill roads and the appraised value is $19,000 per acre, New Jersey Conservation Foundation regional manager Alix Bacon told the Township Committee. There are woods, farmland, some steep slopes, an old cemetery and frontage on the Plum Brook.

The cemetery is filled with ancestors of farming families who settled the Reading Road and Rosemont areas, Bacon explained.

Seven acres containing and surrounding a barn and outbuildings would be subdivided, leaving a building lot subject to property taxes.

The remainder, Bacon said, is "wonderful farmland as well as woodland," as well as a "missing link" that will connect other properties preserved by the foundation. The purchase would also continue a greenbelt being established around the village of Sergeantsville.

Renee Kiriluk-HillAlix Bacon of New Jersey Conservation Foundation and Delaware Township Open Space Coordinator Jim Borders attend a July 16 Township Committee meeting to support participation in the purchase of 94 acres from Thompson Land.

On July 16 Bacon clarified the foundation's request for money to enable the deal, which would cost approximately $1,786,000.

The foundation seeks: 10%, or $178,600, from the township's open-space fund; 30%, or $535,800, from a state Green Acres grant previously awarded to the township; 20%, or $357,200, from New Jersey Water Supply Authority; and 40%, or $714,400, from Hunterdon County open-space funds.

The Conservation Foundation would also contribute a $40,000 grant from the 1772 Foundation.

Committeeman Ken Novak questioned the purchase price of $19,000 per acre, because Thompson Land delivered a concept plan to develop the property but doesn't have any subdivision approvals. Bacon said that the figure was arrived at by two appraisers and pointed out that the purchase is "fee simple," not an easement.

Renee Kiriluk-HillAlix Bacon, regional manager for New Jersey Conservation Foundation, shows Delaware Township Committee members on July 16 the boundaries of a proposed open space purchase.

The foundation plans to manage the land. Bacon said that a local farmer would continue to work the farmland and that a trail would be added linking neighboring preserved sites.

Township open-space representatives said that the parcel is in the long-term plan as a desirable purchase.

Bacon said that the Thompson land would be accessible to people walking from Sergeantsville or those who drive and park near a foundation kiosk on Pine Hill Road. She said that it is the final Thompson Land tract in the township to be preserved.

She expects to learn in September if the county grant is awarded.