Christine Myers Commissioner Director | Official Website
Christine Myers Commissioner Director | Official Website
The Morris County Board of County Commissioners has approved $1.8 million in funding to preserve over 65 acres across three municipalities as part of the 2024 Open Space Program. The projects, which were recommended by the Morris County Open Space Trust Fund Committee, are located in Denville, Madison Borough, and Mendham Township. They range in size from 3.5 acres to 51 acres.
"We are proud to approve these projects for funding, as they protect critical habitats, expand recreational opportunities, and ensure the long-term health of our environment,” said Commissioner Deputy Director Stephen Shaw, who serves as 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.”
The approved projects include Jonathan’s Woods Extension – Whitney Property, Schiff Preserve Addition – Civille Property, and Drew Forest Project.
Funding for these open space acquisitions and preservation efforts comes from the voter-approved Morris County Open Space and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund. This fund is generated by a special county tax and is also used for farmland and historic preservation, county parkland acquisition, trail construction, and purchasing residential properties prone to flooding.
Since its inception in 1994, the Morris County Open Space Program has preserved a total of 18,306 acres using more than $300 million in grant funding. This is in addition to lands preserved through other Preservation Trust Fund Programs such as Farmland Preservation, Historic Preservation, Flood Mitigation, and Trails Construction.
According to recent data from the Morris County Planning Board's updated master plan released in September 2024, nearly 94,600 acres of open space are owned by county, municipal, federal state entities or nonprofits. This accounts for approximately 30.7% of Morris County's total area.
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