Thanks to the freeholder board’s efforts, the county now has more than 30,000 acres of farmland
The Burlington County Farmland Preservation Program reached two important milestones Thursday, as the Board of Chosen Freeholders and County Department of Resource Conservation continue to solidify Burlington County’s status as a state leader in preserving farmland and open space.
Freeholder Linda Hughes, liaison to the County Department of Resource Conversation, announced that the County preserved two new farms today, bringing the total to 250 farms and more than 30,000 acres of farmland preserved by the freeholder board in Burlington County.
“The significant achievements reached today further demonstrates the Freeholder Board’s ongoing commitment to preserving the quality of life in Burlington County through open space and farmland preservation,” said Freeholder Hughes. “The two additional farmland easement acquisitions further protect the county’s important agriculture industry, ensuring it continues to contribute to our local economy.”
Launched in 1985, the Burlington County Farmland Preservation Program is credited with giving Chesterfield Township, Burlington County the distinction of being home to the first five farms preserved in the state of New Jersey. Since then, with the support of the Freeholder Board, the county program has preserved farms in 21 municipalities.
“The Freeholder Board has preserved 20 farms in Burlington County over the past two years alone,” added Freeholder Hughes. “I am proud to work on behalf of county residents to protect the unique character of our communities for future generations.”
The two new farms preserved today are as follows:
· 249th Farm — Fenimore Farm, Pemberton Township (adjacent to JBMDL), 74 acres
· 250th Farm — Bassett Farm, Chesterfield Township, 40 acres
