By Gene Robbins, Managing Editor
The township is proposing to spend $500,000 out of its open space trust fund to contribute to the purchase of 78 acres fronting on about 1,000 feet of Wertsville Road.
The township would join Somerset County in buying the land, which would be added to the Sourland Mountain Preserve, for $1.35 million, or about $17,154 per acre. The tract is owned by John Higgins and lies near the East Amwell Township border.
Consideration and a public hearing on the funding ordinance will take place at the Sept. 8 meeting of the Township Committee.
Somerset County planner Tom Boccino said the balance of the money will come from county open space funds. Somerset’s holdings in the Sourland Preserve total about 5,500 acres in Hillsborough and Montgomery townships.
He said the land is almost completely wooded and the intent was for the site to remain in its natural state.
The Sourlands is one of the largest contiguous forested areas in New Jersey and thus is a key wildlife and bird habitat, Mr. Boccino said. Its aquifer needs protection of the shallow, rocky soils.
N.J. Conservation Foundation secured the option on the site and assigned it to the county, he said. The foundation will also assist in management of the property.
