Farmers’ proposals sought for public land

West Amwell offers plan for Rocktown-Lambertville Road acreage

By Linda Seida
   WEST AMWELL — The township is inviting local farmers to take advantage of a new plan for public land on Rocktown-Lambertville Road.
   The Land Use Committee has recommended farming approximately 30 acres. For nearby areas, the committee also has proposed a public trail system for walking only, a native grassland habitat and possibly a land bank for future use by local public schools.
   Anyone interested in leasing one of the plots designated for agriculture should submit a proposal that includes their bid for how much they would be willing to pay per year.
   Bidders also should be willing to perform “in kind” services for township-owned land. They should state in their proposals the types of services they would be willing to perform. These could include volunteering to mow or bale the proposed grassland habitat, seeding natural grasses there, possibly seeding one of the other plots with wildflowers and field maintenance.
   According to the committee, in kind services may vary depending on the final determined usage of some of the land, which should be known by the end of the year.
   The lease would be for five years, beginning in May.
   Proposals must be submitted by Oct. 15.
   Farmers must be insured. They also must use the best management practices established by the New Jersey Department of Agriculture.
   Preference will be given to those who employ minimal use of pesticides and chemicals.
   The Land Use Committee will make recommendations on the bids to the Township Committee, which will make the final decision.
   The initial outreach effort is extended to West Amwell residents who are already farmland assessed. The township mailed a letter to them last week explaining the land use plan and asking for proposals.
   Despite the early outreach to those who are farmland assessed, any resident may submit a proposal, according to the committee.
   Additional information may be obtained from the township clerk, Lora Olsen, at 397-2054.
   A map of available parcels is available at the clerk’s office.