|
163 Acres In Jackson To Be Preserved As Natural Lands
Site Promotes Environmental Integrity And Naval Base Boundary Protection
TOMS RIVER - Located along the northern boundary of Lakehurst Naval Air Engineering Station and recognized as an important critical habitat corridor, Ocean County is getting ready to preserve 163 acres on Route 571 in Jackson Township as part of its natural lands trust fund program.
The Ocean County Natural Lands Trust Fund Advisory Committee initially recommended the purchase from property owner, Jackson Land LLC, of Eatontown, earlier this year, with the county expected to split the cost of the property with the Pinelands Conservation Fund and the Department of the Navy. The county's contribution is expected to be approximately $1,060,000.
"This property has a number of key characteristics that make it a perfect fit for our natural lands program," said Ocean County Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari. "This purchase will be made through a partnership with the Department of the Navy and the Pinelands Conservation Fund."
The property is home to the endangered Pine Snake, and is located on the Ridgeway Branch of the Toms River, which is part of the Pinelands Commission Toms River Corridor Study.
Adjacent to the more than 12,000-acre Colliers Mills Wildlife Management Area, the property contains developable uplands along Route 571, a former cranberry bog, and other environmentally sensitive areas.
"Encroachment is a critical issue when it comes to our military bases," said Freeholder John P. Kelly, who serves on the Friends of Navy Lakehurst. "Certainly this purchase will help maintain the integrity of the base's boundary in addition to preserving an environmentally sensitive site."
The property also is adjacent to the Ocean County Vocational Technical School in Jackson Township, and is in close proximity to previously acquired property under the county Natural Lands Program.
A public hearing on the purchase is scheduled for this week at the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders' regularly scheduled meeting.
| 
