Holland Highlands

90 Acres Preserved in Holland Township
With the help of the Hunterdon Land Trust Alliance, the Phillipsburg Riverview Organization and Holland Township acquired 90 acres of woodland on Shire Road in Holland Township. The property is situated on the southern shoulder of Musconetcong Mountain in the Highlands geographical region of northern Hunterdon County and encompasses woodlands, steep slopes, a wellhead protection zone, and C1 trout production streams.

"The parcel is in a sensitive watershed area that drains into the Delaware River," said Reggie Regrut, Executive Director of the Phillipsburg Riverview Organization. "Preserving it not only protects water quality and a large expanse of woodland habitat, it also helps the Township retain its scenic, rural character. We hope to work again with Township officials and the Hunterdon Land Trust Alliance to preserve more of the Highlands."

The acquisition totaled $1 million. The Phillipsburg Riverview Organization contributed $700,000 toward the purchase price, using a $500,000 grant from the State of New Jersey Green Acres program and a $200,000 grant from the Hunterdon County Open Space Trust Fund. Holland Township contributed $250,000 toward the purchase price, and Hunterdon County contributed $50,000. The acquisition was facilitated by the Hunterdon Land Trust Alliance, which provided the transactional expertise needed to complete the purchase.

"We were delighted to have played a role in bringing the Phillipsburg Riverview Organization and Holland Township together to preserve this important property," said Margaret Waldock, Executive Director of the Hunterdon Land Trust Alliance. "This acquisition is a fine example of how nonprofit groups and municipalities can work together toward preservation goals that benefit both parties and the public at large."