URGENT UPDATE: The Morris County Open Space Trust Fund Committee has just announced a bold initiative to secure nearly $7 million in grants aimed at preserving over 192 acres across three towns in New Jersey. This critical funding proposal was presented to the Board of County Commissioners during a public meeting in Morristown last week, with a decisive vote expected before the end of the year.
The recommended funding of $6.95 million will focus on vital land preservation projects in Denville, Mendham Township, and Rockaway Township. The effort underscores a significant commitment to maintaining green spaces amid increasing development pressures.
In Denville, the largest allocation of $5.7 million is earmarked for preserving 57.29 acres of historic land, including the iconic St. Francis and Pocono Field properties. Dating back to 1895, this site was previously home to a senior living facility and recreational fields. After developers abandoned plans for a new complex, Denville officials are now pivoting to transform the northern parcel into a community park while preserving the Pocono Fields for recreational use.
In Rockaway Township, the Land Conservancy of New Jersey is set to receive $1.04 million to protect the Wildcat Ridge Preserve, a crucial area featuring deciduous forests and a two-acre pond. This site is strategically surrounded by state-owned open space and provides vital habitats for local wildlife, further enhancing the ecological integrity of the region.
Meanwhile, Mendham Township would receive $214,000 to safeguard 11.72 acres along Tingley Road, within the historic Washington Valley District. This property, adjacent to the Whippany River, is crucial for preserving water quality and offers access to Patriot’s Path via a spur trail. It features rich woodlands, wetlands, and meadows, contributing to the area’s biodiversity.
Deputy Director Stephen Shaw, who serves as the board’s liaison to the Morris County Office of Planning and Preservation, stated, “Nearly every municipality in Morris County has benefited from this program since its inception… we’ve preserved more than 14,750 acres through the municipal and non-profit grant program, and over 18,300 acres through the county’s entire open space program.”
The Morris County Open Space and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund, established by voter approval and backed by a special county tax, finances these grants. This fund not only supports land preservation but also facilitates farmland conservation, county parkland acquisition, historic preservation, trail construction, and the purchase of flood-prone residential properties.
As the Board of County Commissioners prepares for their vote, the urgency for these grants reflects a growing recognition of the need to protect valuable natural resources and community spaces. Residents and stakeholders in the area are encouraged to stay informed about this developing story as the final decision approaches.
This initiative not only highlights the importance of preserving green spaces in Morris County but also sets a precedent for similar efforts across the state and beyond. What happens next could shape the future of these communities for generations to come.
