The Trust for Public Land (TPL) has reached an agreement to purchase 188 acres of land from the Order of St. Benedict of New Jersey that owns and manages Delbarton School and St. Mary’s Abbey in Morris Township. The agreement is subject to the approval of the Abbey’s local governing board, as well as higher ecclesiastical sign offs. The Monks have owned this property for more than 80 years. It is one of the last large undeveloped tracts of land in Morris County, and adjoins the Lewis Morris County Park and Morristown National Historic Park. The expected fair market value for the property is $13,750,000, which The Trust for Public Land is currently working to raise.

Once conveyed, Morris County Park Commission plans to include the property in Lewis Morris County Park. TPL is submitting an application this week for funding from the Morris County Open Space Trust Fund. Additional funding for the purchase is expected to come from the Morris County Park Commission, The Township of Morris Open Space Trust Fund, the Morris County Open Space Trust Fund, the Great Swamp Watershed Association, The Trust for Public Land, Morris County Municipal Utilities Commission and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Green Acres Program.

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The sale of this land will enable the Order to provide some financial support for the monks, while also preserving a significant portion of Abbey land for open space. Located in the heart of Washington Valley and near General George Washington’s encampment, conservationists and neighbors alike have set their sights on seeing the property conserved. If it were developed, approximately 30 homes could have been built on the site. Conservation of the land will also enhance and expand the Patriots’ Path trail system.

More information at: http://www.tpl.org/tier3_cd.cfm?content_item_id=22432&folder_id=629

Contact Info: Susan David
The Trust for Public Land
212-677-7171 or susan.david@tpl.org

Website : Trust for Public Land