In the early 1990’s, the Passaic River Coalition (PRC) Board of Trustees established a Land Trust, and began acquiring land that contributed to the better management of the water resources in the Passaic River Watershed, protected endangered species, and preserved historic sites. Our first purchase was a 3.5 acres site in Rockaway Township by the Hibernia Bat Cave, which was the second largest hibernaculum on the East Coast. Since our establishment of the PRC’s Land Trust, we have acquired over 1,020 acres. Most of our properties were made possible by a 50 percent contribution from the Green Acres Program.
While we value each and every property we acquire, perhaps the most important was the purchase of historic Willow Hall in Morristown. This magnificent property had been under contract for the development of condominiums along Speedwell Lake. After local citizens opposed the development in Superior Court and won, the PRC made an offer and was able to purchase the entire property and dedicate it as an historic site and open space in perpetuity. Many people have told us how pleased they are that we were able to save Willow Hall in its historic setting. This acquisition could not have been made without the support of the New Jersey Green Acres Program and the Morris County Historic Trust and Open Space and Recreation Trust.
This November Ballot Question #1 asks the citizens of New Jersey to renew this valuable program. The preservation of open space, deed restricted, establishes a legacy for the future that will increase in both economic and ecological value. We will find a way to have a sustainable source to finance this program, but now is not the time to stop funding Green Acres. Vote “YES” on Ballot Question #1 --- it’s your future too!
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