The Monmouth County Board of Freeholders will add two small parcels of land to the county’s open space inventory.
During a meeting on Feb. 13, the freeholders authorized the acquisition of land in Howell and in Freehold Township. Together, the two parcels to be acquired total 6.5 acres.
First, the freeholders authorized the acquisition of a 1.5-acre parcel on Yellowbrook Road, Howell, known as the Gombosi tract, for an addition to the county’s Yellowbrook Tract. A formal offer of $240,000 has been accepted, according to the freeholders.
According to the Monmouth County Park System website, the Yellowbrook Tract was established in 2000 with an initial purchase of 225 acres. The undeveloped property is wetland, woodland and wildlife habitat with potential for trail development.
Second, the freeholders authorized the acquisition of a 5-acre parcel on Bergerville Road, Freehold Township, known as the Mackin property, for an addition to the county’s Manasquan River Greenway. A formal offer of $387,500 has been accepted, according to the freeholders.
According to the Monmouth County Park System website, more than 480 acres along the Manasquan River have been acquired by the park system and are now protected in their natural state. The preserved open space provides river access for fishermen and boaters with canoes and other small water craft.
Navigating sections of the river may be challenging and/or require numerous portages due to natural obstructions and fluctuating water levels, according to the website.
For more information about the Manasquan River Greenway, visit https://www.monmouthcountyparks.com/page.aspx?Id=2532
The funds for both purchases will come from the Monmouth County Open Space, Recreation, Floodplain Protection, Farmlands and Historic Preservation Trust Fund, according to resolutions passed by Freeholder Director Tom Arnone, Freeholder Susan Kiley, Freeholder Patrick Impreveduto and Freeholder Lillian Burry.
Freeholder Dominick DiRocco was absent from the meeting.
The Monmouth County Board of Recreation Commissioners recommended that the freeholders purchase the parcels in Howell and in Freehold Township.