Contact:

SANDY PERRY, COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
PHONE: 908-234-1225, EXT. 104
SANDY@NJCONSERVATION.ORG

182 acres in Delaware Township preserved

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DELAWARE TWP., NJ – One of the most spectacular views in Hunterdon County has been permanently protected, thanks to a public-private partnership that purchased 182 acres in Delaware Township.

New Jersey Conservation Foundation, working with state, county and local officials, has helped acquire land along both sides of Route 519 for $3.9 million. The property, just north of quaint Rosemont village, contains a mix of forest, fields and streams, and is surrounded by more than a thousand acres of preserved farmland and woods.

“This is a piece that NJCF has been looking at for more than 10 years, due to its significant water resources, critical location and stunning views,” said Alix Bacon, regional manager for New Jersey Conservation Foundation. “I’m so glad we were able to save it. All of our partners were a pleasure to work with.”

The property was bought from W. Bryce Thompson of East Amwell, one of the state’s most prominent real estate investors, who has sold about 2,700 acres for conservation during nearly a half-century in business. Thompson said he likes to be able to keep land “green,” and is pleased that this particular property will be conserved. “It’s a very pretty piece,” he noted. “It’s got woods and fields and streams, a nice combination.”

Four partners combined their financial resources to make the Thompson purchase possible. New Jersey Conservation Foundation, a private non-profit organization, contributed $400,000 from a Hunterdon County grant and $100,000 from private donations. Hunterdon County made a direct contribution of $1.432 million and Delaware Township added $963,000 from a state Green Acres grant. The New Jersey Water Supply Authority contributed $1.035 million, using the dedicated portion of its Source Water Protection Fund – provided through rates charged to downstream users and financed by the New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Trust.

“The preservation of this property is important to protect drinking water,” said Henry Patterson, executive director of the New Jersey Water Supply Authority. The property straddles the Wickecheoke and Lockatong creek watersheds, containing a tributary of each creek. Patterson noted that the Wickecheoke and Lockatong both flow into the Delaware & Raritan Canal, a water supply source for more than 1.5 million Central Jersey residents.

"The Department of Environmental Protection is pleased to be a funding partner in the collaborative effort to preserve this property," said Green Acres Program Administrator John Flynn. "With its abundant wildlife and unspoiled grasslands, this newly protected land is an ideal setting for those who enjoy the serenity of the outdoors."

“The purchase of this property is significant because it signaled a new beginning in the way the County of Hunterdon views the purchase of open space and a closer working relationship with land stewardship organizations,” said Hunterdon County Freeholder Ron Sworen. “We are now actively partnering with outside groups to purchase contiguous tracts of land. Working together, we are able to preserve larger amounts of open space.”

“We’re very happy to have been able to cost-share on this great acquisition and new addition to our open space,” added Delaware Township Mayor Susan Lockwood.

The property could eventually become an extension of the nearby Wescott Nature Preserve off Raven Rock-Rosemont Road. Hunterdon County’s first park, the 80-acre Wescott Preserve is bisected by the Lockatong Creek and offers hiking trails, fishing and nature observation. It was recently expanded with the additions of the Zega, Henderson and Peters properties.

“This is a great addition to our Westcott Preserve,” noted Sworen. “I look forward to continued successful partnerships.”

New Jersey Conservation Foundation preserves land and natural resources throughout New Jersey for the benefit of all. Many of its properties are open to the public for hiking, bicycling, nature observation, fishing and other activities. For more information on New Jersey Conservation Foundation and its properties and programs, visit www.njconservation.org or call 1-888-LANDSAVE.