For Immediate Release
Contact: Jeff Tittel, NJ Sierra Club, 609-558-9100
Ocean County acquired nearly 8,000 acres of open space in Lacey and Waretown, the county's largest open-space purchase since it began the program in 1997, officials announced Friday. The 7,923-acre purchase cost $15,450,000, which is covered by revenues from the county's open-space tax.
“This is big victory for open space. Ocean County’s land acquisition purchase is the largest New Jersey has seen in a decade. Reserving almost 8,000 acres of land in Forked River is important because this site is a critical area. It is an important buffer and environmental connector between coastal areas and the Pinelands. This purchase will help protect important streams that provide habitat for threatened and endangered species,” said Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club. “Ocean County’s acquisition is a victory for open space, preservation and the environment.”
Along with the mountains, the land also features clears streams such as headwaters of the Oswego River, the Factory Branch, the North, Middle and South branches of the Forked River, Oyster Creek, Cave Cabin Branch, Long Branch, Dennis Branch and Cold Branch. There are also miles of pine oak and pitch pine lowland forests.
“Forked River is a unique 12 square mile wilderness area right next to Double Trouble State Park. It is covered with rare species like fish pine and other threatened and endangered species. This area also includes Cedar Creek which is a C1 stream and watershed. I used to hike here as a kid with my family. People don’t realize that there are mountains down the shore, but there are, about 187 feet tall,” said Tittel.
The Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders approved the purchase Sept. 19 at the recommendation of the Ocean County Natural Lands Trust Fund Committee. The property includes frontage on both sides of Lacey Road and has access from old sand roads in Lacey and Ocean townships.
“Many people have been fighting for over 40 years to make sure Forked River is conserved now and for future generations. We thank the county for taking steps to ensure this beautiful place is finally protected. More importantly, this purchase will help stop the sprawl in Ocean County. This area was owned by a developer a now it can finally be preserved,” said Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club.