Morris Leader

Morris County's Open Space Trust Fund Committee has recommended the allocation of $1.8 million for the acquisition and preservation of 65.2 acres in Denville, Madison Borough, and Mendham Township as part of the 2024 Open Space projects. The recommendation was made during a public work session held in Morristown.

Commissioner Deputy Director Stephen Shaw emphasized the importance of such programs, stating, "Supporting programs like this is a vital part of our role as the Morris County Board of Commissioners." He highlighted the county's commitment to preserving natural areas and enhancing residents' quality of life by stating that since 1994, over 18,300 acres have been preserved.

The formal decision on these recommendations will be made later this year by the Board of County Commissioners. Jay Thomson, chair of the Morris County Open Space Trust Fund Committee, explained their process: “Each year, we carefully review applications and visit the properties to decide whether to recommend a trust fund grant to the Commissioner Board.”

Funding for these projects comes from a voter-approved tax dedicated to the Morris County Open Space and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund. This fund also supports farmland preservation, parkland acquisition, historic preservation, trail construction, and purchasing flood-prone residential properties.

The proposed projects include Jonathan’s Woods Extension in Denville Township with a $265,000 grant for 3.5 acres; Schiff Preserve Addition in Mendham Township with an $447,234 grant for 11 acres; and Drew Forest Project in Madison Borough with an $1,087,766 grant for 51 acres.

Jonathan’s Woods Extension is adjacent to existing conservation land acquired through various funding sources since 2000. The Schiff Preserve Addition features significant ecological attributes along its boundary with Somerset County. Drew Forest Project serves as an aquifer recharge area critical to multiple towns and includes educational resources used by Drew University students.