COUNTY TO PRESERVE ADDITIONAL LAND IN BARNEGAT AND WARETOWN
TOMS RIVER - Ocean County is getting ready to make one of its largest open space acquisitions since voters approved
the Ocean County Natural Lands Trust Fund program in 1997.
"This piece of property, approximately 877 acres in Waretown, will be our single, largest land preservation effort,"
said Ocean County Freeholder John C. Bartlett Jr., who serves as liaison to the Ocean County Natural Lands Trust Fund
program. "This will result in almost 3,000 acres being preserved by the county along Route 532 in Ocean Township."
The property has long been considered by environmental agencies, the county and state as a prime candidate for an
open space acquisition.
"This is a great acquisition and I am glad we are able to do this," Bartlett said.
The 877 acres is adjacent to Ocean County’s Wells Mills Park which boasts more than 900 acres of Pinelands and is the
largest park in the county’s extensive park system.
In addition, the property is located across from 935 acres, preserved by Ocean County during two separate
acquisitions in recent years.
"This portion of Ocean County will remain parkland and open space into perpetuity," said Freeholder Director Joseph H.
Vicari. "Truly this program makes a difference in the quality of life for all Ocean County residents."
The Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders will hold a public hearing on the purchase during its regular board meeting
at 4 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 16 in Room 119 of the Ocean County Administration Building, here.
The 877 acres, which is owned by Barry Horner of Waretown, includes miles of stream tributaries of the Oyster Creek and
Waretown Creek.
The county is expected to purchase the site for $8.1 million. It also has secured a commitment of $1 million from the
Pinelands Conservation Resource Fund toward the acquisition and will use $800,000 in state Planning Incentive Grants. In
addition, the county expects to receive another grant from the state Green Acres fund but the actual grant award will not
be known until the spring.
"Ocean County truly benefits from the purchase of open space and from the partnerships we have developed that assist in
these acquisitions," Bartlett said.
In addition, the county plans to purchase seven acres in Barnegat Township adjacent to previously acquired natural
lands property and the 40-acre park site off of Barnegat Boulevard.The property also is adjacent to property owned by
Barnegat Township and is in close proximity to the county’s linear park currently under construction.
"This property contains a segment of the Lochiel Creek and a walking trail which links to the county and municipal
properties," Bartlett said. "These seven acres are in a key location and it makes sense to purchase them for open space."
The property is owned by James Talamas of Florida. The purchase price is $70,000.
A public hearing on this purchase also will be held during the Board’s Jan. 16 meeting.
To date, Ocean County has preserved more than 7,300 acres of open space throughout the county under its Natural Lands
Program.
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