Lockatong High Falls Preserve

Hunterdon Land Trust board member Robert Reid visiting the High Falls preserve.

Hunterdon Land Trust Alliance and the D&R Greenway Land Trust joined in partnership to preserve one of the most scenic natural waterfalls on the Lockatong Creek in Kingwood Township. The 14 acre property, known as "High Falls," contains some of the best mature forest in the region. The woodland contains oak, hickory, beech, sugar maple, white pine and hemlock trees along with a profusion of native shrubs including shadbush and maple leaf viburnum.

Designated as a Category 1 stream, the Lockatong stream valley is characterized by hemlock ravines and waterfalls, winding its way past old historic mills to its confluence with the Delaware River. Keeping the forested stream corridor intact through permanent preservation assures that is will remain habitat for trout, rare plants and threatened deep forest birds, and protects water quality in the Delaware River Watershed.
The property was purchased by the State of New Jersey, Green Acres Program, for $375,000. The owners had planned to build a home on the scenic property, but decided to sell the property for residential development. D&R Greenway's Director of Land Preservation Bill Rawlyk, a resident of Hunterdon County and founding trustee of Hunterdon Land Trust Alliance, was asked to get involved when the owners were reluctant to accept the State offer which they felt didn't meet their needs from both a economic and timing standpoint, as they had a pressing need to close quickly.

Hunterdon Land Trust Alliance and D&R Greenway negotiated a deal that was a "win-win" for everyone. An Agreement of Sale for the property was secured after D&R Greenway agreed to loan the owners $50,000 against the State's sale price. This allowed the owners to meet their immediate financial needs, while the State's closing procedures were set in motion. Hunterdon Land Trust Alliance provided legal staff and project support that allowed a quick transaction. The State will own and manage the land as part of the Lockatong Creek Wildlife Management Area. Its preservation adds to over 475 acres already preserved by the Hunterdon Land Trust Alliance in the region.