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.

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.

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.

12 Acres Preserved in Rockaway Twp., Morris County

Also mentioned is The Land Conservancy of New Jersey's recent 36-acre purchase in Montville Twp., as well.

Originally appeared on DailyRecord.com.

The Land Conservancy of New Jersey has announced two new preservation initiatives that will add to the county’s open space areas used for watershed protection and recreational activities.

In June, Montville Township purchased and preserved 36 acres known as “Market Place” along River Road across from Robert Lazar Middle School; in July The Land Conservancy purchased the 12-acre Heart of the Farny Highlands property in Rockaway Township.

The Montville property will be utilized for flood storage protection and hiking; it was purchased with a $1.35 million grant from the Morris County Preservation Trust Fund and is the 17th property Montville Township preserved since the inception of its open space program in 1990, which includes 1,100 acres.

“The Land Conservancy of New Jersey is proud of its accomplishments in Montville Township,” said Linda Gloshinski, land preservation specialist with The Land Conservancy. “From protecting the Towaco Aquifer, to creating new parks for ball fields, to expanding the protected lands along the Rockaway River, the Market Place property will further enhance the open space and recreational opportunities available to Township residents.”

The site has access points at River Road and Old Changebridge Road. The township decided to preserve the space instead of developing it with 14 single-family houses after considering the impact on water quality and flood protection, including the riparian corridor of Crooked Brook, which traverses the eastern portion of the site.

The Land Conservancy of New Jersey purchased the Farny Highlands in Roxbury with funds provided by the Morris County Municipal Utilities Authority and Morris County Park Commission. The property lies within a 35,000-acre region of watershed land and is surrounded by more than 8,000 acres of public parkland and will be owned and managed by the Park Commission.

The property is situated on the eastern border of Rockaway Township and Kinnelon Borough within the Highland’s Preservation Area. It is located within 300 feet of the Split Rock Reservoir and an unnamed tributary to the Timber Brook runs through the southern portion of the lot and the property. The parcel is completely forested and according to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, offers suitable habitat for bobcat, Coopers Hawk and foraging for great blue heron.

The property was previously owned by the Timothy family who had owned it since the 1990s and approached the conservancy about preservation options in 2011.

“We thank Lynne Timothy for her foresight in preserving this critical property,” said conservancy President David Epstein. “Lynne’s commitment to conservation has helped to make New Jersey is a better place to live.”

Dave Helmer, executive director, Morris County Park Commission said the preservation of the Timothy property will provide the final necessary link connecting the two arms of the 1,498-acre Silas Condict County Park.

“Without the support of the residents and businesses of Morris County, open space preservation projects like this one would not occur,” he said.

The Land Conservancy of New Jersey is headquarters in Montville Township on the 44-acre WildAcres preserve. The Fred Hierwarter WildAcres Trail consists of three walking trails, of varying difficulty, where hikers can enjoy the scenic vistas and experience the property’s varied wildlife habitat. WildAcres Garden features native plants and has been certified as a Backyard Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation.

36 Acres Preserved in Montville, Morris County

Always good to hear my adopted home county acquiring more land for open space.

Press release from The Land Conservancy of New Jersey

On June 21, Montville Township purchased and preserved 36 acres along River Road. Known simply as "Market Place," the Township of Montville purchased this undeveloped property for open space and recreation, plans include utilizing the property for flood storage protection and hiking.

River Road has been identified in the 2011 Open Space and Recreation Plan as a proposed bicycle route in the southern part of the municipality, this property would provide a quiet respite for riders along this scenic road across from the Knoll West County Club in neighboring Parsippany-Troy Hills Township. Robert Lazar Middle School is diagonally across from the northeastern corner of the property.

Purchased with a $1,350,000 grant from the Morris County Preservation Trust Fund, this is the 17th property Montville Township has preserved with the assistance and technical expertise of The Land Conservancy of New Jersey.

With its headquarters located on a municipal park in the Township, The Land Conservancy has worked with Montville Township since 1998 assisting the township with its open space preservation program. Since the inception of the Montville Township open space program in 1990, 1,100 acres of land have been preserved by the township for recreation and watershed protection.

"The Land Conservancy of New Jersey is proud of its accomplishments in Montville Township," stated Linda Gloshinski, land preservation specialist with The Land Conservancy. " From protecting the Towaco Aquifer, to creating new parks for ball fields, to expanding the protected lands along the Rockaway River, the Market Place property will further enhance the open space and recreational opportunities available to Township residents."

"The acquisition of the former Market Place property is a valuable addition to the township's parks and open spaces," stated Victor Canning, township administrator.

The Market Place property had the potential to be developed with 14 single-family homes. The site has ample access available from River Road, as well as approximately 50 feet of frontage on Old Changebridge Road.

The Township of Montville has a long history of preserving open space within its borders and is focusing its energies on providing public access to preserved lands in the township. A parcel along the Rockaway River was donated to the township as part of this transaction, and may become part of a future river walk. Preserving Market Place protects an area that would be best left undeveloped for water quality and flood protection, including the riparian corridor of Crooked Brook, which traverses the eastern portion of the site.

The Land Conservancy of New Jersey has its headquarters in Montville Township on the 44-acre WildAcres preserve. This park offers many opportunities for visitors to enjoy a beautiful part of Montville: The Fred Hierwarter WildAcres Trail consists of three walking trails, of varying difficulty, where hikers can enjoy the scenic vistas and experience the property's varied wildlife habitat (including deer, black bear, blue birds, wild turkeys, pileated woodpeckers and more).

WildAcres Garden, established with the help of dedicated volunteers, features native plants and has been certified as a Backyard Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation.

For more information, to volunteer or make a donation, call 973-541-1010, or visit www.tlc-nj.org.

Gloucester County to Expand Scotland Run Park

Originally appeared on NJ.com

As part of a move to preserve open space in Gloucester County, the Board of Chosen Freeholders plans to acquire land in Clayton and Monroe Township. The property, which is currently approved for development, would be used as an addition to Scotland Run Park. The decision comes at the same time as the county announced plans to set aside space in Swedesboro and Greenwich Township as well.

Officials were especially eager to acquire the land, which consists of 39 contiguous acres in Monroe Township and Clayton, because adding property to parks is no easy task.

“Any opportunities the county has to expand our parks—they’re very rare,” said Ken Atkinson, Director of the Gloucester County Office of Land Preservation.

“When those opportunities come along we’re very careful to exert our efforts to secure those lands.”

The Scotland Run purchase will be made directly by the county, and remain county property after the purchase is made. It differs from the other preservation work, including that of Swedesboro, in how the the land is being acquired.

In Swedesboro, the open spaces being set aside will be owned by the municipality, not the county, under the auspices of the Gloucester County Open Space Program. After settlement is made on the parcel of land, jurisdiction over the property will belong to Swedesboro.

The land in East Greenwich is being set aside with not just help from the state, but from the federal government as well. Gloucester County is eligible for reimbursement from the US Department of Agriculture of nearly half the cost of 114 acres of farmland in the township—a total of about $1 million in aid. Because the land in East Greenwich is being preserved under the New Jersey Farmland Preservation Program, preservation is more complicated than a simple purchase.

“When the county identifies a property that we hope to preserve through farmland preservation, the county doesn’t buy the property outright,” Atkinson said.

Instead, the county simply purchases easement rights to the property, which place a deed restriction on how the land can be used. The original owner will retain the right to use and sell the property, but when it is sold, it can only be used for farming.

Some of the land in Clayton was originally approved for residential development. The building of 23 homes had been approved for the spot by local government. However, Debra Sellitto, director of communications for Gloucester County, explained that this approval did not mean any plans for building had been made.

“If it’s approved for construction, that only means it’s allowed to happen,” she said.

“It still means that anyone can acquire it. The county and municipality came together to purchase it from the property owner, then set it aside as open space.”

The new land dedicated to Scotland Run would bring the total area of the park to 993 acres.

Because the land Gloucester County is purchasing to add to Scotland Run costs more than $100,000, the Board of Freeholders must hold a public hearing to allow residents to voice their concerns, if any. The meeting has been scheduled for Sept. 5.

Long Valley Preserve Grows by 4 Acres

Sure, it's just 4 acres. But, it's 4 acres that weren't part of the preserve before. And, more acreage is always better than less when it comes to preservation.

Press release courtesy NJConservation.org.

Long Valley preserve expands by four acres

WASHINGTON TWP. – The Drakestown Preserve in Long Valley just grew by four acres, increasing recreation opportunities and enhancing protection of the public drinking water supply.

New Jersey Conservation Foundation purchased the land near the intersection of Drakestown and Flocktown roads - which had been approved for the construction of one house - in early May.

“It’s a relatively small property, but it borders the 228-acre Drakestown Preserve, an environmentally sensitive property,” said Michele S. Byers, executive director of New Jersey Conservation Foundation. “We’re always looking for opportunities to expand our preserves by acquiring adjacent land, and adding these four acres helps protect drinking water and wildlife habitat.”

The newly-acquired property contains wooded “uplands” that buffer a wetlands complex within the Preserve.  These wetlands are associated with pristine headwater streams flowing into the South Branch of the Raritan River, a source of drinking water for 1.5 million New Jersey residents.

New Jersey Conservation Foundation received a grant from the Morris County Open Space Trust Fund to cover most of the acquisition cost.

“This property contains both wetland and upland forests at the headwaters of the South Branch Raritan River,” said Morris County Freeholder Ann Grossi.  “It is adjacent to a remote parcel of the South Branch Headwaters Preserve project, which was also funded with the assistance of a county open space grant.  Acquisition of this property will build upon lands that are already preserved in the region and will promote passive recreational opportunities.”

The Drakestown Preserve sits high atop Schooley’s Mountain. The original 228-acre tract was acquired in December 2010 from the estate of the late Jack Borgenicht, a businessman, mountain climber and philanthropist who amassed a substantial amount of land in the Long Valley area during his 93 years.

The Drakestown Preserve is open to the public for passive recreation such as hiking and nature observation, and can be entered from Drakestown Road or Fairview Avenue. For more information, go to www.njconservation.org/drakestownpreserve.htm.

256 Acres Preserved Around Carrier Clinic, Somerset County

I used to live near here, and love when I hear about their continued efforts to preserve land. Route 601, where Carrier Clinic is located, is loaded with open space. It's a beautiful road, unlike parts of nearby Route 206, which has been bitch-slapped by short-sighted, "profits are all that matter" developers before.

This post comes courtesy Patch.com.

County to Preserve Land Around Carrier Clinic

Somerset County will preserve 256 acres of wooded open space surrounding Carrier Clinic in the Belle Mead section of the township.

The county came to the planning board on Thursday evening to ask for a minor subdivision of the parcel that lies in both Hillsborough and Montgomery.

According to William Robertson, deputy Somerset County counsel, Carrier Clinic owns 367 acres, 99 of which are in Hillsborough. The county will be acquiring 256 acres.

Of the 99 acres in Hillsborough, Carrier Clinic will retain nearly 18 acres to be used for a solar installation. That project has already been approved by the Board of Adjustment.

Tom Bocino, of the Somerset County Engineering Department, said the open space will become part of the county’s Sourland Mountain Preserve.

Bocino said the space will be used for passive recreation and the only possible construction in the future would be a trail system.

“We do not propose any improvements,” he said.

He said that a vacant house in the northwestern part of the property would be demolished. Bocino also said a part of the property is also farmed and that will continue until the county completes an assessment.

One of the largest private, not-for-profit behavioral healthcare facilities in New Jersey, Carrier Clinic, specializes in psychiatric and substance abuse addiction treatment on the inpatient and residential levels.

Without discussion, the board unanimously approved the subdivision.

Robertson said the county will also be seeking approval from Montgomery.

Stillwater, Sussex County, Preserves 113 Forested Acres

It's been a rough couple weeks here at the fulltime job. So, this is as much for me as it is for you. Enjoy!

Originally appearing on NJHerald.com

By LYNDSAY CAYETANA BOUCHAL

lbouchal@njherald.com

STILLWATER -- Some 113 acres in the heart of the township have been preserved, helping to close the gap between patchy parcels of the state's Trout Brook Wildlife Management Area in Stillwater.

The township Environ-mental Commission in partnership with The Land Conservancy of New Jersey had been striving toward preserving the 113 acres off Stillwater Road since the middle of 2010, said Barbara Davis, the Land Conservancy's vice president of programs.

The scenic, forested property was purchased through the New Jersey Green Acres program from the Goldschmidt family, who reside elsewhere in the county. The acres have now been added to the state's Trout Brook Wildlife Management Area that is managed for wildlife habitat and public recreational access, and offers programs for hunters, anglers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Davis said the Trout Brook Wildlife Management Area "jumps and skips a bit" throughout Stillwater. The acquisition of the 113 acres helps "close in the borders" of the area and is "a nice addition to it."

The acquisition of the property, located near Camp Lou Henry Hoover, creates a contiguous parcel of 200 wildlife management acres, Environmental Commission Vice Chairman Paul Klimek said. He said other pieces of the Trout Brook area are separated by a few hundred feet.

The Trout Brook Wildlife Management Area is now more than 1,700 acres in Stillwater, 785 of which were acquired through the help of The Land Conservancy.

Further, the newest addition contains existing trails and stunning specimen trees, said Sandy Urgo, land preservation director at The Land Conservancy. It helps protect habitat for common wildlife such as bears, turkey, owls, deer, bobcats and coyotes, Klimek said.

"It feels great (to bridge a gap)," Klimek said. "It probably couldn't be done without The Land Conservancy."

This is the fifth addition to the Trout Brook area in Stillwater through the Green Acres program and the assistance of The Land Conservancy since 2007. Davis said Stillwater began working with The Land Conservancy in 2005 to create an Open Space and Recreation Plan for the township, which was completed in 2006.

Founded in 1981, The Land Conservancy of New Jersey is a member-supported nonprofit land trust dedicated to preserving and protecting vital natural lands and water resources. 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.

"The landscape of Stillwater Township has been permanently improved, forest fragmentation has been reduced, wildlife habitat has been protected, and space for resource-based recreation and hunting has been provided," Urgo said. "The results of the township's commitment to this conservation program will be enjoyed by residents of Stillwater and future generations, in perpetuity."

22 Acres Added in Hopewell, Cumberland County

Originally appeared in The News of Cumberland County


HOPEWELL TWP. — There’s a sense of urgency in Matt Blake’s voice as he describes the future of New Jersey’s Green Acres Program.

On one hand, 22.5 acres at Elk Lake, in Hopewell Township, was just added to the Cohansey State Wildlife Management Area’s 800 acres.

On the other, the final round of Green Acres funding was just announced and Blake would hate to see Cumberland County miss out.

“There’s a brief window of opportunity until mid-February where towns and counties can apply for funding,” Blake said Wednesday of the program overseen by the state Department of Environmental Protection.

He’s working on raising awareness of this issue at the local level but at the moment, the 22 acres tacked onto the Cohansey management area is reason to celebrate.

“The site served as a cultural epicenter for Springtown in Greenwich, which was founded by freed slaves and Quakers who played a historically significant role in the area’s renown as a major focal point of the Underground Railroad,” Blake said.

That land, sold by the Mulhern family, was offered to Green Acres though their standard application process, though the project was apparently long in the works.

Typically, properties with willing sellers are inspected and appraised before an offer is made. In this case, the Elk Lake location was approved and now joins the Cohansey management area.

The springs that feed Elk Lake start on the property that was just sold. That’s something significant because Blake said it keeps the lake pristine and transparent — even 7 feet down.

The other timely matter worthy of mention: Green Acres sent out letters late last month to all counties and local governments in New Jersey concerning the 2012 funding round.

Voters approved the three-year Green Acres Bond Act in 2009 and 2012 brings the final round of the funding. A new source of funding would need to be approved by voters, though Blake is unsure when that may come around.

“This will be last opportunity for Cumberland County, as well its towns, to take advantage of this funding until a new funding source is approved at the ballot-box,” said Blake.

Local governments will have until mid-February to turn in their applications.
The funding traditionally can be put toward land acquisition, development and conservation projects or the other half of an initiative that requires matching funds.

Counties with an Open Space plan, as Cumberland does, typically receive between $900,000 and $1 million in grants. Blake notes the accomplishments of Essex County over the past nine years: an enhanced park system, athletic fields, playgrounds, parking areas and more.

“Cumberland County is blessed with exciting downtowns,” he said.

“Any community with a waterfront area in need of redevelopment ought to be talking to the county about securing this money for possible projects — be in downtown Fairton, Bridgeton, Millville, Greenwich, Fortescue, Bivalve or Shellpile,” said Blake.

The grant application process is apparently none too complicated. Blake said Matt Pisarski, from the county Department of Planning and Development, told him Tuesday that the “application isn’t heavy lifting.”

Open Space efforts tend to fall on the back burner in light of budget crunches, Blake said. He accepts that, but, noted the county created an open space plan to take advantage of the funding floating around.

He noted that county Planning Board Director Bob Brewer told him the pursuit of grants is a freeholder decision. The county sees themselves as a conduit in this process but “they need to be in a position to pounce when opportunities present themselves,” Blake said.

436-Acre Boy Scout Camp Preserved

Oddly, this post comes from a website based in Columbus, Indiana.

TRENTON, N.J. — The state will spend $1 million to buy a Boy Scout camp near Barnegat Bay to prevent development there and help protect one of the nation's most ecologically fragile waterways from the pollution that development would bring.

On the first anniversary of its 10-point plan to improve the health of the struggling bay, the state Department of Environmental Protection announced Thursday that its Green Acres program would buy the development rights to the 436-acre Joseph A. Citta camp from the scouts.

"Gov. (Chris) Christie and I have made an unprecedented commitment to the restoration of Barnegat Bay, an ecological treasure that is vital to New Jersey residents and the state's tourism economy," said DEP Commissioner Robert Martin. "The preservation of this camp is just one of the administration's many accomplishments over the past year in implementing this important plan."

The Barnegat Bay plan includes closing the Oyster Creek nuclear plant in 2019, implementing the nation's toughest limits on the amount of pollution-causing nitrogen that fertilizer can contain and providing low-interest loans to local governments for water quality improvement projects. The nuclear plant's hot-water discharges are suspected of increasing algae blooms and hurting water quality in the bay.

Jeff Tittel, director of the New Jersey Sierra Club, said the state needs to do a lot more to truly help save the bay.

"One year after the governor announced his plan for Barnegat Bay, we have seen conditions in the bay get worse while the governor weakens protections for the bay," Tittel said. "He has done press conference after press conference and we have seen rollback after rollback. This is about green cover while implementing policies that undermine protections for the bay and create more sprawl."

A bill making its way through the state Legislature would make it easier for developers to build near Barnegat Bay and other waterways by keeping in place maps that show where sewer connections can be made. The bill would keep the current rules in place for up to two years and prohibit counties from preserving land by removing it from the approved sewer zones.

Tittel said Barnegat Bay continues to deteriorate because of nutrient pollution from too much nitrogen and phosphorus pollution. The bay continues to suffer invasions by jellyfish and algae blooms from nutrient pollution. Jellyfish closed several beaches and pollution closed clam beds, and the loss of eel grass and other ecological indicators show things are getting worse in the bay, Tittel said.

Part of the administration's Barnegat Bay plan includes studies with leading research organizations, including Rutgers University and the New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium, to fill in critical research gaps, provide baseline data and assist the department in making policy decisions about steps to restore the bay. These include studies of pollution-nutrient indicators, fish and crabs, algae blooms, the increase in the occurrence of jellyfish, shellfish declines and the benefits of wetlands in reducing the effect of nutrients.

More than 3,500 water sample bottles have been sent to laboratories for analyses, and more than 3,000 field measurements have been taken so far.

160 Acres Preserved in Frelinghuysen Twp, Warren County

Shots like this make me pine for mid-late spring. It'll be here soon enough!


Article originally appeared on NJ.com:

FRELINGHUYSEN TWP. — The township, the state Department of Environmental Protection and The Land Conservancy of New Jersey announce the preservation of over 160 acres of forested land in the heart of the municipality.


A priority of the township’s Open Space Committee and governing body, the purchase and preservation of the properties straddling Route 94 and Lincoln Laurel Road will permanently protect the forest and create an opportunity for trails and hiking in the municipality.
A joint project of the township, county and state, this project was successfully negotiated and brought to a close through the work and effort of The Land Conservancy of New Jersey, in partnership with the township.

“The preservation of this undisturbed habitat will allow us to enjoy the continued existence of native species at their best,” states Robin Randolph, chair of Frelinghuysen Township’s Open Space Committee. She continues, “Frelinghuysen Township is grateful to the Warren County Board of Chosen Freeholders and New Jersey Green Acres for their generous support of this project. Without them, this preservation effort would not have been possible.”

“Once slated for development, the Frelinghuysen Forest Preserve is a wonderful piece of property and Warren County is thrilled that we could help permanently protect it,” explains Corey J. Tierney on behalf of the Warren County Department of Land Preservation. “Not only is the 160 acre Preserve easily accessible, but it boasts a beautiful forest with small streams and an existing network of trails leading back to a picturesque pond. The property will be managed by the Township using local volunteers. This will be a tremendous open space resource for all Warren County’s residents. It is great to see municipalities, like Frelinghuysen Township, taking ownership of these critical natural areas.”

Corey continued, “It takes a lot of hard work by many different people to bring these projects together. We worked closely with the Frelinghuysen Township Open Space Committee and The Land Conservancy of New Jersey who coordinated this acquisition with grants obtained from Green Acres and Warren County’s Municipal and Charitable Conservancy Trust Fund. The County’s participation, of course, was made possible by our Chosen Board of Freeholders, who deserves special thanks for continuing to support local open space preservation.”

The Frelinghuysen Forest Preserve is comprised of two properties owned by relatives who sold the properties together for preservation. This Preserve will offer hiking trails, bird watching platforms, and will be a classroom in nature for recreational hikers, school children and scout groups. This Preserve is large enough to host a large trails network Habitat for sensitive species, springs, seeps and headwater streams make these properties valuable for natural resource protection. The Preserve can be easily accessed from existing driveways on Route 94 and Lincoln Laurel Road.

Preservation of Weehawken Reservoir

You don't often hear about big preservation projects in urban areas, like this border town to Hoboken. So, it's especially great when they do pop up.

From Debra Hoover, public relations, NJ Department of Environmental Protection

IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Dec. 28, 2011

Contact:  Lawrence Hajna          (609) 984-1795
               Lawrence Ragonese    (609) 292-2994

DEP, NEW JERSEY ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE TRUST SECURE                        PRESERVATION OF WEEHAWKEN RESERVOIR

Working in partnership with the Township of Weehawken, Union City, the New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Trust, and the nonprofit Trust for Public Land, the Department of Environmental Protection today secured the preservation of a unique 14.4-acre reservoir near the Lincoln Tunnel, Commissioner Bob Martin announced.

"This opportunity reflects Governor Christie's commitment to the preservation of land through the Green Acres Program and the protection of water supplies through the New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Trust," Commissioner Martin said.

"The agreement was made possible by the cooperation and vision of all the parties, who recognized and under an accelerated time frame acted upon a rare opportunity to permanently protect open space in the heart of one of the nation's most densely populated areas," the Commissioner added. "The people of Weehawken, Union City, Hudson County and the state will benefit greatly from the preservation of the Weehawken Reservoir for generations to come."

The parties today executed agreements to preserve the reservoir and surrounding land. Through a Memorandum of Agreement, Weehawken and Union City will establish a trail around the reservoir for passive recreation. The property, located just blocks from the Lincoln Tunnel, provides spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline.

United Water Co. had owned the reservoir but had not used it for many years. The reservoir, surrounded by a thin strip of land, is located in Weehawken, on the border with Union City. The municipalities are among the most densely populated in the nation.

Through its revolving loan program, the New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Trust provided Weehawken with an $8.66 million low-interest loan. The loan was critical to making the agreement happen.

The DEP's Green Acres Program also provided a $2 million grant. Each of the municipalities provided $168,000. The Trust for Public Land played a major role in coordinating the purchase.

"Weehawken and Union City are densely populated, growing, and lacking options for new parks and open space, so this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create a new recreational amenity for this community," said Anthony Cucchi, New Jersey state director of The Trust for Public Land. "This project was complex and fast moving, but thanks to a concerted effort on the part of Weehawken, Union City, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, and United Water, this urban community now has dedicated park space for generations to come."

"Commissioner Martin and the DEP really need to be commended for bringing all the parties together to protect this reservoir and land in one of the most densely populated parts of New Jersey and the nation," said David Zimmer, Executive Director of the New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Trust.

The Green Acres Program has had a hand in protecting some 650,000 acres since the passage of the state's first Green Acres bond act in 1961.

"This is a perfect way to cap our year-long celebration of the anniversary of that first  bond act, which launched New Jersey on a half-century of land preservation and established the state as a national leader in protecting open space and developing parks," said Richard Boornazian, Administrator of the Green Acres Program. "It's even most fitting that this purchase occurred in the heart of Hudson County. A great deal of credit must go to both Weehawken and Union City for making this happen."

"I am excited by the immeasurable potential of the reservoir project, which will offer more greenery and nature to residents of an urban setting," said Union City Mayor Brian Stack.

"This cooperative effort among the State of New Jersey, the Trust for Public Land, Union City, the Township of Weehawken and United Water preserves that largest remaining piece of open land in the upper portion of North Hudson County," said Weehawken Mayor Richard Turner. "This keeps a major piece of open space in a densely populated portion of the state available to the public, preserves the character of the surrounding neighborhoods and enhances the quality of life for everyone."

For more information on the Green Acres Program, visit: http://www.nj.gov/dep/greenacres/

For more information on the New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Trust, visit: www.njeit.org

140 Acres Preserved in Middle Township

Originally on The Press of Atlantic City
By Sarah Watson

More than 140 acres of privately owned, undeveloped wetlands in Middle Township near the
Cape May National Wildlife Refuge will be purchased by the state for conservation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced Wednesday.
The federal agency is contributing $1 million in grant money toward the $2.2 million purchase price; $1.2 million of existing Green Acres money also will be used to purchase the saltwater marsh and upland, a news release states.

The Middle Township tract abuts the Cape May Wetlands Wildlife Management Area, which is one of the most significant concentration areas for migratory birds in the world.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife announced the grant as part of nearly $6.8 million for preservation in six East Coast states.

Morris County to Spend $11.6 Million on Open Space in 11 Towns

Here is a good one, from The Daily Record:

Morris County will spend $11.6 million from the county’s Preservation Trust Fund to help preserve 1,286 acres of open space in 11 towns, with the largest amounts going to preserve land in Harding and Long Hill.

The money, which was approved by the county freeholders Wednesday and was based upon the recommendations of the county’s Open Space Trust Fund Committee, will go toward 12 projects that are located in 11 towns, according to a prepared statement from the county.


The largest grant award, $2,880,000, will go to the nonprofit Harding Land Trust for nearly 70 acres of property in Harding known as Primrose, said Freeholder Ann Grossi, liaison to the Preservation Trust.




“This property contains wetlands, important watershed lands adjacent to both Primrose Brook and the Passaic River and endangered species habitat,” Grossi said. According to the Harding Land Trust, the property will be managed to maintain and enhance wildlife habitat and water quality and to provide opportunities for passive recreation, including hiking.



A grant totaling $2.3 million was awarded to Long Hill to acquire 71.4 acres of property at the northwest intersection of Morristown and Valley roads. Known as Central Park, the township plans to maintain nature trails, picnic areas, and walking and bicycle trails throughout the tract, with portions of the property also being used for active recreational fields, the statement said.


One of the smallest projects approved by the freeholders was the fifth phase of the Pompton Riverwalk in Pequannock, the statement said.


The township will receive a $988,000 grant to purchase the land portion of six properties totaling 1.2 acres on the Pompton River as a continuation of a long-term project to recover riparian buffers and flood mitigation along the river.


“The first four phases of this project were funded with assistance from the county open space program, and most of the properties in these phases are now preserved,” Grossi said. “This latest acquisition will fill in the gaps between existing preserved lands, and further Pequannock’s goal of creating a linear park along the Pompton River.”

Read more --->

Preserving Open Space in Densely-Populated North Jersey

This comes courtesy the Hudson Reporter. It's not often we see stories from densely-populated places like Weehawkin and Union City, which makes them all the more welcome.

Weehawken’s Webster School auditorium was packed with nearly 300 people on Nov. 2 as Mayor Richard Turner and engineers from the Trust for Public Land announced that a reservoir near the Weehawken/Union City border will be jointly purchased and preserved rather than sold to developers to build upon.

Union City Mayor Brian Stack could not attend due to a heavy campaign schedule, but sent a representative who expressed full support for the purchase. The meeting was a public event that Turner held in order to officially announce the purchase of the reservoir by both towns. Officials addressed residents’ questions about cost, safety, and the effect the purchase would have on taxes and property values. United Water put the 14-acre, 100-year-old, $11.3 million reservoir up for sale in August of 2010 and immediately received several bids from companies who wished to build large commercial housing on the land.

The following month, Turner and Stack contacted officials to see if the township of Weehawken could acquire the reservoir. The following year, they approached Green Acres – a program under N.J.’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) dedicated to funding land conservation and recreational resources – and the Trust for Public Land (TPL) and, according to Turner, received a “great amount of support.” Engineer Simone Mangili told the audience that TPL is a national, non-profit organization that has worked with landowners, funders and townships across the nation since 1972. How they plan to pay The overriding concern was how to pay for the reservoir’s preservation.

Turner said that Green Acres gave the state a $2 million grant on June 16 toward the total cost, and that the city of Union City and township of Weehawken procured a loan from NJ DEP’s Environmental Infrastructure Trust for the remaining $9.3 million. Turner reported that the NJ State DEP listed on the deed for the land, which guarantees that the reservoir will be preserved indefinitely. The loan – three quarters of which is at 0 percent interest, and one quarter of which carries between 1 and 2 percent interest – will be split by both parties. The loan’s projected payoff will take 20 years. However, Stack and Turner plan to apply for annual Green Acres grants so that the loan will hypothetically be paid off within 8 to 10 years instead. Union City and Weehawken will also split the annual maintenance fees, which Turner estimated will cost around $600,000.

So what effect will this purchase have on taxes? “I never can say,” Turner said. “I don’t think it will have an effect.” He added that this past year’s waterfront construction added $18 million worth of ratables (taxable property), which brings in around $400,000 annually, and will help absorb the reservoir’s cost. In answer to the alternative to build on the land rather than preserve it, Turner said, “You can always build more someplace, but you have to look at the effect on quality of life, and the effect on the neighborhood.” Both towns are very densely populated. Turner said new buildings would have increased traffic that the neighborhood’s infrastructure could not handle, and would start a competition for the views. “Nobody builds low,” Turner said. “There would be an ongoing effort to build up.”

What locals can expect “We think we’ve come up with a wonderful way of balancing more open space and more development that fits with the character of Weehawken,” Turner told the audience. The reservoir, bordered by Washington Street, Gregory Avenue, Highpoint Avenue, and 20th Street, will be made a “severely restricted property.” Four acres along Palisade Avenue will have an easement for United Water to build a 2.5-acre water tank (which was one of the stipulations of the purchase) that will come to the top of the raised barrier separating the tank and the reservoir. The remaining acres will eventually be made into a sitting area. The reservoir will be open to the public in the morning, guarded by security, and closed after dusk with no nighttime access or lighting. The existing interior and exterior fences will remain, and a walking/jogging path will be built around the perimeter. “It’s not going to be a Great Adventure,” Turner said, though they may allow fishing or kayaking in the future.

TPL will conduct safety inspections in the coming months and, with the supervision of the DEP to protect the existing wildlife, the reservoir will be drained and cleaned to make sure it is solid. The entire process will take a maximum of two years, Turner said, and most construction will take place on the interior of the property. “It’ll be a minor pain in the [posterior], but we’ll all get through it,” he said.

Residents react Turner opened up a forum for audience questions and comments, and a majority of responses were positive. Roosevelt School Principal Alfred Orecchio said, “It would have been easy to avoid the headache of preserving the land, but all of the hard work put in will make the city more attractive to people.” “There are politicians and there are [public] stewards,” resident Edward Flood stated. “In this case the entities are the same.”

Martin Shapiro, Weehawken’s self-proclaimed “devil’s advocate,” expressed two main concerns: first, that the loss of ratables would negatively affect property values. Turner responded, “I think it’s worth it to preserve the neighborhood.” Shapiro’s second concern was that while the deed for the property will definitely include the NJ DEP and the township of Weehawken, it is still undecided as to whether or not Union City will be included, leaving room for the possibility, he feared, that they could pull out of the agreement.

Turner said that Union City and Weehawken had signed a contract guaranteeing that all costs for the reservoir’s purchase and upkeep will be split equally. Read more: Hudson Reporter - Preserving open space Union City and Weehawken to buy reservoir

More Acreage Added to Montgomery's Cherry Brook Preserve

ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE

MONTGOMERY — The township has purchased a 16-acre forested parcel that completes the Cherry Brook Preserve in southern Montgomery. The property is surrounded by township-owned open space. This acquisition increases the acreage of the Cherry Brook Preserve to over 375 acres of contiguous open space.

   ”I am pleased to see that even in this economic downturn there is a continuing bi-partisan commitment to open space preservation,” said Mayor Mark Caliguire. “Over one third of the land in Montgomery is preserved as either public or private open space — that is critical to the character and quality of life in our town. We will continue to move forward when the money is there and when the deal is right to continue this preservation effort.”

   The total purchase price for this property was $110,000. The Montgomery Friends of Open Space assisted Montgomery Township with this acquisition, contributing $30,000 which was provided by a funding partner, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Green Acres Program. Montgomery Friends of Open Space own a 27 percent interest in the property.

   ”Montgomery Friends are proud to have partnered with Montgomery Township on acquiring this well-positioned piece of open space,” said Mary Penney, director of Montgomery Friends of Open Space.

   Cherry Brook Preserve is one of the largest forest complexes in the vicinity. Open Space Chairman Clem Fiori underscored the ecological significance of this purchase,

   ”We’ve been working on completing this forest preserve since 1995. Larger blocks of uninterrupted forest canopy are critically important today due to the decline in populations of migratory songbirds and other deep forest species. Unfragmented forest can provide them with the breeding habitat they need,” he said.

   Fragmenting forest into smaller sections creates more “edge” habitat, the boundary between forest and field. This increases impacts from species which thrive “on the edge” such as deer which over-browse and destroy the forest understory and nest predators, such as raccoons.

   The Montgomery Open Space Committee has its eye on the future. This parcel is directly adjacent to a 25-acre former farm field where volunteers have undertaken a reforestation project. Montgomery Township received a grant in 2007 from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and has planted over 1,000 trees and shrubs, which will foster ecological succession to forest, filling in this hole in the canopy.

   The Cherry Brook Preserve also contains exceptional resource value forested wetlands that are home to certain uncommon species of amphibians. The southern border of the new parcel is formed by a tributary of the Cherry Brook. The addition of this parcel to preserved open space will enhance surface water quality and aid stream protection.

   ”Look at some of the beautiful preserved parcels in town and imagine what things would have been like if we had not moved aggressively to preserve them,” said Mayor Caliguire.

   Cherry Brook Preserve contains an extensive recreational pathway system accessible from Birchwood Drive and the end of Linton Drive on Cherry Valley Road, as well as Cherry Brook Road across from the Waldorf School. For pathways maps, see “Recreation” at www.montgomery.nj.us or go to www.njtrails.org.

   Landowners interested in preserving their property or in participating in open space preservation as a conservation buyer should contact Lauren Wasilauski, Montgomery’s Open Space Coordinator, at 908-359-8211.

14 Acres Along Princeton Ridge Preserved

Courtesy Princeton Patch

Following more than two years of community effort, fundraising and litigation, 14 wooded acres on the ecologically-sensitive Princeton Ridge have been permanently preserved by a partnership of public agencies and four nonprofits - New Jersey Conservation Foundation, Friends of Princeton Open Space, Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association and Kingston Greenways Association.

The partners purchased the Ricciardi property on Bunn Drive on Aug. 25, adding to a growing greenway of forested lands along the Princeton Ridge. If not preserved, more than 45 homes could have been built on the property.

“We and our partners are very excited to preserve this property,” said Michele S. Byers, executive director of New Jersey Conservation Foundation, in a statement “This land is a critical link in the newly-created Princeton Ridge Preserve. Its preservation brings a successful closure to years of litigation and uncertainty about the land’s future.”

The property’s mature forests provide habitat for several endangered and threatened species, including the wood turtle, eastern box turtle, Cooper’s hawk and barred owl. In addition to protecting wildlife habitat, the forests preserve local water quality and prevent flooding.

The property is a key component of the new Princeton Ridge Preserve, connecting two adjacent properties soon to be preserved: the 35-acre All Saints Church property, which is being acquired by the D&R Greenway Land Trust and the Friends of Princeton Open Space; and 17 acres of the former Lowe property, to be donated by J. Robert Hillier. These lands will link to the Herrontown Woods Preserve, Hilltop Park and Autumn Hill Reservation. Plans call for a network of interconnected walking trails.

"I look forward to walking the trails and formally connecting this tract to the surrounding preserved spaces in the Princeton Ridge Preserve,” said Mayor Chad Goerner, who credited his Township Committee colleague, Liz Lempert, for helping spearhead the preservation. “It is great to see it come to a successful conclusion."

Public agency funding partners include the state Green Acres Program, Mercer County and Princeton Township.

"We are extremely pleased that this property will continue to grow trees and harbor wildlife, rather than sprout buildings and generate stormwater runoff," said Jim Waltman, executive director of the Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association. "Five years ago, many of us fought against a proposed 98-unit housing development on this property and we are thrilled that that battle is now just a memory." The number of potential homes was later reduced to 47.

Efforts to preserve the environmentally vulnerable Princeton Ridge began several years ago when a citizens group, Save Princeton Ridge, formed to stop proposed development on the properties on the Ridge.

The nonprofit groups came together two years ago to acquire the Ricciardi property for conservation; this week’s purchase ends litigation involving that property. Litigation on the Lowe parcel, between Save Princeton Ridge and Princeton Township, was settled earlier this year.

Goerner praised the teamwork and cooperation that made the preservation possible.

“This effort has been a true example of local and regional organizations working together for a common purpose,” he said. “I want to extend my thanks to the New Jersey Conservation Foundation, Friends of Princeton Open Space, Stony Brook- Millstone Watershed Association, Kingston Greenways Association, Mercer County and Green Acres for contributing to this important project."

Wendy Mager, president of the Friends of Princeton Open Space, said she is grateful to all who made the preservation possible. “We recognize the Ridge as a unique environmental asset deserving special protection, and are thrilled to be involved now in protecting key lands on the eastern Ridge,” she said. “The Princeton Ridge Preserve will be a continuing priority for the Friends of Princeton Open Space, which is already working on additional projects there.”

In addition to the public agency funding, more than 100 private donors from the Princeton community contributed more than $430,000 to fill a funding gap that could have jeopardized the project. A last-minute fundraising drive brought in a very generous anonymous gift that secured the project’s success.

“At the end of the day, it is individuals who love our town and other beautiful parts of this state who make the difference in conservation,” said Mager.

The Princeton Ridge is a sensitive ecological area extending from the Millstone River and D&R Canal State Park, across the northern region of Princeton Township into Hopewell Township, where it is known locally as the Mount Rose Ridge. Since at least 1959, Princeton Township’s Master Plan has identified the Princeton Ridge as among the most important and sensitive environmental features in the community.

In addition to the endangered and threatened species, the Ridge provides migration and nesting habitat for a number of migratory birds that require large patches of unfragmented forests to live and breed.

"The Princeton Ridge Preserve results from many collaborative efforts over the past four years; our thanks to all the nonprofit and governmental bodies that made this achievement possible," said Daniel A. Harris and Jane Buttars, founders of the citizens’ groups Save Princeton Ridge and People for Princeton Ridge. "We are delighted that our efforts to educate the Princeton community in matters of sustainable land-use and to secure a revised Ordinance for the Lowe tract (adjoining the Ricciardi tract) means that 80 percent of the Lowe tract will be part of the Princeton Ridge Preserve - an open space which (combined with Herrontown Woods) establishes 208 acres of contiguous natural habitat in the midst of Mercer County: no mean accomplishment."