$1.96M In Open Space Grants Approved In Morris Co.

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — Six projects, totaling 164 acres, have been approved to split $1.96 million in open space preservation grants, after recommendations made by the Morris County’s Open Space Trust Fund Committee were approved by the Board of Freeholders.

The six projects range from recreational fields to important ecological areas. The smallest project is 5.43 acres, and the largest is 78 acres. All the recommended projects were approved at the Nov. 25 meeting of the Board of Freeholders in Morristown. They traditionally accept all recommendations.

Funds for the project come from a voter-approved preservation fund, which is also used for farmland and historic preservation, county parkland acquisition, trail construction, and the purchase of residential properties prone to flooding.

"We would like to thank the Freeholders and the voters of Morris County for their
continued support," Jay Thomson, chair of the Trust Fund Committee, said. "All of the projects have enabled residents of our county to enjoy a higher quality of life by having many opportunities to enjoy open spaces close to where they live."

"As we celebrate 25 years of the county’s Open Space Trust Fund, this Freeholder Board and boards who have preceded us recognize that the deliberate and thoughtful preservation of open space throughout the County is part of what makes Morris County a great place to live, work, play and raise a family," said Freeholder Stephen Shaw.

The six properties approved for grants are:

1. Black River Fields

• Applicant – Chester Township
• 45 acres
• Recommended Award - $416,250
• Description - This property is located off North Road, across from Telcordia Park, next to the Black River Middle School and Chester Area Pool. The property serves as a regional recreational facility that is used by residents and recreational clubs of both Chester and Mendham.
• Chester Township has leased the property for more than two decades to utilize the lands for active recreation and has made significant investments in the park fields and parking areas. Acquisition would ensure the popular facility is protected.

2. AMCHU Associates Property

• Applicant – Township of Denville
• 5.43 acres
• Recommended Award - $159,000
• Description - This wooded property is located west of Diamond Spring Road, south of Muriel Hepner Park. The acquisition complements preserved county and municipal properties in the region that have expanded the park over the past decade. The Township plans passive recreation for the property, with the expansion of trails connecting to the adjacent park.

3. Treadwell – Russia Brook Headwaters

• Applicant – Trust for Public Land
• Located in Jefferson Township
• 78 acres
• Recommended Award - $400,000
• Description - These forested properties contain steep, rocky slopes and are surrounded by Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, the largest park of the Morris County Park Commission. The tract contains the headwaters of Russia Brook, which drains to the Rockaway River. The area provides potential habitat for numerous species of concern and has a high ecological integrity. Preservation would expand the parkland and protect water quality. The property will be owned and managed by the Park Commission upon acquisition and allow the expansion of trails.

4. ValleVue Farm Preserve Acquisition – Phase 2

• Applicant – Morris Township
• 7.94 acres
• Recommended Award - $684,900
• Description - This is phase two of the plan to acquire ValleVue Farm. The property will be used for passive recreation with connector trails and scenic viewpoints. The trails will connect to the existing trail network constructed under phase one, which leads to other Morris Township-owned properties, including a thriving community garden, and to Lewis Morris County Park further to the west. The acquisition would protect the integrity of the historic and environmentally sensitive Washington Valley region.

5. Turkey Brook Extension

• Applicant – Mount Olive Township
• 17.24 acres
• Recommended Award - $275,000
• Description – This wooded property is located along Flanders-Drakestown Road at the southern boundary of Turkey Brook Park. Turkey Brook Park was funded 25 years ago during the first funding round of the county’s open space program, and the that program has helped fund adjacent parcels to expand the park over the years. Mount Olive now seeks to expand it to its fullest extent possible with the acquisition of this tract. The township plans passive recreation and the possible addition of a trailhead for the property.

6. Veterans Park Addition

• Applicant – Roxbury Township
• 10.5 acres
• Recommended Award - $28,000
• Description - Located off Emmans Road near the Mount Olive border, this upland forest is adjacent to Veterans Memorial Park. The wooded property is key to connecting two of Roxbury’s open space tracts via a trail system. The terrain and proximity to existing trails in Veterans Park will enable a trail connection from the park to Emmans Greenway located to the south.