Warren County farm preserved

NJCF was the catalyst in a recent farmland preservation project in Washington Township, Warren County. The 153-acre Kayharts Lane farm had been under development pressure for nearly 10 years. The property had been approved for a 242-unit housing development, but construction was put on hold when the Township rejected a proposed sewage treatment plan.

Utilizing Township and Warren County farmland preservation funds, the farm was purchased from AJR Investments for $5 million. Simultaneously, the Township sold the farm's development rights to the State Agriculture Development Committee (SADC), which administers the New Jersey Farmland Preservation Program. The SADC agricultural easement will guarantee it remains a farm forever. The Township will sell the restricted property at auction to recoup acquisition costs.

This farm is strategically located across from a municipal park and adjacent to preserved land. The Brass Castle Creek runs through the property and the farm contains grassland bird habitat.