More Acreage Added to Montgomery's Cherry Brook Preserve

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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."

More Medford Open Space Preserved

By Sean Patrick Murphy, The South Jersey Sun

Medford Township officials are most pleased to announce that three parcels in the township have been permanently preserved as open space and farmland under existing state and Burlington County programs.

A large portion (almost 400 acres) of the Brick Farm/Cranberry Bogs have been acquired by the state of New Jersey under its Green Acres program. The property abuts the state’s Wharton State Park and will be added to this state park. This project required no municipal cost share by Medford Township.

The Conti Farm, a 44-acre parcel off of Chairville Road, has been approved for preservation by the Burlington County Board of Chosen Freeholders under their farmland preservation program. Medford was approved last month by the Board of Chosen Freeholders under their park development grant program for $97,000 to utilize as Medford’s required 20 percent matching costs for the preservation of this parcel.

The Rancocas Conservancy has acquired the Sweeney property, a 40-acre parcel off of Jackson Road (near the Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge). This acquisition also required no cost share from the township.

“Medford Township will remain proactive in open space and farmland preservation projects, in continued collaboration with the state, Burlington County, and non-profit agencies,” Township Manager Christopher Schultz said. “We appreciate that nearly 500 acres of added lands have been permanently preserved at no cost to Medford residents.

“Added to the already 3,500 acres of preserved land, Medford remains in the forefront of open space and farmland preservation initiatives,” he added.

Hainesport, Burlington County, Farm Preserved

By Rose Krebs, Burlington County Times


HAINESPORT — The Township Committee has authorized $101,535 to purchase the development rights for the 80-acre Murphy farm off Fenimore Road.
At its meeting Tuesday night, the committee approved the purchase as part of the county’s farmland preservation program. Under the program, municipalities are responsible for 20 percent of the costs.

The price per acre was $7,425, Township Administrator Paul Tuliano said. About 68 acres are in Hainesport and the rest are in Lumberton, Tuliano said. In 2010, the Lumberton Township Committee authorized $17,820 to cover its portion of the costs.

The Murphy farm is the last one in town to be preserved, Mayor Michael Dickinson said.
“The most important thing is our part in keeping New Jersey green and thriving,” Dickinson said.

The farm is near South Jersey Regional Airport and home to D-J Excavating Inc. The family-owned company is a “full-service excavating, hauling and topsoil delivery” business that also rents trash containers, according to its website.

D-J Excavating, which has been in business since 1976, also offers leaf deposit services to various municipalities, including Hainesport, Tuliano said. The farm produces field crops.
“(The farm) is located in a part of town that public sewer and water isn’t permitted,” he said. “The county wanted it (preserved). It’s the last big farm in Hainesport that is not preserved.”
Many homes likely would not have been built on the land because of 5-acre zoning and sewer and water restrictions. Dickinson said officials want to ensure that that part of the town, which borders Mount Laurel and Medford, is preserved in perpetuity.

He said there is commercial development in the area and that officials want to make sure that the farm stays as is.

The Burlington County Board of Freeholders approved the purchase-of-development rights for the farm in 2010 at a cost of $594,000.

Rose Krebs: 609-871-8064; email: rkrebs@phillyBurbs.com; Twitter: @rosekrebs

192-Acre South Brunswick Farm Purchase Finalized

SOUTH BRUNSWICK – The 192-acre, historically important Pulda Farm in South Brunswick has been preserved forever now that the purchase of the land has been finalized, county officials announced Friday.

Middlesex County Freeholder Carol Barrett Bellante spearheaded the move to preserve the land while she served as South Brunswick Deputy Mayor and continued her support as a freeholder. The total cost was $7.5 million, funded by the Township of South Brunswick with $2.5 million in Open Space money and Middlesex County with $2.5 million from its Open Space funds and $2.5 million from its state Green Acres funding.

“This is a great day for Middlesex County,” said Bellante. “This environmentally and historically important land will be saved forever because of the cooperation between the people of South Brunswick, the Township and County and I cannot be more thrilled. Our children and our children’s children are the real benefactors of this action because an important part of our heritage has been preserved.”

The purchase prevents development of the property, which could have been subdivided into 52 residential lots. The land is adjacent to Pigeon Swamp State Forest, the only water supply in Middlesex County with the State Department of Environmental Protection’s most protected status.

The property also has historical significance. It was originally owned by the Van Dyke family, early settlers of South Brunswick in 1652. The property was part of an original land grant from King George III of England. There is documented history of slavery on the farm and slave quarters are still intact.

“By saving Pulda Farm, we continue to preserve the county’s agricultural heritage. The farm is the only Van Dyke homestead remaining in the Davidson Mill Road area and is an example of a mid-19th century farmstead that has been relatively well-preserved, and that has maintained a large portion of land for farming, an activity that reflects the lifestyle of early South Brunswick Township,” Bellante said.

“I am extremely pleased with the Open Space acquisition of the Pulda Farm,” said Mayor Frank Gambatese. “This a true example of county, state and municipal government working together to preserve the quality of life for not only the residents of South Brunswick Township but also the residents of the Central New Jersey Region. This purchase eliminated the potential for the building of 52 single-family homes, which would have impacted our school system and our local environment.”

“This is the right thing to do for the people of Middlesex County,” said Freeholder Director Christopher D. Rafano. “My Freeholder colleagues and I are committed to preserving as much open space as we can to protect the environment and safeguard the county’s agricultural past. With the purchase of the Pulda Farm, we reach those goals and also save our taxpayers money because no additional infrastructure, such as roads and utilities, will have to be built and maintained.”

Read more: http://njtoday.net/2011/02/28/south-brunswick-farm-purchase-finalized/#ixzz1R5w5CuUN
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Mannington, Salem County Farm Preserved (2000th Farm)

By Phil Dunn


MANNINGTON TWP. — A milestone in farmland preservation was announced here Friday as officials from all over the state gathered to ceremonially celebrate the 2,000th preserved farm in New Jersey.

The 102-acre farm, owned by Mannington Township Committeeman and retired farmer Ernest Tark Jr., was among the recent preservation projects that helped the New Jersey farmland preservation program reach the mark of 2,000 farms.

The State Agriculture Development Committee (SADC) preserved Tark’s class-one farm on Quaker Neck Road in December.

The development rights were bought by the SADC from Tark for $715,000.


“Salem County is no stranger to farmland preservation,” said Tark. “It’s my belief that class-one farms should never be developed. It doesn’t matter if it’s houses or solar panels.” 

Tark thanked the SADC and recognized that even though he is retired, he and his sister, Maxine Rauch, who are co-owners of the farm, have plans to sell the land to local farmer Frank Battiato.

A third-generation vegetable and grain farmer, Battiato currently farms 400 acres in Mannington and Carneys Point townships.

He spoke to how important preservation is for the future of farming.

“Farmland preservation is really important. It allows the next generation to come along and expand their operation at an affordable rate,” said Battiato. “I’m really proud that Ernie is selling this ground to me, and I plan to farm this for a long time and maybe some day pass it on to my kids.”

Freeholder Director Lee Ware, also a farmer, was overjoyed that three of Salem County’s municipalities were top 10 in farmland preservation in the state this year.

Upper Pittsgrove, Mannington, and Pilesgrove have preserved 7,500, 5,600, and 4,700 acres of farmland, respectively.

“Salem County is truly the garden spot of the Garden State,” said Ware.

New Jersey Agriculture Secretary Doug Fisher applauded all those involved in making this 2,000th preserved farm a reality.

“This achievement would not have been possible without the strong partnership efforts at all levels of government, by the non-profit community and by the scores of landowners who made the commitment to preservation,” said Fisher. “While our work is far from over, the preservation of 2,000 farms is a major step toward ensuring that we will continue to have abundant opportunities to buy the freshest food and other farm products.”

Michele Byers, executive director of the New Jersey Conservation Foundation, said she found a sincere warmth in Salem County. She said she is happy to report that Salem County is number one in the state for farmland preservation with more than 28,000 acres preserved.

“New Jersey Conservation Foundation is thrilled to have assisted in the preservation of this landmark,” said Byers. “The preservation of the 2,000th farm underscores New Jersey’s continued role as a national leader in farmland preservation.”

The SADC preserved its first farms in 1985. 

To date, approximately 190,000 acres of farmland have been permanently preserved under the program in 18 counties.

Carneys Point, Salem County Farms Preserved

By Michael Williams


CARNEYS POINT TWP. — The South Jersey Land and Water Trust finalized the preservation of two farms here Monday, with the presentation of a $17,000 check to reimburse the township for costs associated with the project.

The 78.2-acre Yetneck Farm is located along North Pennsville-Auburn Road, with the 59.29-acre DiGregorio Farm located adjacent. Both are now officially preserved — which means they are protected from development and will remain as farmland in future generations — and have joined 28,000 acres worth of preserved land across Salem County.

“This preservation is important because it helps to keep working farms in this area,” said Christina Nolan, executive director for the SJLWT. “Its important to other surrounding farms, and helps to create a farming area.”

Nolan explained that farmland preservation works best with concentrated areas of preserved land. Preserving these two farms paves the way for more farms to seek preservation in the Carneys Point area, she said.

In 2005, the County Agricultural Development Area was expanded into Carneys Point, enabling farms within the expanded ADA to qualify for preservation funding.

In 2008, the SJLWT received a grant from the State Agricultural Development Committee to cover 50-percent of the costs to preserve the Yetneck and the DiGregorio farms. The Federal Farms and Ranchland Protection Program granted the other 50-percent.

Carneys Point Township stepped into the project to cover soft costs — such as appraisals, survey work, and title work — with funds set aside for preservation.

On Monday, the township was presented with a check to reimburse a portion of the invested funds.

“It’s important for us to keep Carneys Point a rural community,” said Committeeman Joseph Racite, who accepted the check on behalf of the township. “We had enough funds in place to cover the soft costs of the preservation, and now a portion of those funds have been returned back to us. It will go right back toward our funds for preserving farmland.”

SJLWT also worked with the New Jersey Conservation Foundation, State Agricultural Development Committee, and the Natural Resources Conservation Services to preserve the farms.

“We need to support and maintain our agricultural communities, as it is a strong component of Salem County and of Carneys Point,” said Janet Eisenhauer, project manager with Conservation Foundation. “It’s important to support farming in this locale, and the best way to do that is to support our farms.”

The owners of the newly preserved farms were excited to complete the project, and were happy to know their farms would pass from generation to generation.

“It’s something I’ve always wanted,” said Rosemary Yetneck, owner of the Yetneck farm with her husband Walter. 

“It’s so important for the farm to continue on,” she said. “This is great, it’s just great.”

Sam DiGregorio agreed, and said that he’d like to see farmland continue to remain available for the future of the township
“I’d like to see farmland continue to be here for future generations, and it’s a little part of our county’s history,” he said. “I’m really excited about it.”

Senate President Stephen Sweeney, and Assembly members John Burzichelli and Celeste Riley also praised the farms’ preservation in statement released Monday.

“This program has been vital in helping us maintain our reputation as the Garden State,” said assemblywoman Riley, who attended Monday’s presentation. “It’s great to see so many entities working together to boost the farming industry to benefit both the farming industry and local residents.”