Total of 186.7 acres will be preserved
Somerset County and Franklin Township officials have jointly announced the acquisition of the Trap Rock Quarry property totaling 186.7 acres.
The Board of Freeholders and the Somerset County Improvement Authority have entered into a contract with the owners of the Trap Rock property for open-space preservation. The sellers are William H. Stavola Inc. and Trap Rock Industries Inc.
Franklin Township has agreed to contribute 10 percent of the $5.1-million purchase price to the county. Following acquisition, the property will remain in its natural state with possible future trails being the only development.
"This is our most significant open-space acquisition this year," said Freeholder Peter S. Palmer. "This property preserves not only acreage but also a haven for numerous animal species that call it home."
"Somerset County has once again partnered with Franklin Township to offer an additional opportunity for our residents to enjoy the natural beauty that is part of our town and our county," said Mayor Brian Levine. "Franklin Township has proactively worked to preserve over one-third of our municipality — in excess of 15 square miles. This is a win all around: the residents benefit, the wildlife benefits and the taxpayers benefit."
The property is bordered by county Route 518, Canal Road and Old Georgetown Road. The land is part of the South County Initiative, which currently consists of 95 acres. Referred to as the Millstone River Valley Initiative in the 2000 Parks Recreation and Open Space Master Plan Update, it is part of a long-term goal of 2,000 acres to be preserved in this area.
Preservation of this land will achieve a major goal of the Master Plan to preserve lands of countywide geological, botanic, cultural and historic significance. The Millstone River Valley presents an attractive assemblage of historic homes, farmscapes and the historic Delaware & Raritan Canal along Canal Road, which is designated as a Scenic Byway by America’s Byways.
The Trap Rock property is located within the Millstone River Watershed, which drains approximately 184,300 acres or 288 square miles. The watershed includes portions of Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth and Somerset counties. The topography of the property is rolling to hilly with areas of steep-sided rock formations as well as forested wetlands.
Because this area of Somerset County has been heavily impacted by suburban sprawl, preservation of the property is critical in order to maintain a habitat for animal species. The Carolina chickadee, Eastern box turtle and Cooper’s hawk are some of the species found in forested wetlands within this area.
This portion of Franklin Township has been identified as having one of the largest contiguous land areas remaining in the 46-square-mile township.