Frelinghuysen Township Open Space and Recreation Plan February

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1 Characterized as the envirns f centers fr cmmunity grwth, the plicy bjectives fr the rural and envirnmentally sensitive planning areas such as Frelinghuysen Twnship prmte the establishment f greenbelts and buffers in rder t prtect natural resurces and envirnmentally sensitive features. The gals prpsed in the Frelinghuysen Open Space and Recreatin Plan are cnsistent with the fllwing gals put frth in the 2005 Warren Cunty Strategic Grwth Plan, as listed belw: (Pg. 8-9) Preserve and enhance rural character as well as agricultural, natural, envirnmental, histric and pen space resurces and prvide resurces t achieve this gal. Prtect and enhance water quality and quantity. Increase educatinal and cultural pprtunities. Prmte inter-municipal, cunty and state cperatin. An imprtant nte t cnsider when Frelinghuysen applies fr cunty funds t assist in land preservatin is that in develping the 2005 Warren Cunty Strategic Grwth Plan, a public survey was undertaken. Ninety percent f survey respndents frm Frelinghuysen indicated that areas such as farmland, waterways, muntainsides and ridgelines histric sites and rural rads shuld be ff-limits t develpment. (Pg. 67) As further discussed in the 2005 Frelinghuysen Twnship Master Plan Re-examinatin Reprt, the planning philsphy driving land use decisins has been t endeavr t keep Frelinghuysen a lw-density, single-family bedrm cmmunity with strng agricultural and histric cmpnent. It suggests a cnservatin design apprach t develpment apprvals that wuld result in a cumulative increase in pen space and be mre cnsistent with the plicy bjectives f farmland preservatin, envirnmental prtectin and rural heritage cnservatin in Frelinghuysen Twnship. (Pg. 18) It s imprtant t nte that the Re-examinatin Reprt recgnizes the tremendus effrts made s far and applies the fllwing bjectives relative t gal #6: maintaining a balanced Open Space Prgram : Supprt prtectin f current pen space resurces and additinal resurces where apprpriate; Supprt the retentin and cntinued viability f farm and frest activities and resurces; and Prvide fr recreatin and cultural facilities, prviding a variety f prgrams t meet the level f cmmunity interest. (Pg. 14) Accrding t Frelinghuysen s 1996 Master Plan Open Space Element, the Twnship was advised t encurage develpers t prpse prjects that are cgnizant f the fllwing gals fr land use planning in Frelinghuysen Twnship: safeguarding envirnmentally sensitive land; linking cntiguus pen space where pssible; maintaining scenic vistas; restring histric Jhnsnburg with the gal f prviding a cmmunity center; plus, expanding farmland preservatin effrts and recreatin pprtunities. The gals put frth during the prcess f 26

2 cmpiling this Open Space and Recreatin Plan, clsely mirrr the bjectives enumerated almst a decade ag. PRESERVATION EFFORTS Municipal Open Space and Farmland Preservatin Trust Fund In 2005, 66% f vters in Frelinghuysen Twnship apprved a referendum t amend their farmland trust fund t create a cmbined Open Space and Farmland Preservatin Trust Fund. This level f apprval reflects the cntinued public supprt fr pen space preservatin since 1999 when 66% f vters apprved establishment f the riginal farmland preservatin trust fund at ne-cent ($.01) per hundred dllars in assessed prperty value. Shrtly afterward, in 2003, the Twnship increased cllectin t tw cents. Apprximately $53,000 is cllected fr the Fund annually and as f April, 2005, it had in reserve $118,000. Remving the exclusivity f the enabling legislatin frm farmland will expand its utility fr preserving pen space f all kinds, as well as recreatin develpment. (See Appendix Tax Revenue Data and Farmland Preservatin Trust Ordinance) In 2005, the Twnship als adpted a Farmland Preservatin Plan as an element t the Master Plan and has an active Farmland Preservatin Cmmissin and Right-t-Farm rdinance. Preserved Farmland Thank gdness ur freehlders have been very strng in trying t help and prtect the farmers. We re ging t keep the drs wide pen t anyne wh wants t get their farm in, we re frtunate t be in gd financial shape t d that. (Bb Resker, Warren Cunty Land Preservatin Department- quted in The Express-Times, Open space effrt lauded ; ) Frelinghuysen Twnship has preserved 1,514 acres f farmland; in additin, apprximately 36 acres f farmland are currently enrlled in 8-year preservatin prgrams. (See Appendix Prperty Tax Lists fr mre detail) This represents 14% f all farm assessed prperty in Frelinghuysen and 10% f the Twnship s ttal land base. Thus, rughly 10% f all land in the Twnship has been saved frm the threat f develpment by farmland preservatin prgrams and remains in private agricultural and/r frest stewardship. The fllwing listing represents the 13 farm tracts that are preserved. Preserved Farmland Blck Lt Owner Class Acreage COMM OF THE SISTERS OF ST DOMINIC 3B/15D COMM OF THE SISTERS OF ST DOMINIC 3B JACOB & KAREN WESTBROOK 3B JEAN SMOLHA 3B JEAN SMOLHA 3A/3B JEAN SMOLHA 3A/3B JEAN SMOLHA 3B JOSEPH P & SON INC YOUNG 3B

3 MICHAEL & ALEXANDER STAUFENBERGER 3A/3B NEIL & DOLORES PARROTT 3A/3B SAMUEL & CHAN MOORE 3B SAMUEL & CHAN MOORE 3A/3B SIMONETTI JAMES J / CORLESS KELLY 3A/3B STEPHEN L GURBA REVOCABLE TRUST 3B STEPHEN L GURBA REVOCABLE TRUST 3B STEPHEN L GURBA REVOCABLE TRUST 3B STEPHEN L GURBA REVOCABLE TRUST 3B STEPHEN L REVOCABLE TRUST GURBA 3A/3B STEPHEN L/TRUSTEE GURBA 3B STEPHEN L/TRUSTEE GURBA 3A/3B THE NATURE CONSERVANCY 15F THE NATURE CONSERVANCY 15F THOMAS C BENNETT 3A/3B WILLIAM I & MARGARET SILVERSIDES 3B WILLIAM P & DENA VAN GROUW 3A/3B WILLIAM P & DENA VAN GROUW 3A/3B WILLIAM P & DENA VAN GROUW 3B 2.94 Ttal: Farms in 8 year Preservatin Prgram Blck Lt Owner Class Acreage GEORGE & LISA KUHN 3A LISA KUHN 3B DAVID E SIZE 3A DAVID E SIZE 3B 0.11 Ttal: Prperty wned by the Cmmunity f the Sisters f Saint Dminic cmprise abut 140 acres ff Silver Lake Rad and pssess ne f the mst cveted views nrthwestward tward the Delaware Water Gap. Genesis Farm is a learning center fr earth studies and a cmmunity supprted bidynamic garden. Started in 1980 by the Dminican Sisters f Caldwell, New Jersey, Genesis Farm is trying t make small-scale farming prductive and highlight the beneficial value f rganic, sustainable agriculture. Knwn and respected wrldwide, this facility perates the Eclgical Learning Center fr many educatinal prgrams and wrkshps. A spin-ff f their wrk has evlved int the Fdshed Alliance f the Ridge & Valley that wrks t help farmers in Warren and Sussex cunties develp and maintain sustainable farms. Preserved Parkland Nearly 1,400 acres, r nine percent f Frelinghuysen Twnship s land base, may be classified as permanently preserved parkland wned by the N.J. Department f Envirnmental Prtectin, The Nature Cnservancy and the Ridge and Valley Cnservancy. The N.J. DEP 28

4 wns almst half f the preserved parkland designated in Frelinghuysen. This includes Jenny Jump State Frest, the Paulinskill Valley Trail and almst 70 acres ff Rute 612 (Allamuchy Rad). Jenny Jump State Frest ccupies upland suth f the Rute 80 crridr alng the sutheast brder with Independence Twnship. Extending acrss municipal bundaries, it cmprises a ttal 4,244 acres with 57% f the prperty pen fr permitted hunting f small game species (N.J. DEP hunting pamphlet; ). In 1992, The N.J. DEP purchased the frmer New Yrk Susquehanna & Western railrad easement alng the Paulins Kill t create the Paulinskill Valley Trail, a premier trail system that stretches frm Clumbia t Sparta. It prvides a level curse fr hikers and equestrians. Fishermen have enjyed easy access t the river and this crridr traverses a very rural landscape, allwing free passage fr wildlife and humans alike. Maintained by the N.J. Divisin f Parks and Frestry, it is designated fr passive recreatin nly and hunting is prhibited. Additinal land was purchased by the State n the suth side f the Paulins Kill Trail, midway acrss frm Silver Lake and Kerrs Crner rads. Wildlife Preserves, Inc., a private nnprfit land cnservatin rganizatin, wns 143 acres ff Old Stage Rad, a cuntry lane serving the Natyzak Farm ff Rute 661 (Ramsey Rad). This rganizatin has lng held land acrss New Jersey that is pen t the public fr passive recreatinal use, envirnmental educatin and wildlife preservatin. Lcated adjacent t land wned by The Nature Cnservancy, the Wildlife Preserves, Inc., tract in Frelinghuysen cntributes t the Jhnsnburg Swamp Preserve and features Mud Pnd which is characterized by limestne sinkhles, caves and natural springs. Hiking trails are established thrughut this prperty. Hunting and fishing as well as ptentially adverse activities is prhibited. Camping is smetimes allwed. (See Appendix Wildlife Preserves, Inc statement) A prtin f the 3-acre Twn Hall prperty in Jhnsnburg was used t create Rydell Park, cmprising recreatin fields and a jungle gym. On Nvember 22 nd, the Warren Cunty Bard f Chsen Freehlders apprved additinal funding fr land acquisitin f adjacent prperty. The Twnship is cnsidering pssible cndemnatin f the prperty in rder t build a larger recreatin cmplex with pssibly a cmmunity center. Histric Preservatin Measures In 1992, the village f Jhnsnburg was designated a histric district n the State and Natinal Registers f Histric Places. By this mve, Frelinghuysen tk a step frward in trying t preserve histric treasures and a cultural identity. The 1991 Warren Cunty Cultural Resurces Survey indicates Jhnsnburg is ne f the mst well preserved early 19 th Century twns in Warren Cunty. (Pgs. III-3-7, II-13) The Frelinghuysen Histrical Sciety, althugh presently in need f mre members, has lng been active and is always ready t share infrmatin and references abut the Twnship s rich cultural histry. Frelinghuysen celebrated the American Bicentennial, with an event tw years early in 1974, that highlighted the Twnship s pineer days with bus turs f histric sites, craftsman exhibits, an ld-fashined pig rast and musket shting demnstratins and dedicatins. 29

5 Recently, a meeting was held with the State Histric Preservatin Office (SHPO), Twnship Officials and the Cunty Engineer t see what may be available, as well as allwed, t spruce up the village. It was subsequently decided that sidewalks will be installed n a prtin f the nrth side f Main Street (Rute 612) east f the Jhnsnburg Htel. (Dave Hicks, Cunty Engineer- Persnal cmmunicatin; ) The Highlands Water Prtectin and Planning Act By virtue f having Jenny Jump Muntain in its land base, a small prtin f Frelinghuysen Twnship at the suthern brder is situated in the New Jersey Highlands. This regin was granted State versight as per the Highlands Water Prtectin and Planning Act, signed int law in The Highlands Act calls fr limiting develpment in envirnmentally sensitive areas and cnversely directing grwth where there is existing infrastructure and designated centers. These regulatins nw apply acrss abut an 800,000 acre swath in Nrth Jersey, effecting 88 municipalities. Divided abut evenly, the regin is either classified fr Preservatin with strict develpment rules t prtect water supplies, steep slpes and frests r as a Planning Area, ffering incentives t accept mre grwth. Frelinghuysen Twnship is classified in the Highlands Planning Area. Accrding t the 2005 N.J. Highlands Water Prtectin & Planning Act Primer, prvided by ANJEC, municipalities designated in the Highlands Planning area can be assured lcal zning and planning bards will cntinue t be the ultimate authrity ver (land use). The Cuncil s recmmendatins will be advisry, and the new N.J. DEP regulatins specified under the Act will nt apply. 30

6 INVENTORY OF OUTDOOR RESOURCES This sectin f the Plan ffers a cmprehensive inventry f all public land, plus private land in Frelinghuysen Twnship, that may represent ptential pen space. Prperties are divided int categries representing preserved land and ptential pen space. Permanently preserved parkland and farmland are herein listed and described. Vacant land; residential land greater than tw acres in size; farmland-assessed prperties; and, ther tax exempt parcels have als been identified. (See Appendix Prperty Tax Lists) The accmpanying Open Space Map details the lcatin f these prperties and was develped using the cmputerized mapping prgram ArcView 3.2 based n infrmatin prvided by the Twnship as well as several cunty agencies, as listed in the acknwledgements. Summary f Preserved Land OPEN SPACE INVENTORY State Owned Open Space (N.J. DEP) = Preserved Farmland = Nnprfit Owned Open Space = 689 acres 1,514 acres 673 acres Ttal: 2,876 acres Summary f Ptential Open Space Federal Aviatin Administratin = Warren Cunty Land (Jhnsnburg Park) = State Owned Prperty (N.J. DOT) = Municipal Land (Frelinghuysen) = Schl Prperties = Vacant Prperty = Farm-Assessed Prperties = Wildlife Preserves = Church & Charitable Prperties = Residential Prperties > 2 acres = 0.23 acre 1 acre 177 acres 71 acres 30 acres 489 acres 8,972 acres 143 acres 41 acres 1,647 acres Ttal: 11,571 acres Frelinghuysen Twnship encmpasses a ttal f 15,104 acres. Rughly 2,876 acres, r 19% f the Twnship is classified permanently preserved, while anther 11,571 acres, r 77%, f the Twnship s land base is ptentially available fr pen space and/r farmland preservatin, as described belw. 31

7 PROPERTY DESCRIPTIONS Preserved Land State Land The N.J. Department f Envirnmental Prtectin (N.J. DEP) currently wns a ttal f 28 parcels cmprising 689 acres in Frelinghuysen Twnship. Jenny Jump State Frest - The State f New Jersey is respnsible fr a significant amunt f preserved parkland in Frelinghuysen Twnship. In ttal, the N.J. DEP wns nearly 540 acres f land suth f the Rute 80 crridr in the sutheast crner f the Twnship. Paulinskill Valley Trail The N.J. DEP purchased the frmer New Yrk Susquehanna & Western railrad easement alng the Paulins Kill t create the Paulinskill Valley Trail stretching frm Clumbia t Sparta, prviding a level curse fr hikers and equestrians. State prperty alng and/r adjacent t the trail cmprises nearly 77 acres. Allamuchy Rad Pnd Recently, the N.J. DEP purchased nearly 62 acres n the east side f Rute 612 (Allamuchy Rad) surrunding a wetland cmplex. Preserved Farmland T date, there are 1,514 acres f permanently preserved farmland in Frelinghuysen. An additinal 36 acres represents tw farms that are currently enrlled in the 8-year farmland preservatin prgram. Nnprfit Land Recgnizing the need t prtect Frelinghuysen s unique and fragile envirnmental habitats, The Nature Cnservancy, Ridge and Valley Cnservancy, Inc. and New Jersey Green Acres wn utright r in partnership a ttal 674 acres in Frelinghuysen Twnship. Jhnsnburg Swamp Wildlife Preserves - The Nature Cnservancy (TNC) wns almst 473 acres in Frelinghuysen Twnship. Mst f these landhldings cmprise the Jhnsnburg Swamp Wildlife Preserves nrth and suth f Rute 519 (Dark Mn Rad). The nrthern tract in this land preservatin cmplex surrunds mst f Mud Pnd. Sinkhles, caves and natural springs are fund n the prperty. Glvers Pnd Preserve The Ridge and Valley Cnservancy wns 69 acres adjacent t the Jhnsnburg Presbyterian Cnference Center plus anther 99 acres nearby purchased in partnership with The Nature Cnservancy and N.J. Green Acres prgram. This prperty is characterized by dense, deciduus and hemlck frests, swamps, and fields which supprt a high diversity f plant and animal species, sme rare and endangered. 32

8 Greendell Ridge Preserve A similar partnership was frged t purchase 33 acres called simply the Limestne Frest, n the nrtheast side f Suth Street. This limestne frest exhibits significant views westward. ( Ptential Open Space Cnservatin Easements T date, municipal tax recrds shw that Genesis Farm includes 86 acres under a cnservatin easement. A detailed survey f cnservatin easements in Frelinghuysen Twnship was cmmissined and is pending finalizatin f maps. This infrmatin wuld be valuable in assessing pen space needs and pssible preservatin crridrs. Needed t cmplete the prject, the Warren Cunty Planning Department recently released parcel-based GIS maps t Twnships acrss the cunty. Federal Land The Federal Aviatin Administratin wns 0.23 acre ff Muller Rad in Frelinghuysen. Placed atp a small hill, an aviatin signaling twer ffers a 360 degree view f the regin. Cunty Land Warren Cunty wns a small 1-acre crner parcel at the intersectin f Rute 661 (Ramsey Rad) and Rute 519 (Dark Mn Rad), where the Histrical Sciety installed an attractive identificatin sign. The prperty is maintained by lcal vlunteers and it has been called Jhnsnburg Park. (Memries, 2005; Pg. 114) N.J. DOT Prperty The New Jersey Department f Transprtatin (N.J. DOT) wns highway easements fr Rute 94 and Rute 80 in Frelinghuysen, ttaling 177 acres n 27 parcels. The mst visible State DOT prperty represents the 2.5 acres ff Rute 94 husing the salt barn, maintenance yard and cell twer, camuflaged t lk like a evergreen tree. N.J. DOT des nt, t date, wn prperty adjacent t Interstate Rute 80. The next gruping f State DOT prperty represents the Lackawanna Cut-Off railrad easement. Aside frm the rail line itself, the largest parcels near this crridr include abut 6 acres n the east side f Camp Wasigan Rad; 13 acres surrunded by the Jhnsnburg Swamp Wildlife Preserve, n the nrth side f the easement; and, 15 acres n the suth side f the easement adjacent t Green Twnship. Municipal Prperty Frelinghuysen Twnship wns 71 acres. The largest prperty cmprises a recently purchased 59 acre tract ff Rute 94, adjacent t the Frelinghuysen Schl. At present, it is being farmed but hlds the enticing prmise fr bth future municipal use and the develpment f bth active and passive recreatin facilities. 33

9 Utilizing a frmer schl prperty, the Twn Hall ccupies almst three acres ff Main Street (Rute 661) in Jhnsnburg. The rear f this prperty has been develped int Rydell Park, ffering a baseball diamnd, small sccer field and playgrund equipment. Frelinghuysen Twnship als wns three acres alng the Paulins Kill n the west side f Spring Valley Rad. Vacant Land Vacant land cmprises 489 acres in Frelinghuysen. The fllwing list represents a few tracts that remain unpreserved and undevelped. The largest vacant prperty cmprises 27 acres adjacent t the Jhnsnburg Swamp Preserve, ff Rute 519 (Dark Mn Rad). It frms a hrseshe arund the Westbrk cmmercial prperty. It abuts Bear Brk, a Categry One tributary t Bear Creek which feeds the Pequest River. A 22-acre vacant tract exists n the nrth side f Rute 94, just west f Marksbr. Other sizable vacant landhldings cnstitute clusters f adjacent parcels. One cluster cmprises 34 acres near the Hpe brder ff the Hpe-Jhnsnburg Rad (Rute 519); 33 acres ff Rute 661 (Main Street); and an 11-acre cluster ff Silver Lake Rad (Rute 608). Farm-Assessed Prperty Excluding preserved farmland, Frelinghuysen has a ttal 8,972 acres that are farmland assessed. This includes the Jhnsnburg Presbyterian Cnference Center cmprising 340 acres. Schl Prperties Frelinghuysen Schl ccupies rughly 16 acres ff Rute 94. The schl ffers public schl educatin fr grades preschl thrugh 6 th grade. The Ridge & Valley Charter Schl ccupies 14 acres at the crner f Pippin Hill Rad and Rute 94. Residential Prperties > 2 acres This Plan depicts all residential parcels greater than tw acres in size. Land in this categry ttals 1,647 acres. In relatin t prperties that have the ptential t be further subdivided under the new 6-acre minimum lt size requirements, but excluding mitigating factrs such as critical areas, the fllwing list represents the largest residential landhldings. 52 acres ff Rute 612 (Allamuchy Rad) that encmpasses a prtin f Bear Brk; 25 acres ff Mtt Rad and adjacent t the Lackwanna Cut-Off railrad line; 21 acres ff Kerrs Crner Rad; 16 acres ff Camp Wequa Rad that has a prtin f Bear Creek; 16 acres at the crner f Rute 519 and Suth Twn Rad; 15 acres f Kerrs Crner Rad; 34

10 15 acres at the crner f Lanning Rad and Rute 519 that has wetlands; 14 acres ff Greendell Rad that frms a bundary with Trut Brk; 13 acres ff Rute 519 that has a small pnd and a tributary t Beaver Brk; 12 acres at the crner f Suh Twn Rad and Rute 519; 12 acres ff Stillwater Rad; and, 12 acres ff Suth Street Private Recreatin Lands Jhnsnburg Presbyterian Cnference Center ff Rute 519 (Jhnsnburg-Hpe Rad) cmprises 340 acres. It is a religius-based retreat center whse missin is t prvide spiritual guidance and respite fr grups f all ages and ethnicities. ( Wildlife Preserves Inc., a private nnprfit land cnservatin rganizatin, wns 143 acres in Frelinghuysen Twnship ff Old Stage Rad and adjacent t the Jhnsnburg Swamp Preserve. Althugh wned and managed by Wildlife Preserves, this prperty is nt preserved indefinitely. Kids Camp, wned by the Rman Cathlic Archdicese f Newark, ccupies 24 acres ff Lincln Laurel Rad. Althugh the prperty appears fully develped with small camp facilities, it may benefit the Twnship t investigate whether existing trails have been develped and where they may lead. Smith Field, ff State Park Rad, cmprises abut five acres. It is privately wned but fr mre than 30 years has had a well-maintained and ppular baseball facility available fr lease. Fur cemetery assciatins wn a cmbined 11 acres in Frelinghuysen Twnship. These graveyards date back t the Twnship s early pineer days and hld a wealth f histrical infrmatin as well as the remains f funding fathers. Cmmercial Prperty Apprximately 67 acres f cmmercially-assessed prperty is lcated in Frelinghuysen. The largest f these parcels represents nearly 23 acres ff Lincln-Laurel Rad where a bat building business existed fr many years, fllwed by the Frest Manr Retirement Hme n State Park Rad which ccupies 15.5 acres. 35

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12 OUTDOOR NEEDS The needs described in this sectin are derived frm the gals expressed by participants at the public hearing held Octber 26, 2005, as well as general bservatins and persnal cmmunicatins. These gals are set frth in the Open Space Prgram sectin f this Plan. Often, multiple grups will have a stake in a particular prject and shuld be invlved in the planning prcess frm the nset. Partnership pprtunities are an excellent way f leveraging available funds and ensuring a strnger cnsensus fr an acquisitin prject r develpment f recreatin facilities. Cmbining resurces n prjects that achieve multiple gals can be f great advantage t the Twnship s pen space prgram. Crdinating the varius cnservatin prgrams available wuld be ideal and meets Frelinghuysen s stated gals and bjectives. The headings belw suggest areas where Frelinghuysen may fcus its effrts. Increased Farmland Preservatin Preferred Farming is respnsible fr the develpment f Frelinghuysen Twnship and adds an indelible dimensin t the lcal way f life. Farms may have changed ver time and new residents pursue careers and livelihds elsewhere, but the rural fabric f Frelinghuysen Twnship remains strng. Rads dip and curve thrughut the twn much the same as they always have and the cmmunity gathers peridically fr true hmespun events. This is due t an ingrained rural mentality that started with farmers and cntinues t hnr and give them due respect. Fr this reasn, preserving farmland was deemed a public pririty in recent public frums. Frelinghuysen Twnship began land preservatin effrts with the exclusive intent f preserving farmland and has succeeded t date in saving 1,514 acres. (See attached Open Space Map) In September 2005, the Frelinghuysen Twnship Farmland Preservatin Plan was apprved and adpted as an element t the Twnship Master Plan. It designates seven farmland preservatin regins that encmpass mst f the land base in Frelinghuysen Twnship and ffers preservatin pririties and strategies. The genesis fr develpment f this Open Space and Recreatin Plan began when the Twnship Farmland Preservatin Cmmissin and Envirnmental Cmmissin jintly agreed that new and innvative methds shuld be explred in rder t preserve land fr nt nly its agricultural value, but its natural resurce attributes and recreatinal value as well. Prtectin f Old Grwth Frests & Specimen Trees Needed Prtecting age-ld frest tracts was suggested as a public gal fr implementatin f this Plan at the public hearing n Octber 26 th. It was agreed that ld-grwth frests are imprtant fr maintaining the integrity f wildlife, sil prfiles, water resurces and als cntributing t the rural character seen frm many f the evcative cunty lanes traversing Frelinghuysen Twnship. A few islated climax frests remain alng Suth Twn Rad, near Mud Pnd, at the 37

13 Jhnsnburg Presbyterian Camp and at Jenny Jump State Frest. General bservatins during develpment f this Plan fund ther ptential ld-grwth frests alng Henft and Kerr Rad. The 1989 Twnship Envirnmental Resurces Inventry calls n preserving these tracts because f their rarity and beauty. (Frelinghuysen E.R.I., 1989; Pgs ) Specimen trees are valued thrughut New Jersey and their health and eventual mrtality dn t g unnticed. Many such trees are ften carved int fanciful statues when they prve incnvenient r t dangerus t leave standing. While alive, these trees n dubt give pause fr passersby t reflect n days gne by and marvel at their resilience. Such trees live in Frelinghuysen Twnship. The buttn ball, r likely Lndn Plain tree, at the crner f Kerrs Crner Rad and Rute 608 (Silver Lake Rad) is well knwn t thse wh traverse Frelinghuysen. It sits far back ff the radway n private prperty. Anther specimen tree is a slitary ak tree that stands prudly in the middle f hrse pasture ff Rute 612 (Allamuchy Rad). Prtectin f Cntiguus Frests Helps Sustain Wildlife Habitats Cntiguus frests prvide necessary migratin crridrs fr wildlife and cntain treed habitats that are essential fr fd and shelter. Large mammals such as bear, cytes and bbcats need free passage thrugh their territrial regin t frage, breed successfully and lessen adverse interactins between humans and wildlife. Situated under tw majr avian flyways that crisscrss ver Frelinghuysen fr raptrs and migrating sngbirds, Frelinghuysen prvides essential habitats and serves as an imprtant rest stp. Migrating sngbirds, fr example, returning in early spring t the regin feed n the scales, r small insects that live n the bark f trees t sustain themselves and gain nutrients until flwers blssm. (B. Canace, R.V.C. - Interview with WNTI Cnturs radi prgram; 2/05) Expansin f Pedestrian / Equestrian Pathways Needed t Capitalize n Frelinghuysen s Rural Character A primary gal expressed during the prcess f creating this Open Space and Recreatin Plan was t create mre trails. In rder t d s, Frelinghuysen Twnship may use public rightf-ways, ld lgging rads, cnservatin easements and rural cuntry rads t designate the rads less traveled as als serving fr pedestrian r equestrian access. Numerus right-f-ways and dead-end rads exist and may ffer ptential trail cnnectins. It is cnceivable t link them and create significant trail systems thrughut the Twnship. Frelinghuysen has a deep rural character that can be enhanced and preserved thrugh a netwrk f green pathways cnnecting residents and visitrs t the natural envirnment. During preparatin f this Plan, an imprmptu meeting was held at the Twn Hall n Nvember 15 th t discuss ways trails may be develped in Frelinghuysen Twnship. This meeting was attended by Mrris Land Cnservancy staff, a Twnship Envirnmental Cmmissin member, a representative frm the Skylands Trails Assciatin, (an equestrian grup) and an interested resident. This meeting prved very insightful regarding the type and lcatin f trails suitable fr bridle trails versus hiking, bicycling, etc. It als helped highlight trails currently in use and discuss the merits f prpsed trail systems. 38

14 Bth the nrthern and suthern ends f twn have established trail systems. The Paulinskill Valley Trail and trails thrughut Jenny Jump State Frest, respectively, culd pssibly be linked with nearby lcal easements and rural rads in rder t create lengthy, spectacular trail netwrks. Signs at rad access pints wuld nt nly warn mtrists that they shuld watch ut fr hikers and/r hrses, but als fster cmmunity wnership. Trails names culd crrespnd t the destinatin pint with apprpriate signage. These linear crridrs serve as special attributes r mini-greenways within the larger frame r regin targeted fr preservatin and can inspire mre public use. Whether hiking, bicycling r hrse riding, residents and visitrs alike appreciate trail netwrks fr recreatin. Over-reliance n autmbile transprt is a recgnized cnsequence f rural develpment in tday s wrld. It cntributes t air pllutin and causes greater hazards t pedestrians and bicyclists f all ages, as well as increased husehld expenses related t gas prices and autmbile csts. Trail netwrks and pathways allw peple t stay physically fit and aware f the natural envirnment. Minimal Existing Recreatin Facilities I think (recreatin) is a lt better than it was but there s a lt f rm fr imprvement. The nly way t imprve is t have prper facilities. (Chip Greene, Recreatin Directr- Tel. Cmmunicatin; 8/05) Frelinghuysen currently has nly ne baseball diamnd with an adjacent sccer field at Rydell Park behind the Twn Hall ff Rute 661 (Main Street) in Jhnsnburg. Als lcated nearby is a basketball hp. Vlunteers this summer installed a jungle gym verlking the sprts fields (shwn abve). The baseball diamnd at Rydell Park is just kay but rather small and nly apprpriate fr little guys, said Recreatin Directr, Chip Greene, in telephne interviews. Smith Field, lcated ff State Park Rad diagnally acrss frm the newly established Dark Mn Restaurant (frmerly the Big K Restaurant), cmprises nearly five acres and is privately wned. A baseball diamnd has existed at this site fr abut 30 years and is currently 39

15 used by the Blairstwn Men s Sftball League. A nminal rental agreement t cver insurance csts exists between the Smith family, wh wn and maintain the field, and the new wners f Dark Mn Tavern t cntinue using the baseball diamnd. Hwever, their Right f First Refusal n the field expires in less than tw years and Emily Smith, current prperty wner, said the Twnship wuld be welcme t prpse acquisitin since it s cnsidered ne f the best recreatin fields in the area. (Tel. cmmunicatin; ) Smith Field was mentined in the 1996 Twnship Open Space Element as a satellite facility that shuld be cnsidered t expand the Twnship s recreatinal pprtunities. The Plan further mentined that serius attentin shuld be paid t acquiring and imprving additinal pen space parcels fr active recreatin (because) in rural municipalities such as Frelinghuysen, there are limited pprtunities, especially fr children, t find safe and cnvenient recreatin clse t hme. (Pgs. 4-8) The Twnship currently rents the new gym cnstructed at the Jhnsnburg Presbyterian Camp & Cnference Center ff Rute 519 fr use by its chldrens basketball teams. Future Residential Grwth Wuld Require Mre Recreatinal Facilities Accrding t the active recreatin Facilities Needs Assessment generated fr the 2005 Bear Creek Greenway Applicatin fr land preservatin, there is an existing need t plan fr and develp active recreatinal facilities in the Twnship. This dcument was submitted fr review by the Warren Cunty Municipal and Charitable Cnservancy Trust Fund Cmmittee t help fund purchase f five acres lcated adjacent t the municipal prperty. The prpsal calls fr a new baseball field, sccer field and pssible recreatin / cmmunity center with a walking trail arund the perimeter. A gal mentined at the Octber 26 th public hearing fr this Plan was that recreatin areas shuld be evenly distributed thrughut the Twnship. Indeed, it wuld be ideal if Frelinghuysen culd purchase and thereby bank large prperties thrughut the Twnship fr future cnversin t recreatinal use. (J. Madden, Cnsultant Planner; Planning Bard wrkshp, ) Fr nw, the prpsed acquisitin adjacent t Rydell Park may be a step frward tward pr-active recreatin planning and it wuld cnsistent with the Twnship s 1996 Open Space Element in that it wuld enhance recreatinal pprtunities within the Twnship with a fcus being at the existing Municipal Cmplex (and prvide) a Cmmunity Center with adequate and cnvenient parking. (Pg. 8) A Recreatin Cmmittee exists in Frelinghuysen charged with prviding sprts and cmmunity activities. Apprximately children, in fur c-ed divisins, are currently engaged in sccer. A Little League Charter with Blairstwn Recreatin allws 90 bys and girls, (5 th thrugh 12 th graders,) t participate in baseball/sftball. Girls and bys basketball is prvided at the Frelinghuysen elementary schl with extra practice time available thrugh a rental agreement between the Recreatin Cmmittee and the Jhnsnburg Presbyterian Camp & Cnference Center ff Rute 519 t use it s new gym fr c-ed clinics ffered t abut Frelinghuysen children. (Chip Greene, Recreatin Directr- Tel. cmmunicatins; 8/05, 11/05) 40

16 Frelinghuysen, Blairstwn, Knwltn and Hardwick belng t the Nrth Warren Reginal High Schl district, which accmmdates 7 th & 8 th graders in the middle schl and 9 th thrugh 12 th grade students at the high schl. Bth buildings share a campus ff Lambert Rad in Blairstwn. Accrding t Athletic Directr, Jhn Simnetti, Frelinghuysen currently has sixty (60) children enrlled in the Fall sprts prgrams. This level f invlvement places Frelinghuysen third amng the districts. The fllwing breakdwn represents the sprts ffered in the Fall, which has the largest level f participatin, and the number f Frelinghuysen participants: Middle Schl #. participants High Schl # participants Crss Cuntry = 5 Crss Cuntry = 10 Field Hckey = 2 Field Hckey = 5 Bys Sccer = 4 Bys Sccer = 8 Girls Sccer = 6 Girls Sccer = 8 Ftball = 12 Winter sprts ffered include basketball, wrestling and cheerleading, while Spring adds glf and lacrsse t the sprts menu. Exact enrllment figures are pending. Next Spring, the High Schl will have the use f a new park ff Rute 94 where tw fields have been develped t ffer lacrsse, sccer and a practice field fr ftball. Lacrsse has prven s ppular, the High Schl is planning t ffer it at the junir varsity level fr middle schl students. A survey sent ut by the schl in September t students t gauge satisfactin with current prgrams did nt pint t any ther sprts they fund lacking. The schl strives t keep all students n campus if pssible. (J. Simnetti, Athletic Directr Tel. cmmunicatin; 12/05) New this year, the Ridge & Valley Charter Schl was cnstructed ff Rute 94, just east f Pippin Hill Rad, in Frelinghuysen. Their missin is based n imprving educatin thrugh integrated cursewrk and instilling an appreciatin fr the envirnment. They ffer classes fr kindergarten thrugh 8 th grade students, with class size averaging 15 students each. Last year, 7 th & 8 th graders used their math lessns and gemetry skills t design and build cmpsting bins. Students als cnducted service wrk at Princetn-Blairstwn Center, in Hardwick, building trails. A large teepee has been erected n the east side fr use as utdr classrm space. Matriculatin is based n individual assessments. A private agreement with a neighbring prperty wner allws access t the Paulinskill River. The schl site was chsen because its sil was certified rganic enabling students t practice gardening in a safe envirnment plus it ffers quite a bit f rm t explre. (N. Dvrsky, Administrative Crdinatr - Tel. cmmunicatin; 12/05) Pcket Park Shuld be Cnsidered fr Marksbr Pcket parks prvide breaks in the residential landscape f cmmunities. Tt lts prvide a place fr little nes t play and areas where parents and caregivers can get tgether. Marksbr is a linear cmmunity bisected by N.J. Rute 94. Althugh traffic alng the state highway in this area is relatively lw, at least tw majr accidents have ccurred in less than 41

17 five years in twn. The Open Space Plan and Recreatin Plan fr Frelinghuysen Twnship has identified three vacant lts which may be cnsidered fr pssible acquisitin t give this nrthern, histric cmmunity a greater sense f identity and a safe, gathering place. (See Appendix - Open Space Map) Small jungle-gyms and imaginatin statins like the ne recently installed at Rydell Park shuld be prvided fr Histric Marksbr Village as well. Park benches culd be prvided n Twnship prperty ffering scenic vistas and nearby parking. The three acres available alng the Paulins Kill in Marksbr may serve this purpse and fster awareness f histric resurces as well as prvide a pssible fishing spt. Cmmunity Center Needed fr Events & Gatherings As many as thirty (30) senirs are actively invlved in the Frelinghuysen Senirs Club. Their meetings take place at the Twn Hall, where many members enjy knitting and everyne lks frward t the peridic bus trips. Their mst pressing need at this time is fr an utdr pavilin t prvide cver fr utdr gatherings. They ve lng used ne in Blairstwn but scheduling has been difficult due t increased demand. Anther need is fr shuttle bus service in the area t facilitate dctrs visits and errands. (Fran Muller, Frelinghuysen Senir Club - Tel. cmmunicatin; 12/05) Other recreatin activities designed t prvide fun fr all ages is rganized by the Frelinghuysen Recreatin Cmmittee. If nt pssible t hld an activity n-site at the Twn Hall r at the Frelinghuysen Schl, the municipality will spnsr an activity elsewhere and als n private prperty, thus cvering insurance. At present, these activities include aerbics, pian, ski club, karate, and mvie night as well as an annual catch and release fishing derby. The Funders Day picnic takes place at the Frelinghuysen Schl. The Haunted Hay Rides / crn maze and barbeque is facilitated by lcal farmers and prperty wners. Casin Night takes place at the Dark Mn Restaurant, frmerly the Big K. These are sme f the fundraising events help fund recreatin prgrams and are ppular t residents and visitrs alike. Althugh the Twn Hall has always been a welcming public building, n dubt Frelinghuysen s full slate f cmmunity events has lng benefited frm the largesse f residents and lcal businesses. A dedicated cmmunity center wuld thus serve the public well and pssibly prvide the indr cmmunity huse called fr in the 1996 Twnship Open Space Plan. The prpsed new recreatin / cmmunity center at the crner f Rute 661 (Main Street and Ramsey Rad) wuld create a centrally lcated majr facility accessible frm main arterial rads. Clse enugh t the histric center f the Twnship, it will expand upn Rydell Park and cnnect t the current Twn Hall site and thus maintain a sense f cmmunity pride and identity fr Frelinghuysen residents. 42

18 Histric Structures At Risk A cmprehensive histric preservatin plan is needed fr Frelinghuysen Twnship. Adpted as part f the Twnship Master Plan, renvatin / cnstructin guidelines may be suggested t prevent deteriratin f the numerus histric landmarks fund thrughut the Twnship. Occupying ne f the mst histrically significant spts in Frelinghuysen Twnship, the Jhnsnburg Htel (shwn abve) clsed in the 1970 s and suffered frm neglect until effrts were recently made t spruce up and secure the façade. Still, it remains an eyesre at the center f twn and n lnger serves as a credit t the industriusness f frmer Twnship residents. Anther gal set at the Octber 26 th Public Hearing was t restre Histric Marksbr Village. Marksbr ffers a quaint picture f cuntry life t travelers taking relatively busy Rute 94. The 1991 Warren Cunty Cultural Resurces Survey fund the hamlet eligible fr designatin as a natinal histric district due t its distinctin as the hmestead f Clnel Thmpsn, an imprtant Revlutinary figure as well as its assciatin with the early settlement and industrial develpment f nrthwestern New Jersey (and) its clnial, Italianate and Victrian structures still standing. (Appendix C) Mstly kept in gd rder, a few structures remain in pen need f special care. Purprted t be ne f the ldest structures, the stne building n the nrtheast crner f Hardwick Rad and Rute 94, nce hused the Marksbr Pst Office and Squire Lanning s general stre. (Memries., 2005; Pg. 63) Inside is alleged t be marks made by a yung Jhn Blair. Blair became famus thrughut the regin as a 19 th Century railrad magnate. Unfrtunately, the building is nw shuttered and crumbling. A larger frame Victrian acrss frm Silver Lake Rad and thus in full view t anyne entering Marksbr frm the west r suth is vacant and has just recently suffered severe dilapidatin. 43

19 The 1966 Frelinghuysen Twnship Master Plan prpsed a bypass n the suth side f Marksbr t safeguard the village frm future widening f Rute 94 that wuld impact histric structures because f their prximity t the right-f-way. A bypass wuld als allw develpment f sidewalks in the village that wuld perhaps link the general stre, Marksbr Church and cmmercial prperty at the intersectin f Rute 94 and Rute 608 (Silver Lake Rad). Safeguarding Water Resurces a Must The abundant water resurces in Frelinghuysen Twnship are evidenced by the many natural springs fund in almst every sectr f the cmmunity. Gelgically, the Paulins Kill and Pequest River watersheds ffer highly prductive aquifers. All drinking water in Frelinghuysen Twnship is derived frm these grund water resurces. Therefre, water quantity and quality has always been f primary cncern. A gasline spill frm the Ess, subsequently the Exxn statin in Jhnsnburg, caused a scare in the 1970 s. The N.J. DEP rdered remval f the undergrund tanks and cntinued mnitring f neighbring wells. Litigatin resulted in Exxn having t drill tw new wells fr several nearby huses and the Jhnsnburg Htel, plus pay sme restitutin t prperty wners. The Twnship was nt required t install a public water system. (Memries, 2005; Pgs ) A frmer municipal dumpsite / incineratr ff Greendell Rad als caused cncern abut the same time, but n recrd f fllw up actin has been fund, t date. (G. Sipple, Senir Planner, Warren Cunty Planning Dept. / D. Natyzak-Osadca / B. Canace Tel. & cmmunicatins; 12/05) N.J. DEP stream mnitring studies in Frelinghuysen have shwn sme impairment f water quality exists in the Paulins Kill and the vicinity f nearby Shades f Death Rad, in Allamuchy. Bear Brk is an N.J. DEP Categry One stream capable f trut prductin. Land preservatin in this vicinity is critical t maintaining water quality. Railrad Sidings Shuld be Acquired t Preclude Cmmercial Use It may benefit Frelinghuysen t assess and perhaps acquire large lts, r sidings, adjacent t the railrad line itself if pssible. This wuld preclude use by independent cntractrs wh have been knwn t lease the land frm railrads t stre and/r transfer waste material. Several municipalities with active railrad lines have fund themselves in the untenable psitin f having pen-air dumpsites perated in their midst. Exempted frm State regulatin due t cnnectin with the railrad and thereby prtected by Interstate Cmmerce laws, these sites have plagued lcal fficials and residents alike. Several petitined the State legislature t pass laws that wuld allw lcal envirnmental and traffic regulatins t apply t these sites. Sme f the mst cntentius statins are the five in Nrth Bergen alng the New Yrk-Susquehanna & Western Railrad line. Mst f them handle cnstructin and demlitin debris, thugh ne handles radiactive and chrmium-laced sil. (Star-Ledger, Twns petitin the feds n railrad trash statins ;

20 05) The N.J. DEP is pwerless t cntrl the situatin as a Federal curt judge ruled it is beynd their jurisdictin. Lcal and State authrities have had truble cntrlling the waste alng the tracks because f an ld federal law giving dumping rights there t interstate railrads (hwever) the judge als allwed the State t investigate whether the statins are truly railrad facilities r are actually waste handlers perating under the auspices f a railrad. (Nrth Bergen Reprter.cm, Judge rules that trash can stay ; ) In Frelinghuysen, the N.J. DOT wns 13 acres n the nrth side f the Lackawanna Cut- Off that is surrunded by the Jhnsnburg Swamp Wildlife Preserve. By itself, it ffers n direct rad access, hwever, 24 acres n the ppsite side f the railrad is a sizable farm-assessed prperty ffering 843 feet f frntage n Rute 519 (Dark Mn Rad). The Twnship shuld perhaps pursue farmland preservatin f said farm tract. Anther 15 acres wned by N.J. DOT is lcated n the suth side f the easement alng the Green Twnship brder. It brders Frances Lake. A third sizable 6 -acre flag lt is lcated ff Camp Wasigan Rad. Rapid Residential Grwth Can Erde Rural Character f the Twnship Frelinghuysen s new designatin within the Highlands Planning Area may have a pssible spill-ver f residential grwth frm neighbring municipalities with mre restrictive land use regulatins. In 2005, the Twnship authrized a hydrlgic study t determine the septic carrying capacity prevalent in Frelinghuysen. Septic systems add nitrates t the envirnment s it was necessary t create a mdel with which t test ptential effects. Cnducted by Maser Cnsulting, this study determined that average minimum lt sizes shuld be 5.8 acres per septic system thrughut the Twnship. (Frelinghuysen Twnship Master Plan Reexaminatin Reprt, 2005; Pg 9, 10) Hunting & Fishing Needs Supprt & Access Fishing and hunting are past-times that have lng been practiced in Frelinghuysen Twnship. Participants at Frelinghuysen s Octber 26 th Public Hearing t set gals fr this Open Space and Recreatin Plan said it shuld be allwed wherever permissible in rder t cntrl wildlife and ffer recreatinal activities. Lcal hunters need supprt and access t hunting grunds as they have prven cnscientius and law-abiding fr many years. In additin t en.j.ying an intergeneratinal past-time, lcal hunters maintain and mnitr prperty they lease. Accrding t Angel Lencini, 84, principal funder f the Jhnsnburg Gun Club, his grup respects prperty rights and pstings and is nt invlved in what he called hijacking game, r paching, which unfrtunately happens t ften. (Tel. Cmmunicatin; 12/05) 45

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22 THE OPEN SPACE SYSTEM FOR FRELINGHUYSEN TOWNSHIP Open space is an infrastructure that needs t be designed and planned just as utilities, radways and pipelines. When planned as a system, this infrastructure prvides many benefits t the cmmunity. Cmmunity Benefits f Open Space Preservatin Natural lands and recreatin space prvide the fllwing functins that prmte a healthy cmmunity. Prtects drinking water quantity and quality Preserves habitat fr all living rganisms, including peple, plants and animals Offers a variety f utdr recreatin experiences Balances grwth and develpment t sustain ecnmic vitality in the cmmunity Prvides pprtunities fr residents t keep fit and healthy Aids in prmting a sense f cmmunity Cnnects residents t their cmmunity s heritage by preserving histric landmarks and sites Prevents ersin and cnserves sil, a nnrenewable resurce Cntributes t landscape diversity and a scenic envirnment Cntrls flding Maintains a cmmunity s character A well integrated pen space system will achieve these benefits fr Frelinghuysen Twnship. The fllwing recmmendatins will utline hw the Twnship can build n existing prtected lands t create a viable land preservatin netwrk. Preserving the Rads Less Traveled Will Preserve a Rural Cuntryside Frelinghuysen Twnship is characterized by many winding cuntry rads that develped slwly as the need arse t serve farms and hamlets. These radways are evcative f an agrarian landscape and t date remain predminantly rural with lw traffic vlumes. Unheard f in mre urban areas, it is nt uncmmn t be able t stp a vehicle in the middle f the rad t chat with neighbrs r simply phtgraph the landscape. Rute 661 (Main Street), Jhnsnburg, is likewise a quiet cuntry street where children and pets ften run free withut 47

23 fear f many passing vehicles. Several rads remain less traveled, thus less maintained, such as the extensin thrugh the Pittenger Farm ff Rute 519 (Dark Mn Rad), Old Stage Rad, Kerr Rad and Camp Wequa Rad and Heller Rad. These frgtten rads ffer exciting pssibilities fr future trail use. A truly rural cuntryside depends n the cuntry lifestyles and attitudes that supprt it. Celebrating and fiercely maintaining a rural way f life, albeit with less rad imprvements except where needed fr safety. Land Preservatin fr the Glbally Rare Aggressive land preservatin in Frelinghuysen Twnship has had the benefit f prtecting endangered and threatened flra and fauna, sme endemic nly in Frelinghuysen and thus f glbal imprtance. Whereas traditinal land preservatin may rest with the idea that the land is saved frm develpment, it is recgnized in Frelinghuysen that it cntributes t a larger, intercnnected ecsystem. The large preserves that have been created in Frelinghuysen and the surrunding regin serve as stepping stnes tward sustaining the integrity f natural habitats. Cnnecting the varius wildlife preserves with trail systems fsters awareness and appreciatin f natural resurces amng cnstituents. Their supprt is vital mnetarily as well as t ensure cntinued stewardship f prtected landscapes. Wildlife Crridrs Ensure Species Survival Envirnmental land use planning is integral t the survival f Frelinghuysen Twnship s wildlife habitats. Preservatin f available limestne frest habitats give large mammals in particular the safety and security f traveling thrughut their territries fr nurishment and breeding. Jenny Jump Muntain serves as a majr crridr fr wildlife transmigratin. The Paulinskill Valley Trail des likewise. By ensuring a netwrk f greenway crridrs t branch ut frm these rutes, Frelinghuysen will expand these safe crridrs and cntribute t species survival. Farmland Preservatin Maintains a Sense f Place Strng agrarian values have frged Frelinghuysen s identity and are respnsible fr its develpment as a rural cmmunity. The farms scattered thrughut the Twnship ffer pastral views with active livestck r crp management. It is nt uncmmn t turn a crner and cme acrss evcative ld farmsteads with distinctive red, white r weathered gray barns. Many histric, these structures add a dimensin t the landscape that is irreplaceable and cmfrting. Agricultural Land Preserves the Ecnmic Vitality f the Twnship The ecnmic vitality f Frelinghuysen Twnship has always been tied t agriculture and industry. In additin t preserving the large farm tracts still in existence thrughut the Twnship, it s imprtant t preserve the livelihd and financial stability f the farmers themselves. Frelinghuysen Twnship shuld play a strng rle in lbbying effrts that seek mre equitable land appraisals fr farmers. 48

24 Changes in minimum lt size requirements via new zning standards is ften seen by large landwners as an unwelcme lss in equity. Land values in nrthwest New Jersey put Warren Cunty in an unfair disadvantage when seeking State funding, as mney ffered t buy develpment rights is characteristically lwer that the amunt ffered by develpers. Every effrt shuld be made t reach ut t these prperty wners t discuss all available ptins as has been suggested in Frelinghuysen s 2005 Farmland Preservatin Plan. These cncerted effrts can be augmented by leveraging lcal Trust Fund mnies with State and Cunty funds t preserve land in the Twnship. Cntinued spnsrship f lcal, cuntry events such as the Haunted Hayrides and Funders Day picnic serve the dual purpse f knitting the cmmunity tgether with a series f fun events and als fstering awareness f Frelinghuysen s rich heritage. Offering a venue fr lcal prduce such as rganic garlic, hney, eggs and the myriad f ther specialty crps grwn in Frelinghuysen is a welcme additin t any cmmunity event and prmte lcal cmmerce. Prtectin f Stream Crridrs Cnsidered Vital In additin t stepped-up sil ersin cntrl measures, preservatin f riparian stream crridrs and natural springs is crucial t maintaining water quality. The Jhnsnburg Swamp Wildlife Preserves, Glvers Pnd Preserve and Allamuchy Rad Pnd prject site each recgnize the value f prtecting the Pequest River watershed. Sand aquifers in this regin ffer abundant grund water supplies and their fragility t land disturbance has been dcumented. In additin, preservatin effrts shuld be targeted in the Paulins Kill valley as it remains relatively undevelped. A recent hydrlgic study t determine the nitrate dilutin level that wuld be apprpriate fr safe, septic system peratin in the Twnship, determined that residential prperties shuld average 5.8 acres per lt. This finding was based n a nitrate dilutin mdel based n 2.0 mg/liter. This infrmatin was critical fr justifying the Twnship s new measure t set residential zning standards at a minimum six acres per lt. (Frelinghuysen Master Plan Reexaminatin Reprt, 2005; Pg. 9) Prtectin f Ridge Tps and Rural Landscape Maintains Visual Character Frelinghuysen Twnship exhibits impressive lng views f the Kittatinny Ridge and Delaware Water Gap westward frm State Park Rad, Lincln Laurel Rad, Kerrs Crner Rad and Allamuchy Rad. These scenic vistas impart the feeling f having glimpsed a relatively untuched cuntryside in Nrthwest New Jersey. These attributes are the direct result f limited develpment, allwing passersby t enjy the natural landscape. Rftps have nt cluttered the hilltps, farm fields r frests. With greater prmtin f these viewsheds and fcused land cnservatin, public appreciatin will ensure that increased preservatin effrts succeed. 49

25 Trails Enhance Recreatin Opprtunities The existing pen space system in Frelinghuysen Twnship includes nearly 2,876 acres f preserved land, representing active agricultural stewardship as well as envirnmental preserves. Ttaling 19% f the Twnship s ttal land base, these parcels ffer a unique pprtunity t create linkages that serve the natural envirnment and ffer recreatin pprtunities. Trails wuld ffer wildlife crridrs t and frm these preserves and passage ways fr humans t experience the natural envirnment. Histric Preservatin Maintains Cultural Identity Develpment f a cmprehensive Histric Preservatin Plan t cmplement the sn t be updated Twnship Master Plan will prvide a cncise inventry f histric limekilns, barns, hmes, tunnels, bridges, caves and ther structures r sites with the gal preserving Frelinghuysen s histric treasures. Histric Marksbr shuld jin Jhnsnburg n the State and Natinal Histric Registers as this cmmunity is directly subject t state rad imprvements t Rute 94. Limekilns and cave structures abund in Frelinghuysen Twnship and add immeasurably t the landscape. Strng Twnship regulatins and enfrcement, plus fficial recgnitin f these sites, albeit discreet t avid vandalism, are needed t preserve these attributes and thus maintain lcal streetscapes. The Hardwick Cemetery, a.k.a. Old Dyer Burial Grund, ff Dark Mn Rad, dates back at least 255 years and hlds the remains f Frelinghuysen s early settlers. Lcated n private prperty, access is nt readily available. It may prve beneficial fr histrical research and the site can serve as a destinatin pint fr trail enthusiasts. Diverse Recreatin Opprtunities Prvide fr Cmmunity Health The Frelinghuysen Recreatin Cmmittee recently recgnized the need fr a simple jungle gym at Rydell Park fr parents t entertain smaller children while their siblings play active sprts nearby. Whether it is parents in need f a place t push the strller and cmmune tgether, lder children needing mre sprts fields, equestrians needing bridal trails r dg wners lking fr safe places t walk, recreatin cntributes t the verall health and wellbeing f a cmmunity. Additinal playgrunds, memry parks r verlks prvide that chance fr respite s rare in these busy times. Bisected by a busy State highway, Marksbr may benefit frm such facilities. The prpsed sprts cmplex near Jhnsnburg, at the nrthwest crner f Rute 661 shuld meet Frelinghuysen s recreatinal needs well int the future, as well as the pssible cnstructin f a cmmunity center. Effrts shuld be made t secure the Smith Park ball field fr municipal use. The 59 acres wned by Frelinghuysen Twnship ff Rute 94 may prvide pprtunities t build facilities fr active recreatin and/r Twnship needs such as rad maintenance 50

26 buildings r ther municipal services. Trails may be develped thrugh the prperty t link with adjacent prperties and landmarks. Ecturism Capitalizes n Preservatin Effrts Ecturism, as a desired reginal gal, wuld be enhanced by the creatin f trail netwrks and bicycle rutes thrugh Frelinghuysen. Cnversin f the ld Susquehanna and Western Railrad bed near Marksbr int the the Paulinskill Valley Trail (shwn here) traverses a pristine and rural landscape and is valued by hiking enthusiasts and equestrians. With adequate prmtin f these special attributes such as all ptential bridle paths, fishing spts, hiking trails, scenic views, histric structures and farm markets, Frelinghuysen may nce again serve as the heart f rural nrthwest New Jersey; a way statin ffering quaint farmstands and cuntry stres fr lcal prduce, beverages and supplies. 51