Morris County Proposes $1.8 Million for 2024 Open Space Projects

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ - The Morris County Open Space Trust Fund Committee has recommended that the Board of County Commissioners approve $1.8 million to acquire and protect a total of 65.2 acres in new Open Space projects for 2024. During a public work session held last night in Morristown, the committee outlined three key property acquisitions, with funding to be sourced from the voter-backed Morris County Open Space and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund. A formal vote on the proposed acquisitions is expected later this year.

The properties proposed for preservation are located in Denville, Mendham Township, and Madison Borough, ranging in size from 3.5 acres to 51 acres. Each site offers unique environmental benefits, including water resource protection, ecological habitat preservation, and educational uses.

"Supporting programs like this is a vital part of our role as the Morris County Board of Commissioners. With strong public backing, each year we carefully review how to best utilize our open space funding, whether it's preserving natural areas, restoring historic sites or expanding our trail systems to ensure Morris County remains a place where people love to live, work, and play," said Commissioner Deputy Director Stephen Shaw, the Board's liaison to the Morris County Office of Planning and Preservation.

"Since 1994, we've preserved more than 18,300 acres of open space, which is an area larger than the Township of Parsippany, reflecting our commitment to protecting and enhancing the quality of life for all residents," Shaw continued.

Project Details and Grant Recommendations

Jonathan's Woods Extension (Whitney Property), Denville Township

Grant Recommendation: $265,000

Size: 3.5 acres

Applicant: Protect Our Wetlands, Waters, Woods

The Whitney Property is adjacent to the existing 430-acre Jonathan's Woods, a conservation area established through municipal, state, and county funding since 2000. This site represents one of the last sizeable parcels within Jonathan's Woods and will contribute to ongoing efforts to protect this natural area for both conservation and passive recreation.

Schiff Preserve Addition (Civille Property), Mendham Township

Grant Recommendation: $447,234

Size: 11 acres

Applicant: Raritan Headwaters Association

Located at the Somerset County border, the Schiff Preserve Addition includes land along the North Branch of the Raritan River. This acquisition would safeguard Category One waters and steep slopes through a conservation easement and, once completed, will be managed by the Schiff Natural Lands Trust. The land will be preserved for conservation and passive recreation.

Drew Forest Project, Madison Borough

Grant Recommendation: $1,087,766

Size: 51 acres

Applicant: Madison Borough

The Drew Forest is essential to the Buried Valley Aquifer, supplying water to 31 towns across three counties, and is also home to steep slopes and the endangered Indiana Bat. Portions of the forest, including Zuck Arboretum and Hepburn Woods, serve as outdoor classrooms for Drew University students. This proposal follows a $5 million grant allocated to the project in 2023, reflecting Morris County's commitment to preserving this critical ecological and educational asset.

"Each year, we carefully review applications and visit the properties to decide whether to recommend a trust fund grant to the Commissioner Board," said Jay Thomson, chair of the 15-member Morris County Open Space Trust Fund Committee who presented the recommendations to the Commissioners.

Funding Source and Broader Preservation Goals

Funds for the proposed projects come from the Morris County Open Space and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund, established through a dedicated county tax. Beyond open space, the fund supports farmland preservation, parkland acquisition, historic preservation, trail development, and flood-prone property acquisition. Through this initiative, the county aims to conserve natural resources, enhance recreational spaces, and safeguard critical environmental areas.

If approved, these acquisitions will reinforce Morris County's commitment to sustainable land management, providing residents and future generations with preserved natural spaces and environmental resources.

Jonathan's Woods Extension on the Whitney Property, located in Denville Township The Schiff Preserve Addition, known as Civille, located in Mendham Township The Drew Forest Project, located in and applied for by Madison Borough,