def #160 08/12/09
COUNTY PARTNERS WITH DOD IN LAND PRESERVATION
TOMS RIVER – Long concerned over encroachment issues affecting area military bases, Ocean County is poised to partner
with the Department of Defense in preserving more than 200 acres of open space in the area of the Joint Base – McGuire,
Fort Dix, Lakehurst.
“Two parcels of property on Long Swamp Road in Plumsted Township are being considered for open space preservation,”
said Freeholder Director John C. Bartlett Jr., who serves as liaison to the Ocean County Natural Lands Trust Fund
Advisory Committee. “Not only are the properties’ attributes consistent with the county’s open space program but it
will assist the military in its efforts to minimize any impact the base operations may have on area communities.”
The properties being considered are 121 acres along Long Swamp Road currently owned by Albert N. Vera, Tuckerton, and
a 99-acre parcel along Long Swamp Road owned by 53 Green Street LLC, New York. The properties purchase prices are
$280,000 and $700,000 respectively.
Both parcels are in close proximity to several farms already preserved under the Ocean County open space program.
“The purchase helps us to increase open space in Plumsted Township which already has acres and acres of preserved
farmland,” Bartlett said.
As part of the partnership with the DOD, the county expects 50 percent of the acquisition cost to be paid for by the
military.
“This partnership shows our commitment to the Joint Base and the military’s commitment to continue to work with Ocean
County,” said Freeholder John P. Kelly, who serves as Director of Law and Public Safety.
The properties are either directly on the Fort Dix military boundary or a short distance from it.
“The purchase helps to minimize future encroachments to base operations,” Kelly said.
Kelly noted Ocean County recently completed a Joint Land Use Study with the military bases and surrounding
municipalities and Burlington County.
“That study identified the preservation of certain lands as important to provide a buffer for the bases and these
properties are consistent with that recommendation,” Kelly said.
“The joint land use study provides us with a regional approach to land use as it affects the military bases and the
surrounding communities,” said Freeholder Gerry P. Little, who serves as liaison to the Ocean County Planning
Department. “The benefits of this study include looking at the needs of the military bases and the needs of the
surrounding communities and working together to merge those needs.”
Ocean County has partnered in the past with Navy Lakehurst in purchasing open space in an effort to ease encroachment
concerns.
“This will be our first partnership in purchasing lands bordering what will be the Joint Base,” Kelly said. “Ocean
County government has had a strong relationship with Navy Lakehurst and we have worked closely with the base to make
sure it remains viable for both homeland security and the economic benefits it provides to the region.
“Now that it is part of the joint base installation, with McGuire Air Force Base and Fort Dix, we want to continue
that relationship,” Kelly said.
