FOREWORD

A strong economy has been the catalyst for We need to do more. Environmentally sensitive lands unprecedented growth in Burlington County over the past must be protected. Also, the Freeholders must address few decades. The rural landscape has changed the recreation needs of the growing population. The dramatically in many regions of the County, from farm residents of the County agree and have shown their fields, barns and wooded lots, to one dominated by office support through the overwhelming approval of two buildings, tract housing and retail space. referenda creating a dedicated fund for the preservation of farmland and open space and the development of a To date, growth has occurred in a largely uncontrolled County parks system. manner, and the resultant sprawl has brought traffic snarls, noise, and over-crowded schools. The environment has So, here we are. We have an opportunity to create also suffered from poorly planned development. The something very special. Our open space inventory quality of our waterways has been compromised, consists of 1,500 preserved acres and our parks system is significant wildlife habitat has been lost, and air quality has largely comprised of our historic sites – Smithville Mansion been degraded. But most importantly, we are in jeopardy and the Historic Prison Museum. The Freeholders are of losing our sense of place. Development pressure has committed to creating a first-rate parks system. We have not lessened. We must act quickly to ensure that the rural actively engaged the public in the planning process so that character of our County is more than just a memory. the vision for the parks is one that is shared by all. The master plan outlined in the subsequent pages will The Freeholders recognize that in order to preserve the provide a parks and open space system designed to quality of life that attracts people to Burlington County, a preserve and protect our critical environmental, cultural, balance between growth and preservation must be sought. historic, and scenic resources while expanding passive This is reflected in the planning initiatives undertaken by recreational opportunities for all residents. the County, from its highly successful farmland preservation program, to the smart growth planning See you in the parks! studies in the Route 130 and Route 206 corridors.

William S. Haines, Jr. Freeholder

Burlington County Parks and Open Space Master Plan 2002 1 SECTION I: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Burlington County Board of meetings conducted during the conservation agencies, to preserve Chosen Freeholders has directed compilation of this plan and land areas. Unfortunately, the that this Parks and Open Space interviews with community leaders, resources of the County and its Master Plan be prepared to set forth non-profits, and other government conservation partners are not a short- and long-term strategy for officials. The strategic plan in the without limit. Suitable resources the acquisition of open space and subsequent text is a product of this must be used efficiently so that lands the development of a parks system effort to actively engage the public in are preserved and the parks system that will meet the region’s the creation of a vision for Burlington is developed in a meaningful recreational needs. County. manner.

To be effective, this “blueprint” must In Section III, the plan sets forth four With this in mind, the goals listed create a vision for the communities key goals that resulted from the above have been used in this of Burlington County and dialogue with the public: planning process to identify project recommend policies, actions, and areas that will be the near-term strategies to be implemented by not Create a County parks system focus of the County’s preservation only the County, but also by local, that expands public access to and parks development efforts. state and federal governmental diverse, passive recreational These areas are: agencies, as well as the private and facilities, non-profit sectors. This vision and Aggressively protect the County’s • Rancocas Creek Greenway — the recommendations must reflect significant natural resources, A 20-mile long interconnected, input from all of those entities, the Preserve and enhance the predominantly off-road trail communities at large, and the culture and heritage of Burlington system is envisioned along the general public. County, and Rancocas Creek. The trail will Coordinate park system run from the Delaware River to To that end, the Freeholders initiated development and open space Smithville Regional Park and a planning process that began by preservation with compatible beyond. At several locations, obtaining resident feedback through growth, preservation and “hub” sites will be developed with a public opinion survey. This survey recreation initiatives. various passive recreational assessed residents’ desires for the amenities. development of a County parks In order for the County to implement system. This information has been these goals, it must partner with augmented by public outreach other public and private land

Burlington County Parks and Open Space Master Plan 2002 2 • Delaware River Greenway — In development (i.e. abandoned scenic views from roads and trails cooperation with the National railroad rights-of-way and that should be preserved. Park Service, riverfront roadway improvements for municipalities, and non-profit bicycle compatibility). Potential Burlington County’s park system will organizations, Burlington County hub site development includes be developed with predominantly will help develop the Delaware the Arney’s Mount region of passive recreational amenities at River Heritage Trail - a 50-mile Springfield Township. regional hub sites, with a focus on loop trail in New Jersey and public access to waterways and Pennsylvania. Burlington County • Mason’s Creek/Rancocas connective “spoke” linkages from will also seek to acquire Creek, Southwest Branch site to site. Interpretive signs and properties for hub park Project Area — The focus in this programs will incorporate the development and improve public region is linkages to existing and County’s rich history and natural access to the Delaware River. proposed public/private open resources to “tell the story” of space projects, supplemented by Burlington County. To accomplish • Barker’s Brook Project Area — strategic hub site acquisition and this, park users can expect the This project area is development as necessary. following amenities to be developed predominantly in Springfield Burlington County envisions the within the County: Township, the core of the conversion of existing railroad County’s “Farm Belt,” and rights-of-way to multi-use trails to • Trails for hiking, biking and encompasses Arney’s Mount, the connect the populace to all horseback riding highest point the Burlington regions of the County. • Nature and wildlife viewing County. Activities will focus on opportunities the promotion of the County’s • Pinelands Project Area — The • Picnic areas agricultural heritage and may state and several conservation • Water recreation opportunities include acquisition of land that organizations will continue to • Open air amphitheaters would serve as a permanent focus their resources here. The • Horticultural garden facilities home for the County Farm Fair, County will assume a supporting • Play areas and a “working farm” to promote role with the intent of linking • Low impact camping facilities greater appreciation of the existing recreational facilities in County’s agricultural industry. the Pinelands. Unique recreational opportunities will Corollary to its Farmland be provided to the public at each Preservation efforts, the County Within these project areas, the hub park site. For example, in the will provide recreational access County will examine and identify to the Farm Belt through trail

Burlington County Parks and Open Space Master Plan 2002 3 an open-air amphitheater in This trail system will connect with Westampton will provide exciting internal park paths to expand possibilities for arts and cultural recreational options for park goers. programming. The construction of parks facilities is Park system connectivity will also be just the beginning of the County’s a key factor in facility development. commitment to a rewarding outdoor Interconnecting trails for a variety of experience for visitors. Proper recreational uses - and for maintenance of park properties and transportation alternatives - are a trail linkages will be critical to the proposed amphitheater, Westampton high priority. To link park properties, success of the park system. Thus, Burlington County proposes the the County will rely on its regional Rancocas Creek Greenway Project development of a trail network, planning experience and Area, Burlington County proposes to including: partnerships with municipalities, non- develop a system of interconnected profit organizations, and other trails around Smithville Lake, • Multi-use off-road trails, suitable entities to maximize resources and including a floating walkway at for hiking and biking more effectively and efficiently Smithville Regional Park in • Bicycle compatible roadways provide recreational opportunities to Eastampton Township. A non- • Water trails its residents. motorized boat launch will be the central feature of the new regional park in Hainesport Township, creating a half-day boat trip opportunity on the Rancocas Creek between Smithville and this site. Bird and wildlife observation opportunities will abound in the County parks system, particularly at Pennington Regional Park in Delanco Township where several observation blinds are proposed. At the Orchard Ridge Regional Park in Delran Township, formal ornamental gardens are proposed. In addition,

Burlington County Parks and Open Space Master Plan 2002 4 SECTION II: CHALLENGES AND ACHIEVEMENTS

Burlington County: Today, the County offers numerous facilities increases, while available A Brief Overview cultural activities ranging from visual land for new parks decreases. And and performing arts groups to a an active, aging population with As the largest county in New Jersey, multitude of festivals and special more leisure time will place even extending from the Delaware River events attracting thousands of greater demands on the County’s to the Great Bay, Burlington County people from throughout the park system. Furthermore, about has a wealth of diversity. Philadelphia/South Jersey region. 75% of the County’s population resides in the western half of the Its wetlands, scrub pine and oak The County’s great environmental County, whereas most of the woodlands, and Atlantic white cedar and cultural diversity continues to preserved pubic lands are in the forests shelter a wide variety of attract new residents. Burlington sparsely populated pinelands region, wildlife, while abundant creeks, County’s population has grown making ready access to passive estuaries and aquifers provide steadily in the last 20 years, rising recreation difficult. (See Appendix, essential water resources. 1 from 362,542 in 1980 to 423,394 in Map 2) 2000. By 2020, the County’s population is expected to increase to Meeting the Challenge: This vibrant environment has 2 fostered a rich history and culture. 500,000. Preservation Programs and The County’s strong agricultural Planning Initiatives The County’s population is also roots and the heritage of the Lenape aging. The overall median age rose and Delaware tribes are still evident, How is the County meeting the from 32.9 in 1990 to 37.1 in 2000. while the County’s role in the challenge of protecting its ecology, This is the highest increase in American and Industrial revolutions preserving its history and culture and median age among all counties in is preserved in numerous landmarks ensuring sufficient recreational New Jersey and nearly double the including several national historic opportunities in close proximity to all increase experienced statewide. treasures. (See Appendix, Map 1) of its residents?

As the population grows, not only Burlington County has several are natural resources threatened, initiatives to preserve farmland, but the demand for recreational 1 “Natural Resource Inventory,” a companion support park and local open space document to this report, provides a more detailed projects and spur regional planning. description of the County’s environmental 2 See the companion document, “Population resources. Characteristics.”

Burlington County Parks and Open Space Master Plan 2002 5 Farmland Preservation Program – protected. The plan recognizes that, recreational areas, and in addition to helping to secure the environmentally sensitive areas such The Freeholder Board created the future of the agricultural economy in as wildlife habitat, flood-prone areas, state’s first Farmland Preservation the County, the benefits of farmland and wetlands buffers. It does not Program in 1985 and can be preservation include protection of fund projects relating to the credited with preserving the first farm environmental resources such as permanent protection of agricultural in the Garden State. The program’s water, wildlife habitat, and air quality; lands. record of success is outstanding, prevention of the negative fiscal and by all measures, is the most impacts of sprawling development; Funded by a dedicated County trust successful farmland preservation conservation of rural landscapes, fund, this program provides cost program in the state. and a better quality of life now and share funding toward the purchase for future generations. price of a parcel of land, helping As of May 2002, Burlington County local governments leverage their has preserved more farmland than As is the case with open space own local open space tax dollars. any other county in New Jersey. preservation, the greatest challenge The County’s funding participation With state and municipal assistance, to the Farmland Preservation under the Local Program is currently the County has purchased the Program is time – preserving a projected to be equal to 25% of land development rights of 105 farms critical mass of agricultural lands in a acquisition cost. comprising more than 14,300 acres. narrow, five- to ten-year window of Within the Pinelands, an additional opportunity. Another significant and effective 3,125 acres of agricultural lands leveraging tool is the state Green have been preserved through the Local Open Space Program – Acres Program. Green Acres offers purchase of Pinelands Development up to 100% of a project’s cost Credits. By preserving agricultural Another County conservation through grants and loans. Under land, the program helps ensure that initiative is the Local Open Space recent legislation, municipalities with agriculture continues to be a Preservation Land Grant Program. a dedicated tax have the potential to flourishing industry in the County. Under this program, Burlington receive a 50% grant from the Green County awards grants to Acres Program for each approved In 1998, the Freeholder Board municipalities and non-profit project location. adopted a Farmland Preservation organizations to assist in the Program Strategic Plan that targets preservation of locally important Burlington County encourages over 40,000 acres of agriculturally open space, connected, recreational municipalities to apply for Green viable farmland to be permanently paths and greenways, woodlands, Acres funds to further leverage local stream corridors, active or passive and County preservation dollars.

Burlington County Parks and Open Space Master Plan 2002 6 projects at Smithville, including As of 2002, the Local Open Space “In every walk with nature, one restoration of significant structures, Program has helped nine receives far more than he streetscapes and landscapes, and seeks.” municipalities and two non-profits - John Muir construction of a new museum and preserve 25 parcels totaling 2,050 visitors center to enhance the acres. interpretation of this site.

County Open Space Program – Recent improvements include the installation of trails, fishing piers and In 1996, the Freeholders approved picnic facilities at Smithville an Open Space Preservation Regional Park, new handicapped Strategic Plan in conjunction with a lifts at the Prison Museum and public referendum to create a Smithville Mansion, installation of a dedicated fund for preservation of new exhibit at the Prison Museum farmland and open space. The plan and numerous restoration projects called for creation of an open space at Smithville. It is important to note system that dovetails with the County Park System – that many of these projects were Farmland Preservation Program. completed with the cooperation of The County park system presently the Friends of the Mansion at Since 1996, Burlington County’s consists of the historic and Smithville, H.B. Smith Industrial open space preservation efforts recreational properties at Smithville Village Conservancy and the Prison have taken root and grown. The Mansion, acquired in 1975, and the Museum Association, volunteer scope of the County’s programs has Historic Prison Museum, which groups that further the County’s expanded. The Open Space opened in 1966. The recently preservation efforts. Strategic Plan was amended to rejuvenated Prison Museum is a fine reflect the magnitude of the period example of innovative interior In addition to the projects mentioned preservation opportunities in planning and infrastructure design, above, other capital improvements Burlington County. As a result, more as well as a testament to reforms in are underway. In Westampton, a than 1,500 acres of open space criminal rehabilitation. Smithville, an new 500-750 seat outdoor have been preserved for future park early Victorian-era industrial village, amphitheater is slated to open in development. This master plan is in the midst of a major 2003 to provide a needed venue for supercedes the previously adopted revitalization. The Division of Parks arts and cultural events. Most Open Space Strategic Plan. within the Department of Resource notably, design and development of Conservation is working on several new park facilities is moving ahead.

Burlington County Parks and Open Space Master Plan 2002 7 When complete, this first round of recommendations for implementing Needs Assessment Survey – In new parks will increase developed the agreed upon goals. 2001, a needs assessment survey park acreage from 50 to over 600 was conducted to determine the acres of county-owned passive Burlington County and 12 views of County residents regarding recreation land and provide participating municipalities have leisure and recreational needs. Four residents and visitors with much prepared and are now implementing thousand residences were randomly needed trails, canoe launches, the Route 130 – Delaware River selected to receive a survey, of picnic areas, play areas and other Strategic Plan, the first consensus which 475 or 14% responded. outdoor amenities. plan to be approved by the New Those surveys, and a variety of Jersey State Planning Commission. focus groups, yielded the following Regional Planning Efforts – It is widely touted as a model for major findings: comprehensive land use planning in • Creation of nature trails and It is clear that preserving farmland New Jersey. Spurred by this biking paths are among the most and open space while accomplishment, the County important needs cited. accommodating growth can be recently initiated the consensus • Programs for the whole family better accomplished through planning process in the County’s are considered important. comprehensive land use planning. “Farm Belt” region for the • Conservation and preservation of Regional planning can be an development of a strategic plan for open spaces is a high priority. effective tool if it acknowledges New the northern Route 130 and Route • There is high interest in aquatics Jersey’s “home rule” tradition, which 206 areas. and access to waterways. gives each municipality sole • Preservation of county-owned authority to plan and zone its lands. Building on Success: historic resources is important. Master Plan Development Burlington County has long been an Additional public outreach in the advocate of consensus planning. With this land use and conservation forms of public meetings and Through the consensus planning framework in place, the Freeholder discussions with stakeholder groups process, the County brings together Board sought a master plan for a also provided support for the goals municipalities to formulate a regional County park system that will be used and objectives of the plan. strategic plan through discussion of and enjoyed by all residents. To mutual goals, constraints, help meet this challenge, County Public Outreach Meetings – During development trends, resources and residents were invited to participate the preparation of the Parks and infrastructure. The strategic plan in the plan development process. Open Space Master Plan, Burlington serves as a “blueprint” for the future The public outreach efforts are County reached out to the public for growth of the region and sets forth summarized in this section. input and suggestions. In Fall 2001,

Burlington County Parks and Open Space Master Plan 2002 8 following completion of the data and open space needs. Four distinct of these stakeholders not only to gathering and mapping phases of stakeholder groups were identified: further its preservation goals, but the master plan, pubic meetings municipalities, park user groups, also to further the development and were held in four regions in the land preservation agencies, and arts maintenance of the parks system. County. A second round of public and cultural organizations. The Therefore, their insight and outreach meetings was conducted in County hopes to partner with many participation in the preparation of this June 2002 after the draft plan and master plan was critical. parks concepts plans were completed. The meetings yielded valuable feedback on the draft plan, “We abuse land because we regard which has been considered in this it as a commodity belonging to us. final plan. When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect.” Stakeholder Meetings – During Fall - Aldo Leopold 2001 and Spring 2002, Department of Resource Conservation staff met with various groups to obtain additional feedback on recreational

School children were invited to create posters as part of the County’s public outreach efforts.

Burlington County Parks and Open Space Master Plan 2002 9 SECTION III: GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

In developing this plan, an GOAL ⇒ Create a County park Based on these goals, the specific overarching objective was to engage system that expands objectives of this plan are to: the pubic every step of the way. The public access to public outreach efforts, detailed in diverse, passive • Ensure that all residents Section II, generated valuable recreational facilities. have easy access to County insights. parks by developing GOAL ⇒ Aggressively protect greenways and recreational While residents, municipal officials, significant natural hubs as the framework for conservationists and developers resources. the County park system. voiced diverse opinions regarding lands that should be preserved or GOAL ⇒ Preserve and acquired for parks, and the types of advance the County’s amenities that should be offered, it culture and heritage. was relatively easy to discern common threads. GOAL ⇒ Coordinate park development and All agreed the County is a special open space place with diverse ecosystems and a preservation with rich history shaped in large part by compatible growth, its unique environment. In addition, preservation and all conceded there is limited public recreation initiatives. access, and our natural resources are at risk due to poorly planned development. These shared values The true measure of success of a yielded four primary goals that are park system is the number of people the basis of this plan. This section who routinely use it. Convenient describes those goals and access is a key factor in encouraging delineates specific objectives based use of a park system, and is a key on those goals. objective of this plan. To improve public access, it is important that County parks be linked with other

Burlington County Parks and Open Space Master Plan 2002 10 park properties and with residential roadways, will be developed to developable land mass of 211,298 and commercial centers. better link open space parcels. acres, the short- and long-term goals in the County are 3,626 and 13,336 • Acquire and develop acres, respectively, as indicated in sufficient open space and the “Open Space Needs & Deficits” What is a Greenway? parkland to meet current chart. Greenways are corridors of open and future needs. space that connect parks, institutional lands, waterways and In developing this plan, state nature preserves. In populated standards3 have been used as a areas, they can link with cultural, historic and transportation resources. baseline for determining the amount Greenways may offer public access of needed public outdoor or may limit or prohibit access where recreational lands. The “acreage to lands are environmentally sensitive population” method indicates the or inappropriate for public use. amount of County parkland Greenways can be of various widths, but often link a network of open required over the short term, based spaces similar to our system of on the current population. The highways and railroads. standard is 12 acres per 1,000 population. Another method – the balanced land use method – Burlington County proposes to measures long-term needs and create a recreational transportation deficits by estimating a percentage network to provide access to all of land mass which should be set regions of the County through the aside for public outdoor recreation. While these standards for parkland development of “green The standard is 7% of developed acquisition are nationally accepted infrastructure.” The proposed parks and developable lands within a and are useful in providing some system will consist of several county. context as to what a county’s open greenways with regional “hub” sites space need might be, it is important offering passive recreation and water Based on these standards, with a to realize that they fail to take into access, and “spoke” properties that County population in 2000 of account all factors. For example, the will link existing and future open 423,394 and a developed and space areas. In addition, other modalities, such as bike compatible 3 The two referenced methods are outlined in the companion document, “Parks & Open Space Inventory & Needs Assessment.”

Burlington County Parks and Open Space Master Plan 2002 11 Open Space Needs & Deficits (Acres) space. In targeting land for preservation, the County will focus on creating contiguous open space Short-Term Long- Existing Short- Long- corridors and interconnected Goal (Acres to Term Goal Open Term Term greenways, thus helping to preserve Population Space Deficit Deficit and enhance biodiversity. Method) In addition, the County intends to Burlington 5,081 14,791 1,455 -3,626 -13,336 protect, to the extent possible, County isolated, species-rich habitat areas, aquifer recharge areas, non-tidal wetlands, steep slopes, and other state’s calculation does not address the West, the bayshore to the East, environmentally sensitive lands the need for diverse locations and and the main stem of the Rancocas located outside of proposed uses. Presently, 95% of public open Creek traversing the center of the greenways and park project areas. spaces are in one region, and the County. majority of park properties are Burlington County has worked devoted to the same types of uses. Unfortunately, public access to closely with the New Jersey Consequently, meeting gross waterways is lacking. Improved Department of Environmental acquisition acreage targets does not water access will be achieved by Protection (NJDEP) and the New ensure an optimal parks system. developing trails, boat launch areas Jersey Conservation Foundation Haphazard open space preservation and waterfront amenities such as (NJCF) to inventory the County’s is just as undesirable as haphazard picnic areas and benches. natural and environmental development. Thus, the plan’s intent resources. Protection of threatened is to meet residents’ recreational • Enhance biodiversity and and endangered species, and water needs, regardless of total acreage identify and protect significant quality and quantity, are paramount requirements. environmental and natural in the acquisition of open space. resources best conserved • Develop park improvements through land preservation. The locations of threatened and with an emphasis on passive endangered species in the County recreation and water access. Large stretches of undeveloped have been identified by NJDEP’s lands provide far greater Threatened & Endangered Species Water resources abound in the opportunities for species to thrive Program, and their habitats identified County, with the Delaware River to than small pockets of “leftover” open by NJDEP’s Natural Heritage

Burlington County Parks and Open Space Master Plan 2002 12 Program. The NJCF combined this their watershed protection initiatives, Burlington County should call data and ranked habitats on a scale to help protect headwaters and attention to one of its great assets – of 1-10. The highest ranked habitats, aquifer recharge areas, and to help its views from the road. Roads that supporting or having the potential to improve water quality by eliminating provide visual or physical access to support a high number such species, potential sources of pollution such as extraordinary scenic, cultural, are illustrated in Maps 3a and 3b in stormwater runoff. recreational, or natural features will the Appendix. be submitted to the New Jersey The County will work closely with the Department of Transportation Water quality and quantity have lead agencies in each WMA to (NJDOT) for designation in been evaluated using NJCF rankings coordinate the County’s land accordance with the New Jersey of New Jersey Geological Survey conservation initiatives with Scenic Byways Program. (NJGS) data in conjunction with watershed protection priorities. Burlington County’s Watershed • Advance the County’s culture, Management Program. NJCF used character and heritage through groundwater recharge rates development of the County calculated by NJGS to rank park system. agriculture/grassland and upland forested areas that provide the best In Mount Holly, the Burlington (i.e. fastest) groundwater recharge.4 County Prison Museum, (interior, The highest ranked areas are below) a National Historic Landmark, illustrated on Maps 3a & 3b. is just one of several national historic treasures in the County. (See Map 1 • Incorporate and implement to in the Appendix) the extent possible, the • Identify and preserve areas of recommendations of County significant scenic beauty. watershed management plans. Scenic corridors and roadways not NJDEP requires the four watershed only offer pleasing aesthetics, they management areas (WMAs) in often include cultural, historic, Burlington County to develop open recreational or other features which space acquisition plans as part of help convey a sense of regional identity. These scenic areas can 4 Groundwater aquifer recharge was measured play a role in linking existing and by inches of rainfall that penetrate past the root proposed open space project areas. zone.

Burlington County Parks and Open Space Master Plan 2002 13 The County’s Native American • Coordinate historical, cultural • Coordinate land preservation heritage lives on at the Rankokus and recreational programming efforts with the Burlington Indian Reservation in Westampton, to strengthen the County’s County Farmland Preservation and its Colonial past is evident at tourism industry. Program to buffer agricultural numerous historic sites. Burlington areas and preserve agricultural County played a major role in the To date, no single organization has landscapes. American Revolution, supplying bog been recognized as a central iron for cannon forging, and clearinghouse for promoting County Burlington County is proud of its advanced the Industrial Revolution sponsored and community-based rural character and must take steps at Roebling in Florence and at arts and cultural events and for to preserve it. The creation of an Smithville in Eastampton. marketing the County as a tourist open space system that celebrates destination. In 2002, the the County’s culture and history will As stewards of these resources, the Freeholders created an Office of enhance the quality of life County must be a strong advocate Tourism within the Department of countywide. The public clearly for their protection, and highlight this Economic Development and supports this goal, as indicated in diversity, in concert with efforts to Regional Planning and hired a the County’s public outreach efforts. protect natural resources and Director of Tourism. This new office provide additional outdoor and the Department of Resource The County Farmland Preservation recreational facilities. Conservation will work in close Program will continue to coordinate cooperation to strengthen the with the many state, municipal and Interpretive signs should be erected County’s network of arts and cultural non-profit efforts to help retain to promote: organizations, promote special agricultural areas and preserve the • archeological sites (to the degree events, and market the County and County’s beautiful agricultural possible) its park system and programs. To landscapes. • historic viewsheds further these efforts, the County will • subject-related biking and driving work in concert with organizations Through close coordination of the tours, showcasing, for example, such as: county’s farmland preservation and the County’s Native American, • Historic Rancocas Valley parks and open space programs, the American Revolution, Quaker, Tourism Association County can help buffer active Victorian and Industrial • Delaware River Region Tourism farmlands from conflicting non- Revolution heritage. Council agricultural development, and • NJ Division of Travel & Tourism strengthen the effectiveness of these • South Jersey Cultural Alliance programs. • Arts & Business Partnership

Burlington County Parks and Open Space Master Plan 2002 14 • Advance compatible land use consider other conservation collaboration is expected to occur in plans adopted by municipal, initiatives and seek to target, acquire the targeting, acquisition, financing regional and state agencies. and develop lands in a way that and stewardship of these lands. effectuates other conservation Creation of a regional parks system agendas within the County. Other organizations active in and preservation of important open preserving open space in Burlington space present key opportunities to As mentioned, this plan dovetails County include the State of New further compatible land use with the County’s Farmland Jersey Green Acres Program, the agendas. Accordingly, the County Preservation Program by helping to New Jersey Pinelands Commission, will review the State Development protect non-agricultural lands, the Nature Conservancy, the New and Redevelopment Plan, and creating appropriate recreational Jersey Conservation Foundation, the regional and municipal plans opportunities, and protecting New Jersey Audubon Society and endorsed by the State Planning important viewsheds and the Trust for Public Land. The Commission, to determine how environmentally sensitive areas. County will, to the extent possible, those plans can be advanced coordinate with those entities to through the County’s efforts. This plan also supports the County’s create a comprehensive Local Open Space Program by conservation infrastructure upon Such plans include the Delaware creating more contiguous open which the future of the County’s River / Route 130 Strategic Plan, the space and links to locally important environmental and recreational Chesterfield Township Transfer of parcels including active recreation health will depend. Development Rights Program, and areas and historic sites. Non-profit the Route 130 Extension and Route conservation organizations as well • Advance directly and indirectly 206 Strategic Plan. Other plans to as municipalities participate in the related government and private be reviewed include municipal Local Open Space Program. sector programs. master plans, County and state transportation plans, and relevant For example, the Rancocas Other, less traditional government regional or state land use plans. Conservancy, dedicated to the and private sector initiatives also can preservation of lands adjacent to the benefit from this parks and open • Advance compatible Rancocas Creek, is preserving the space plan. For example, the parks conservation and recreation creek’s headwaters at Arney’s Mount system could connect with public initiatives. in Springfield Township. Given the transportation infrastructure to create shared objectives of the Rancocas new, inter-modal transportation Through this parks and open space Conservancy and the County parks opportunities. In addition, wetlands master plan, the County must and open space plan, a high level of mitigation projects, educational

Burlington County Parks and Open Space Master Plan 2002 15 facility development, brownfield among efforts on all levels, and “Let us move into the next initiatives, and the reclamation and capitalize on the leveraged millennium with hope, for without it reuse of beneficial materials such as resources resulting from such all we can do is eat and drink the dredge spoils may also dovetail with collaboration. last of our resources as we watch our planet slowly die. Instead, let this plan. us have faith in ourselves, in our Through a comprehensive and intellect, in our staunch spirit. Let To summarize, partnerships clearly integrated planning approach, the us develop respect for all living are essential to achieving the County’s parks and open space plan things.” County’s goals. This plan presents can achieve three specific - Jane Goodall tremendous opportunities to objectives: 1) further other coordinate efforts with other public governmental planning efforts, and private sector initiatives. 2) augment the agendas of other conservation agencies, and 3) Burlington County has an excellent advance compatible, but indirectly track record in forging partnerships related, programs and initiatives. with municipalities, state agencies and the private sector to create effective, comprehensive land use plans. The open space master plan will build on this wealth of experience to maximize the synergy

Burlington County Parks and Open Space Master Plan 2002 16 SECTION IV: PROJECT AREAS

This planning process was geographical area were identified. in this greenway. “Spoke” properties undertaken with the recognition that These Project Areas are: will link hub sites via primarily off- financial resources are limited. road trails. For example, Arney’s Despite best efforts to leverage tax Rancocas Creek Greenway Mount trail will take residents to the dollars, seek grants, partner with County’s highest elevation, and other entities, and employ innovative The Rancocas Creek Greenway Pemberton Borough’s Rails to Trails land acquisition strategies, the (Maps 4b & 4c) will consist of a 20- project will offer links to Lebanon financial resources may not be mile long, east-west multi-use spine State Forest. available to acquire the open space through the center of the County demanded by a growing population. linking communities from the To provide needed public access to Delaware River to Smithville the Rancocas waterway, the County Consequently, the County cannot be Regional Park and beyond. will provide canoe portages, public reactive and acquire land as it boat launches, docks, fishing piers, comes on the market or when the etc. threat of development looms. Staff time and financial resources must be Delaware River Project Area focused in order to achieve the goals and objectives of this plan. The Delaware River Project Area (Maps 4d & 4e) will provide a north- This plan’s goals and objectives south complement to the Rancocas were relied upon to determine Creek Greenway. This project area specific areas to concentrate the encompasses the Delaware River County’s resources most efficiently Heritage Trail, an initiative of the and effectively. Through an National Parks Service that exhaustive evaluation of population proposes to connect Palmyra and Existing County open space holdings growth trends, waterways, Trenton via a 25-mile bicycle/ will be developed as “hub” sites, environmentally sensitive areas, pedestrian trail. This trail parallels focusing on passive recreational open space and parkland, historic the Southern New Jersey Light Rail opportunities and water access. The and cultural sites and transportation Transit System, providing easy County is discussing with NJDEP the corridors, project areas meeting public access to all riverfront feasibility of developing Rancocas multiple goals within a limited communities. The project’s ultimate State Park as an additional hub site goal is to link with a similar trail to be

Burlington County Parks and Open Space Master Plan 2002 17 created along the Pennsylvania side special events that highlight the open space properties are planned, of the river, creating a 50-mile loop County’s diverse agricultural including links to the Rancocas trail. industry. Creek Greenway.

Municipal spur trails will entice Opportunities for the public to There is strong interest in creating a bicyclists and pedestrians to enjoy access preserved and active trail system that residents can use local attractions. Regional hub sites farmland are often limited. To for passive recreation and as a non- will focus on water access, island enhance public access and vehicular, alternative form of properties, and large, contiguous awareness of the County’s farming transportation, such as walking, parcels suitable for park heritage, the County will consider jogging, bicycle riding, etc. This will development. This plan offers an creation of a “working farm” in this primarily be achieved by converting excellent opportunity to capitalize on project area and will look to develop existing, abandoned railroad rights- the region’s wildlife protection and trails along the abandoned rails of of-way to multi-use trails. These viewing opportunities, such as the the Pennsylvania Railroad, trails optimally will connect with Burlington County Bridge connecting the Delaware River bicycle-compatible road projects, Commission’s Palmyra Cove Nature Project Area to the Arney’s Mount such as the abandoned railroad Center and the Taylor Nature spur of the Rancocas Creek right-of-way from Mount Holly to Preserve in Cinnaminson. Greenway. Medford, the “High Point to Cape May” bicycle trail project, NJDOT’s Barker’s Brook Project Area The Farm Belt also contains Route 206 bicycle route project and significant environmental resources. local trail projects, greenways, and This project is in the heart of the Partnering with conservation local recreational facilities and sites County’s Farm Belt, in Springfield organizations, including the State of of interest including the Lumberton Township. (See Map 4f) It is the New Jersey, to preserve wildlife Green and Medford Leas Arboretum. ideal setting to showcase the habitat will be considered. To supplement these linkages, County’s agricultural heritage, which Burlington County will seek to is featured at the Burlington County Mason’s Creek/Rancocas acquire and develop appropriate hub Farm Fair, an annual event drawing Creek, Southwest Branch sites. approximately 70,000 attendees. However, the fair has outgrown its This project area includes some of Pinelands Project Area present location in Lumberton. the more densely populated towns in Consequently, the County will seek Burlington County. (See Map 4g) The Pinelands comprise some of the to acquire land within this project Trail connections to existing and most environmentally significant area to host the Farm Fair and other proposed County and municipal lands in the world. The State of New

Burlington County Parks and Open Space Master Plan 2002 18 Jersey and numerous conservation Summary Based on acquisition guidelines, organizations have targeted these ranking criteria, and objectives of areas for preservation. Burlington The County believes that by focusing this plan, recommendations may be County does not foresee an active its attention on these project areas, it made for the County, state, role in preserving additional land in can provide residents with an municipalities, or other land the Pinelands for open space or abundance of recreational preservation organizations, alone or parks development. As warranted opportunities near their communities. in partnership, to acquire or protect and appropriate, the County will While the County will focus primarily those parcels. It is important to note focus its activities in this region on on these areas, parcels outside of that recommendations do not enhancing the efforts of others those areas that meet the County’s guarantee public acquisition. All through creation of trail connections, objectives may be considered on a County land acquisitions must be particularly along abandoned case by case basis. approved by the Burlington County railroad rights-of-way and provision Board of Chosen Freeholders and of other park amenities. are subject to availability of funds.

“A connected system of parks and parkways is manifestly far more complete and useful than a series of isolated parks.”

- Frederick Law Olmsted

Burlington County Parks and Open Space Master Plan 2002 19 SECTION V: PARKS VISION

A vibrant parks, open space, and recreation program is vital to the The focus of the Burlington County health and prosperity of all of the Parks System will be passive County’s communities. Active recreation. County parks will be recreation such as baseball, soccer designed to offer a pleasing outdoor and basketball, and passive experience – biking, hiking, recreation such as hiking, biking, picnicking, etc. – enhanced by canoeing, picnicking, and cultural, greater access to waterways historic and arts programs, wherever possible. The intensity of contribute greatly to the quality of development within each park will State and federal facilities in the life. vary. Those parcels preserved for County range from active day use protection of environmentally areas to lands for camping, hunting The County’s parks must be sensitive areas, such as wetlands or and hiking. Such activities are developed in concert with federal, other special habitat, may offer only associated with the preservation of state and municipal plans to achieve walking trails with observation local landscapes including forests, an overall balance in the parks points. special ecosystems, and other experience offered within Burlington unique sites. These activities County. The County’s historic sites will typically are within 30-45 minutes of continue to play a key role as the population centers. It is expected The County will look to municipalities parks system develops. Parks will that the NJDEP will continue to to provide active recreational center on promoting arts, culture and direct its resources to preserving and facilities. Municipalities are best history. protecting natural and cultural positioned to provide the resources of state significance for administration and maintenance The County also foresees mainly passive recreation. The required for active recreation, and environmental education to be a federal government continues its local programs can be tailored to major component of parks focus on nationally significant sites meet specific community needs. programming. Programs will be such as the Edwin B. Forsythe conducted in cooperation with local National Wildlife Refuge. school districts, conservation groups

and other governmental entities,

Burlington County Parks and Open Space Master Plan 2002 20 such as the Burlington County Soil • Special Use Areas • nature centers and wildlife Conservation District. viewing amenities When planning a parcel’s specific • picnic areas and shelters Essentially, the County will seek to use, ensuring the connectivity of • horticulture and garden facilities bring to light the most significant park properties will be a high priority. • equestrian facilities assets that Burlington County has to The types of pathways for users to • historic sites, museums and offer in the most rewarding, travel through the parks system to history-related programs convenient and efficient ways achieve this connectivity will include: • arts programs and events possible through development of a • park trails world-class parks system. • bikeways and connector trails • water and canoe trails As discussed, the recreation • all-terrain bike trails component of the parks system will • cross-country ski trails be greenway-based, with a “hub and • equestrian trails spoke” configuration to allow for regional centers of open space connected via on- and off-road trails. Motorized and non-motorized boat The priority, siting and development access to the Delaware River, of these facilities will be based on a Rancocas Creek and other suitable number of factors, including the waterways will be a priority in all suitability of the parcel, the parks designs. The Parkland and A full range of passive recreation availability of similar recreation Pathway Classification System opportunities will be incorporated facilities, community needs, and the detailed in Appendix B clearly where possible. As expressed by level of priority as expressed in the defines the range of recreation Burlington County residents in the needs assessment process. experiences, settings and amenities needs assessment process, visitors can expect throughout the potential amenities, facilities and This master plan includes concept Burlington County Parks System. programs should include: plans for four park properties. These The types of open spaces that will • age-appropriate play areas and park development projects, comprise the parks system will children’s gardens described below, include passive include: • exercise courses and trails outdoor recreation amenities, natural • Regional Parks • water/splash play areas resource conservation and water • Recreation Areas access that will be the hallmark of • open-air amphitheaters • Natural Resource Areas the parks system. • low-impact camping facilities

Burlington County Parks and Open Space Master Plan 2002 21 • Smithville Regional Park, • Winzinger Tract, Hainesport • picnic areas with group Eastampton (Maps 5a & 5b) (Map 6) shelters and playgrounds • new and improved trails for a • new trails for a total trail • drinking fountains total trail length of 4.4 miles length of 2.1 miles • formal garden area with • floating walkway on Smithville • picnic area with playground centerpiece water feature Lake and group shelter • boat launch facilities, with • picnic areas with playgrounds • drinking fountains floating docks, walkways and and group shelters • wildlife observation blinds concrete boat ramp • drinking fountains • canoe/non-motorized boat • parking facilities with security • rustic gazebos launch with small picnic area lighting • wildlife observation blinds • parking facilities with security • restrooms • canoe landing with small lighting picnic area • restrooms This design phase is the first step in • parking facilities with security a lengthy, phased development lighting • Pennington Regional Park, process. A broader discussion of • restrooms Delanco (Map 7) parks system development is • new and improved trails for a included in the Land Management & total trail length of 3.2 miles Resource Stewardship section of • picnic areas with group this plan. shelters and playground • drinking fountains Achieving the plan’s goals will take • centerpiece gazebo time and money but most importantly, the ongoing support and • wildlife observation blinds involvement of the public. The • parking facilities with security County remains committed to lighting seeking participation and feedback • restrooms from user groups, natural resource conservation groups, municipalities, • Orchard Ridge Regional Park, cultural and history groups, and park Delran (Anderson Tract) visitors. The long-term ability of the (Map 8) County parks system to meet the • new and improved trails for a recreation needs of County residents

total trail length of 3.1 miles depends on the continued input and support of parks users.

Burlington County Parks and Open Space Master Plan 2002 22 SECTION VI: LAND MANAGEMENT & RESOURCE STEWARDSHIP

Acquiring open space and To enable the public to enjoy the recreational use of County developing parklands are just the recreational lands their tax dollars waterways first steps in creating an open space are preserving as soon as possible, • reforestation of cleared lands network and parks system. The a phased development strategy will long-term viability of County be implemented. Basic facilities and Facilities Operation and recreational facilities and the amenities will be the first priority, Maintenance preservation of critical natural with latter stage improvements resources depend on several added as planning, trends, and Development of parklands and trails factors. These include: resources dictate. includes constructing facilities that • funding visitors can see - trails, picnic areas, • land and waterway management Land and Waterway restrooms, parking lots, etc. - and policies and practices Management Policies & less obvious infrastructure such as • facility operation and Practices plumbing, electrical systems, maintenance storage, etc. All must be integrated • partnerships Maintenance of preserved open into the park system in a way that space, recreational waterways, and ensures that construction of latter Funding County parklands will require well- park improvements does not conflict planned management activities. with the enjoyment of existing Creating a County parks system is a These include: facilities. This requires the long-term investment that requires • protecting and enhancing riparian development of operation and the best use of all available forest buffers maintenance plans that take into resources. While the voter-approved • preserving critical habitats by account all phases of construction. Open Space Preservation Trust establishing and maintaining Fund is the County’s primary funding successional fields and The construction of parks facilities is source for achieving many of the wildflower meadows just the beginning of the County’s plan’s goals, several state, federal • controlling invasive and non- commitment to a rewarding outdoor and non-profit agencies can help. native species experience for visitors. Proper • identifying stewardship maintenance of park properties and These funding sources are detailed responsibilities and establishing trails will be a critical aspect of the in Appendix C of this plan. relationships to provide Division of Parks operations and should be adequately funded. This responsibility will not decrease with

Burlington County Parks and Open Space Master Plan 2002 23 time. Usage patterns typical of a County will seek to work with further mutual goals. Potential county parks system will require an numerous organizations dedicated to partners include: ongoing commitment to ensure environmental stewardship. • Natural resource and future generations’ enjoyment and Activities ranging from trail environmental education groups safety. maintenance and park clean-up to • Trail advocacy groups historic preservation and • Historic preservation groups Partnerships environmental education can be • Arts and cultural organizations aided by volunteers and supported • Local, state and federal agencies Given the scope of this plan, the by a host of other groups. These County cannot accomplish its goals organizations will be called upon to alone. In addition to land provide valuable information, preservation partnerships, the expertise and volunteer resources to

“If we love our children, we must love the earth with tender care and pass it on, diverse and beautiful, so that on a warm spring day 10,000 years hence they can feel peace in a sea of grass, can watch a bee visit a flower, can hear a sandpiper call in the sky, and can find joy in being alive.” - Hugh H. Iltis

Burlington County Parks and Open Space Master Plan 2002 24 SECTION VII: FUNDING

Burlington County In addition to the County’s open expensive than outright fee simple space fund, there are a number of purchases. Regardless of interest, Open Space Tax Fund potential funding sources to help the County should seek to leverage implement the initiatives in this plan. its dollars by: Cost Sharing, Land The Burlington County Open Space, (See Appendix C) Swaps and Installment Purchase Recreation, Farmland and Historic Agreements. Preservation Trust Fund was created As discussed previously, Burlington by the Freeholders as a secure and County seeks to stretch its finances Cost Sharing - Burlington County dependable funding source for the as much as possible for land should attempt to access funding for preservation of farmland, open acquisition, parks development and open space projects from all eligible space and historic resources and for facility maintenance. sources, including: the development, improvement and • State of New Jersey, Green maintenance of the County’s park Land Acquisition Funding Acres Program, which system. This fund is supported by a provides up to 50% grant dedicated property tax. In 1996, Burlington County encourages local funding for open space voters approved by referendum a tax municipalities to preserve open acquisitions of 2 cents per $100 of assessed space through land use planning • New Jersey Environmental valuation, and in 1998 they tools at minimal cost to taxpayers Infrastructure Trust, which increased it to 4 cents. The former wherever possible. These tools provides low-interest loans for sunsets in 2011, and the latter include but are not limited to: zoning open space projects that sunsets in 2018. The 1998 ordinances protecting steep slopes, provide a water quality benefit referendum also expanded the transfer of development rights • Municipal/Non-Profit Cost approved uses of Trust Fund programs, stream buffer ordinances, Sharing, in which Burlington revenues to include preservation of and cluster development ordinances. County should seek host historic structures and sites and However, where open space municipality financial support development and maintenance of preservation must occur through and/or non-profit cost share, recreational facilities. The allocation acquisition, there are ways to where possible of funds among the approved uses is maximize available funds. If suitable determined annually by the to the end use of the property, less Freeholder Board. than fee simple interest should be

considered, as this is generally less

Burlington County Parks and Open Space Master Plan 2002 25 Land Swaps - In certain instances, Park Development Funding To address these needs with the Burlington County may have the limited resources available, the opportunity to expand its open space Parkland acquisition is the first big Freeholders will, on a case by case holdings through the exchange of step in building the County parks basis, review requests for property with local entities. system. Developing the required preservation-related Trust Fund recreation infrastructure and assistance that will protect and Installment Purchase Agreements - providing the desired amenities for enhance historic properties, Another tool to extend open space each class of parkland and trail can structures and/or buildings. Local funds is the use of installment be equally challenging. To achieve governmental agencies and non- purchase agreements (IPAs). In this, a phased development strategy profit groups that own or wish to certain instances, an IPA may will be used to maximize available acquire an historic property in the provide income tax benefits to the funding options. County are eligible. Approval of 5 seller. The benefit to the County is these requests will be at the sole that instead of paying a lump sum at Historic preservation is an important discretion of the Freeholder Board settlement, the principal is withheld element embodied in the goals and and are subject to the availability of for several years. During that time, objectives of the master plan. As funds. installment payments (interest) are noted above, the 1998 voter made semi-annually to the seller. At referendum approved an increase in While the Trust Fund is the a later, predetermined date, the the County’s dedicated tax fund and backbone of the County’s acquisition balloon principal payment is expanded its allowed uses. Specific and development financial structure, provided to the seller. Thus, the provision was made for use of the a host of state, federal and non-profit County reserves a large part of its Trust Fund for historic properties, avenues are available. These acquisition funds, which can sites and objects that should be include: generate interest and be used for preserved. While the County intends • TEA 21/Transportation other acquisitions. that the major portion of the Trust Enhancements Program Fund revenues allocated for historic • National Recreational Trails preservation go toward Program improvements at Smithville Regional • NJDEP Green Acres Program Park and the Historic Prison • NJDEP Clean Lakes Program Museum, the Freeholders recognize • NJDEP Tree Planting Grant the preservation needs of historic • Local Aid for Centers of Place 5 It is important to note that all sellers should sites countywide. • National Boating Infrastructure seek the advice of a tax attorney and/or financial Grant Program advisor to determine the tax implications of any land transaction.

Burlington County Parks and Open Space Master Plan 2002 26 • Garden State Historic It is important to understand that this available for this purpose in the year Preservation Trust Capital Grant responsibility will not decrease with 2072. If the acquisition of open Program time. While park designs will space is deferred to the future, the • Save America’s Treasures address maintenance efficiency, County’s goals will not be met. The normal “wear and tear” will require County has a critical window of Facility Maintenance Funding an ongoing commitment to ensure opportunity in the next five to ten future generations’ enjoyment and years to preserve a significant The construction of parks facilities is safety at County parks. amount of open space before the just the beginning of the County’s character of its remaining commitment to a rewarding outdoor Bonding undeveloped lands is threatened. experience for parks visitors. Proper maintenance of park properties and Burlington County has the ability to Accordingly, Burlington County has trail linkages will be a critical aspect utilize bond funding for land committed to an aggressive of the Division of Parks operations acquisition and parks development acquisition schedule and backed and should be adequately funded. projects. Debt service on these that up with dedicated tax funds to bonds could be covered by the permit annual acquisitions. The Funding options for this aspect of existing Trust Fund, thereby County is seeking to stretch these park system operation are somewhat leveraging available funding. resources as far as possible by limited. Aside from volunteer seeking municipal and state Green assistance, grant programs such as Future Funding Availability Acres cost sharing. In addition, the National Recreational Trails Burlington County is exploring the Program, NJDEP Clean Lakes Since 1996, Burlington County has use of Environmental Infrastructure Program, and the New Jersey Tree acquired roughly 1,226 acres of Trust funds for portions of Planting Grant Program offer parkland, or an average of environmentally sensitive lands. financial support. The maximum approximately 175 acres per year. awards however are small in At this rate, it will take 70 years to comparison to the need. As a result, achieve the County’s long-term parks maintenance will primarily be recreational open space acreage funded through a portion of the goal, based on the state’s standards. dedicated open space tax and the Unfortunately, it is highly unlikely County’s operating budget. that there will be sufficient land

Burlington County Parks and Open Space Master Plan 2002 27 Therefore, this plan recommends consideration of the sale of general obligation bonds, with the associated debt service to be paid by the dedicated open space tax revenues, in order to help meet the County’s recreational needs. Burlington County also will continue to diligently seek out new grant and loan opportunities as well as partnerships with non-profits and public agencies to maximize existing resources.

The acquisition and development of suitable lands to satisfy both the short- and long-term goals of this plan will be a challenge. In addition, maintenance of parks facilities is a significant, on-going expense. The end cost is unknown at this time as the target acreage and number and types of facilities to be developed have not been finalized. However, it “When it is asked how much it will is likely that the acquisition, cost to protect the environment, improvement and maintenance of one more question should be several thousand additional acres of asked: How much will it cost our land to meet the County’s long-term civilization if we do not?” open space needs will easily outstrip - Gaylord Nelson available resources.

Burlington County Parks and Open Space Master Plan 2002 28 SECTION VIII: RECOMMENDATIONS

General Recommendations 5. To the extent possible, included on the Agricultural

Burlington County should Targeting List, to buffer 1. The Parks and Open Space develop and improve agricultural and other Master Plan should be connectivity between existing incompatible uses and adopted as an element of the and future public - and preserve important Burlington County appropriate private - open agricultural landscapes. Transportation/Highway space. Master Plan. 9. The County should assess

6. Open space acquisitions and and implement objectives of 2. The Plan should be reviewed development should be other County, local, state, periodically to incorporate coordinated with preservation federal and non-profit regional planning initiatives initiatives of other agencies, initiatives pertaining to (such as the Route 206 study including but not limited to: transportation, economic and watershed management the state, non-profits, development, redevelopment, plans), so it can be a living counties, and municipalities. housing, and farmland document that will grow and preservation, that are change with the County’s 7. Burlington County should compatible with the plan’s needs. increase tourism through park goals.

system development, 3. Burlington County should coordination of cultural 10. The County should further maximize partnerships with programming, and regional land preservation through other open space marketing initiatives. smart growth and land use preservation agencies to planning techniques including, expand funding opportunities. 8. Efforts of the County Open but not limited to, transfer of

Space Program should be development rights and 4. Burlington County should coordinated with the Section 44 reservations. work with appropriate staff Farmland Preservation Municipalities are encouraged and outside agencies to Program to preserve parcels to use the County as a identify, map, and develop within the Agricultural resource to help implement viewsheds and areas of Development Area but not land use planning initiatives. significant beauty.

Burlington County Parks and Open Space Master Plan 2002 29 Project Area 5. Burlington County should 3. The County should develop an Recommendations seek bikeway planning and Historic Preservation Plan to funding assistance through identify preservation goals, 1. Burlington County should NJDOT and Cross County actions, needs and seek partnerships with other Connection’s Transportation partnerships countywide. land preservation agencies to Management Association. 4. The County Division of Parks acquire properties that meet 6. The County should initiate should create site-specific the objectives of the plan. discussions with appropriate operations, maintenance and 2. The County should review agencies to obtain “special programming plans for each and modify, as necessary, use” area designation for park park property. existing property ranking improvements planned along 5. The County should develop systems with the help of the wetland/riparian corridors. partnerships and coordinate County Open Space Advisory 7. The County should initiate efforts with natural resource, Committee to conform with discussions with the state environmental education, trail the plan’s objectives. Division of Parks & Forestry advocacy, history/historic 3. Each Project Area should be to ensure that necessary park preservation, arts/cultural studied further to determine improvements are completed organizations, and municipal, specific parcels to be targeted and to secure a long-term state and federal agencies. for acquisition in conformance management agreement at These organizations will be with the plan’s goals and Rancocas State Park. called upon to provide objectives. valuable information, expertise Park System Development and volunteer resources to 4. Burlington County, including Recommendations further shared goals. the County Engineering Department, should work with 1. The County should update the 6. The County Division of Parks, state and independent Historic Sites Survey pending in cooperation with the County transportation agencies to availability of funds. Engineering Department, design, permit, and construct should comprehensively plan structural improvements to 2. The County should create a and obtain grants for address conflicts with existing County Trail Plan to identify trail/transportation roadways and greenway linkages and comprehensively improvements.

implementation. guide trail development.

Burlington County Parks and Open Space Master Plan 2002 30 APPENDIX ‘A’ access to the property may or may agreed upon and a transfer of full ACQUISITION PROCESS not be granted. title of the property is made in exchange for the negotiated Purchase of Development Rights compensation. There are some Land use planning can assist variations including installment communities in achieving their open The purchase of development rights purchase, where the principal space preservation goals, at little or is a form of conservation easement purchase price is deferred for a no expense to the taxpayer. where the difference in value of the specific time period (usually to However, land acquisition combined highest and best use of the provide some tax benefit to the with land use planning is essential to undeveloped land before and after seller) and less than market value achievement of preservation goals. the creation of an easement sale, where the owner donates part Land acquisition can take several restriction is paid to the owner. of the sales price. In fee simple forms, including conservation Specific restrictions and rights on the acquisitions, public access is easements, purchase of use and development of the property typically permitted. development rights, fee simple or are agreed to by the owner. The public-private partnerships. development rights may be either Public-Private Partnerships

retired or sold for use in the Conservation Easement development of other parcels. This In addition to the preservation of

is the typical method used in the open space by units of government, A conservation easement is a legal farmland preservation program and through land planning and tool that sets forth certain restrictions also has applications in the open acquisition, considerable lands can or that grants certain rights on the space program. Depending on the be preserved by private conservation use and development of usually end use after the purchase of organizations. These privately private property. Easements may be development rights, public access to owned parcels contribute to the purchased or donated by the owner the property may or may not be overall quality of life by augmenting to an agency willing to hold them. granted. protected open space. In order to Local and other government maximize accumulation of land agencies, some environmental Fee Simple through private organizations, the commissions, non-profit County, where appropriate, will form organizations and private land trusts This is the simplest method for all informal partnerships and work may hold easements. The holder of parties concerned, but can also be closely with such organizations in the easement agrees to perform the most costly. A price, based on their procurement of open space. periodic inspections to ensure the an appraisal and establishment of easement provisions are met. Public fair market value, is negotiated and

Burlington County Parks and Open Space Master Plan 2002 31 The County Acquisition County study potential parcels to assist the appraiser to establish Philosophy determine specific properties to be value of their property. pursued for open space acquisition. The County has a number of land Also at this time, an environmental acquisition tools available to choose A ranking system similar to the assessment of the property is from in order to preserve land. existing format developed by the conducted to determine if there are Depending on the proposed end use County Open Space Advisory any areas of environmental concern, of a property, the County can pursue Committee will be developed so that such as historical pesticide use, a fee simple or less than fee interest parcels identified as candidates for hazardous materials, etc. in a targeted property. For example, open space preservation can be outdoor recreational lands evaluated and ranked. Upon completion of these reports, anticipated to have heavy public the Freeholder Board may authorize use/access will typically be fee After a parcel is ranked, it is initiation of negotiations with the simple acquisitions. presented to the County Open property owner. Acquisitions are Space Advisory Committee anticipated to be on a ‘willing Negotiations are anticipated to occur (COSAC) for review and seller—willing buyer’ basis. based on the ‘willing seller—willing recommendations. If COSAC However, after reasonable offers buyer’ model. However, the determines that the County should have been rejected and negotiations condemnation of land will be pursue acquisition, its are exhausted, the County may considered in instances where the recommendation is forwarded to the consider condemnation of land in acquisition of a specific parcel is Board of Chosen Freeholders. If the instances where the acquisition of a deemed necessary to the success of Freeholder Board authorizes County specific parcel is deemed necessary the recreation/open space program staff to proceed with potential to the achievement of the Plan’s and all reasonable offers to acquisition, the County contacts the goals and objectives. purchase have been rejected and property owner. negotiations have been exhausted. Once the County successfully Professionals are engaged to negotiates with a property owner, a How does the County prioritize its perform real estate valuations for the Contract of Sale is prepared and acquisitions? Utilizing the mapping interest and area sought by the settlement on the property generated by the County’s G.I.S. County. During this process, transaction can be scheduled. staff, the County has identified the property owners have the proposed project areas. Within opportunity to provide any those project areas, it is information that they believe would recommended that Burlington

Burlington County Parks and Open Space Master Plan 2002 32 APPENDIX ‘B’ topography, extent of forestation, and to unique features or facilities, which PARKLANDS AND PATHWAY a certain degree, recreation trends. distinguish it from other parks and attract visitors from throughout the CLASSIFICATIONS & The recreation services and facilities County and region. These features may RECREATION SERVICES that will be typical of Burlington include water access/services, nature AND FACILITIES County’s Park System will be passive interpretation, amphitheaters, and sites Burlington County Parks System recreation-oriented. This focus is in of historic, cultural, scenic, or keeping with the role of a county system archeological significance. Regional Parklands Classifications, Pathway and the public’s desires as expressed in Parks will typically be connected to Classifications, and Recreation the needs assessment survey. other park properties via trail and Services and Facilities pathway networks. Regional Parks Parklands Classification typically will be 100 acres or larger. As the County’s Parks and Open Space Master Plan indicates, Burlington A parkland classification system is a Recreation Areas County’s Parks System will seek to useful tool in identifying the variety of address many of the most critical park types. Most basically, this label Recreation Areas are intended primarily development issues for its communities, informs the user about what one can to provide outdoor recreation facilities in specifically open space preservation, expect in terms of recreation a natural setting, although they do not County watershed management, and opportunities, setting and environment. generally contain a large the recreation needs of Burlington It also provides a method to assess the environmentally sensitive area. County residents. As part of this types of land that should be acquired to Recreation Areas typically have a mix of process, determining the types and meet the recreation needs as expressed facilities such as boat launches, canoe intensity of parkland use is one of the in the current and future needs livery, and nature centers, which would first critical steps in a comprehensive, assessments conducted to maintain the attract regional users. Recreation Areas system-based approach to resource vitality and responsiveness of the will be significantly smaller in acreage conservation. Burlington County Park System. The than a Regional Park and will typically parkland classification system is as be connected to other park properties The following parkland classification follows: via trail or pathway networks. and pathway classification system will provide a method for designating the Regional Parks Natural Resource Areas most appropriate usage types and describe the typical recreation services Regional Parks typically combine the Natural Resource Areas primarily serve and facilities for each class of land. It is functions of Recreation and Natural to protect the natural environment. This intended to be used as a guideline. It is Resource Areas, providing a mix of includes, but is not limited to, water- important to remember that a variety of recreational opportunities and facilities related natural resources, water-quality issues are considered in classifying while preserving a majority of the park and watershed management, mature parkland, including land features, in a natural, undeveloped state. woodlands, noteworthy plant or wildlife Typically, each Regional Park has some habitats, geological features, and/or

Burlington County Parks and Open Space Master Plan 2002 33 scenic landscapes and viewsheds. Any rights-of-way, and scenic/historic routes Pathways can also provide commuter development should be non-intensive provide a tremendous opportunity for all linkages suitable for bicycle commuting and should be limited to the support and trail types. purposes. The type of trail and its enhancement of nature-oriented design should reflect the anticipated outdoor recreation, including activities As in parkland development, a system- magnitude of commuter use. This will such as nature interpretation, bird- wide approach to pathway development vary from the "bicycle freeway" type to watching, hiking, fishing, trail uses, and is critical. As such, there are several park trails designed with a lesser limited picnicking. Natural Resource important elements in developing park magnitude of use in mind. In each case, Areas will typically be connected to trails. They are: the appropriate use will be clearly other park properties via trail and indicated via signs and maps. pathway networks. • Preparing a comprehensive park and trail system plan that clearly The pathway classification system is as Special Use Areas defines the routing of park trails, follows: especially those within greenways. Special Use Areas typically serve a • Acquiring the desired land or A. Park Trails (types I, II, and III) specific purpose or meet a single- establishing trail easements at an purpose recreational need that is not early stage of community Park trails are multipurpose trails readily incorporated into a Regional development. located within greenways, parks, and Park. Special Use Areas may include • Establishing appropriate natural resource areas. They are the marinas, arboreta, program-specific development policies (backed by most desirable type of trail because recreation facilities as well as historic, municipal ordinance), requiring land they: cultural, scenic, or archeological sites. developers to incorporate • emphasize harmony with the natural greenways and park trail corridors environment, Pathway Classifications into their development plans in • allow for relatively uninterrupted accordance with the trail system pedestrian movement to and Pathways accommodate lightweight, plan. through the County’s park system slower moving, and non-motorized • Establishing design standards that and development areas, including, forms of transportation. A pathway define how park trails are to be built. where necessary, through classification system reflects the need Trail design should coincide with municipal, commercial and industrial to plan for light traffic facilities that are standards adopted by local and property, intrinsically tied to the park, open space, state departments of transportation • effectively tie the various parks and and general land use/transportation and AASHTO (American recreation areas together to form a system within Burlington County and, Association of State Highway comprehensive park and trail where feasible, to neighboring regions Transportation Organizations), as system, and in a comprehensive fashion. Previously appropriate. All trails should comply • protect users from urban developed areas, abandoned railroad with the Americans with Disabilities development and associated beds, run-down waterfronts, utility Act design criteria. vehicular traffic.

Burlington County Parks and Open Space Master Plan 2002 34 The three types of park trails described B. Connector Trails (types I and II) existing road rights-of-way and utility are intended to accommodate walkers, easements or along artificial drainage bicyclists, and in-line skaters. Given Connector trails are located in ways. The two classes of connector their attributes, park trails are at the top elongated and usually continuous strips trails are intended to accommodate of the trail classification hierarchy. They of land or water under public control walkers, bicyclists, and in some should be considered the preferred trail through ownership, easement, or other instances, in-line skaters. type and used to the greatest extent agreement. These trails are located in possible. land that may serve both conservation Connector Trail Types: There and recreation needs. They often are two types of trails under the It is important to remember that multi- occupy natural corridors such as connector trail classification: use trails do not necessarily include streams, ridgelines, and woodlands or equestrian or motorized, off-road man-made corridors such as railroad • Type I trails are used in vehicle use. The compatibility of horses and utility rights-of-way and low volume situations where use and ATVs with hikers and bikers is very roads. Connector trails should be patterns dictate separate limited due to safety, erosion and planned to connect other park sites and paths for pedestrians, aesthetic concerns. activity centers and to expose users to bicyclists, and if necessary, interesting views and unique natural in-line skaters. An example Park Trail Types: There are features. would be a trail within the three types of trail under the park trail shoulder or right of way of a classification: Connector trails are multipurpose trails collector street or parkway. that emphasize safe travel for • Type II trails are suited to • Type I trails are used in pedestrians to and from parks and lighter use patterns, such as situations where use around the community. The significant a link between a parkway or patterns dictate separate difference between connector and park thoroughfare and a nearby paths for pedestrians, trails lies largely in their location. Park housing development. bicyclists, and in-line skaters. trails emphasize a strong relationship • Type II trails are more with the natural environment within a The type used depends on application. suited to lighter use patterns. park-like setting, while connector trails • Type III trails are suited for or recreation connectors emphasize C. Bikeways (bike routes and lanes) low-impact areas such as safe travel for pedestrians and bicyclists nature preserves. to and from parks and around the Bikeways are paved segments of community. In addition to park areas, roadways that serve to safely separate The type used depends on application. connector trails may be located within bicyclists from traffic. They come in the

Burlington County Parks and Open Space Master Plan 2002 35 form of bike routes and bike lanes. The • Competitive athletes – those who systems will preclude this from distinction between the two is a matter bicycle competitively. happening in the future. of exclusivity. While bike routes are essentially paved shoulders or The needs of these user groups are Bike routes (paved shoulders) segments of the roadway that serve to distinctly different from those using park should be used in all other separate bicyclists from traffic, bike or connector trails for recreational situations. lanes are designated portions of the purposes. The distinction is that of roadway for the preferential or exclusive speed. At speeds in excess of 10 to 15 D. Water/Canoe, All-Terrain Bike, use of bicyclists. mph, the safety of a typical trail user Cross-Country Ski, Equestrian (and bicyclist) becomes important. and Motorized Off-Road Vehicle Bikeways play a large role in bicycle Although some commuter type trails are Trails commuter networks and should be specifically designed to accommodate designed with this type of use in mind. higher speeds, the vast majority of Water/canoe, all-terrain bike, cross- The bikeway system should be recreation-type trails are not. Given country ski, and equestrian trails are extensive enough to allow for this, it is important that the inherent similar to park trails in that they reasonable movement within the County differences in user groups be emphasize a strong relationship with the and provide connection to routes both recognized and that trails not be used natural environment. They are most inside and outside the County. as direct substitutes for bikeways (or often located within natural resource Bikeways should be considered along vice-versa). Bikeways should be areas, greenways, community parks all collector, minor arterial, and (on a planned as stand-alone systems that and special use facilities. Since regional limited basis) major arterial roads. connect to the off-street trail system. and state parks often develop and Naturally, their development should maintain these types of trails, the need coincide with new road construction and Types of Bikeways: There are for them at the local level is often upgrading. Signage is also important. two types of bikeways: bike routes and limited. The following defines some of bike lanes. Whether a bike route or the considerations with respect to each It is important to recognize that bike lane is used depends on trail type. bikeways serve distinct user groups application and opportunity. including: Water/Canoe Trails: With water access • Commuters – those who use their Bike lanes should be used in identified as a high priority in the bicycle as a means to get from point situations where traffic volumes County’s Parks Needs Assessment A to B as expeditiously as possible. are heavy enough to warrant process, it is only natural to develop a Their trips can be viewed as clear separation between trail component that utilizes one of substitutes for vehicle trips when bicycles and vehicles. Although Burlington County’s most valuable and planning light transportation ways. an adequate right-of-way may beautiful resources. As such, canoe or • Fitness enthusiasts – those who not always be available in water trails will be used to create cycle for fitness as well as existing transportation systems, necessary linkages and opportunities recreation. proper planning in evolving for users to vary their park experience. Several critical issues beyond basic

Burlington County Parks and Open Space Master Plan 2002 36 access must be addressed in set track, while skate-ski style requires appeals to a wide range of age groups establishing canoe trails. These include a wider packed and groomed surface. with varying skill levels. Trail standards adequate water depth, safe passage, Trail lengths vary considerably, with to meet these needs continue to evolve. length of trip, portages, rest areas, loops ranging from a few to 10 or more This evolution, unfortunately, has not information, and potential user conflicts. kilometers. Since quality and safety are been without conflict – most of which These issues will all be addressed important to all skiers, a few well- centers around the potentially negative through a variety of coordinated state, groomed trails are preferable to impacts of motorized off-road trail use County, municipal and non-profit extensive but poorly maintained ones. on the environment. Uncontrolled and stewardship efforts to ensure safe and Trail design should coincide with the undisciplined use of established trails enjoyable water-based recreation. standards developed by regional park poses the biggest problem. There can agencies and state resource agencies. be serious conflicts and safety problems All-Terrain (Mountain) Bike Trails: These trail types will be incorporated to if equestrian riders, hikers, and Off-road mountain biking has become a the degree that local weather conditions bicyclists share these trails. To the very popular activity that appeals to a allow. degree possible, trail design should wide range of age groups with varying coincide with the standards being levels of skill. Trail standards to meet Equestrian Trails: Equestrian trails are developed by regional park agencies these needs continue to evolve. This usually grass or woodchip surfaced. and state resource agencies. In fact, evolution, unfortunately, has not been Trail length varies considerably, with motorized off-road vehicles should without conflict – most of which centers loops extending out 10 miles or more. be prohibited from using park around the potentially negative impacts In some instances, cross-country ski system trails until suitable trail of mountain biking on the environment. trails are used for horseback riding design standards and management Uncontrolled and undisciplined use of during the summer. There is no specific practices are in place. An alternative established trails poses the biggest standard for how many miles of trail venue for this activity is the creation of a impediment to mountain biking should be developed within a given Special Use Area. This controlled acceptance. There can be serious community. Trail design should setting may provide the most conflicts and safety problems if coincide with standards adopted by reasonable solution to this recreation equestrian riders, hikers, and bicyclists regional park agencies and state activity and should be explored. The use these trails. To the degree possible, resource agencies. It is important to creation of this facility type through trail design should coincide with the remember that the multiple use of trails brownfield redevelopment should be standards being developed by regional does not necessarily include equestrian explored. park agencies and state resource use. The compatibility of horses, hikers agencies. and bikers is very limited due to safety, erosion and aesthetic concerns. Cross-Country Skiing Trails: These types of trails come in a variety of types Motorized Off-Road Trails: Motorized and widths to accommodate two off-road trail use, although relatively different styles: diagonal or traditional new on the recreation scene, has and skate-ski. Diagonal style requires a become a very popular activity that

Burlington County Parks and Open Space Master Plan 2002 37 APPENDIX ‘C’ Eligible projects: Open space acquisition and Eligible applicants: Regional comprehensive outdoor recreational facility development planning or health organizations and FUNDING SOURCES Project Categories: The Green Acres program coalitions of municipal, county governments administers four basic land preservation and/or local or county environmental programs: commissions, watershed and water resource COUNTY associations, nonprofit organizations

State acquisition program (land Eligible projects: Burlington County Open Space Trust Fund o preservation initiated by the State); a. Category I – Management

Practices The trust fund is supported by a dedicated tax of o Grants/Loans to municipal and Projects that implement BMPs four cents per $100 of assessed valuation in any county governments (to assist in which have been proven to given year. This funding is estimated at about specific land preservation and work either in the proposed $8.6 million per year. The following 14 recreational development projects); project area or in another area municipalities also have open space trust funds of similar environmental supported by a dedicated tax: Bordentown Twp., o Planning Incentive Grants program conditions Eastampton, Edgewater Park, Evesham, (provides grants/loans to county b. Category II – Education and Hainesport, Lumberton, Mansfield, Medford, and municipal governments to fund Outreach to Critical Audiences Moorestown, Mt. Laurel, North Hanover, preservation of land included in a Projects that provide Southampton, Springfield and Westampton. detailed local open space mechanisms that teach people

preservation plan); and to implement BMPs or NPS Contact: Burlington County Dept. of Resource Pollution Management Conservation – 856-642-3850 o Nonprofit matching grants program Programs

(Green Acres provides nonprofit Required Match: Funds in the amount STATE organization with a matching grant equivalent to at least 20% of the total project

to help fund fee simple, easement amount required, and may consist of cash, New Jersey voters approved a referendum in purchases, or recreational in-kind services, or a combination of both 1998 to dedicate $98 million annually in state development). Contact: Kimberly Cenno, Office of taxes toward land preservation over a 10-year Environmental Planning at 609-633-1179 period. The Garden State Preservation Trust Contact: NJDEP Bureau of Green Trust Act, passed in1999, allocates $55.2 million Management – 609-984-0570 4. New Jersey Office of Environmental annually for Green Acres Acquisitions of open Services Matching Grants Program space, parks and greenway, $36.8 million 2. New Jersey Local Coastal Planning Grant Eligible applicants: Local environmental annually for farmland purchases, and $6 million Program agencies annually for historic preservation projects. The Eligible applicants: Municipalities and Eligible projects: Projects that promote the legislation also established the Garden State counties. protection of natural resources by Preservation Trust, a nine-member board that Eligible projects: Projects that promote documenting those resources, preparing receives applications and approves projects sustainability and environmental protection policy recommendations to protect those submitted by Green Acres and the State in the coastal zone. The program is resources, and by preparing and Agriculture Development Committee twice a dependent on the availability of funds. disseminating information about the ways in year. This and other state administered Contact: Dorrina Frizzera, Coastal Planning which the public can participate in protecting programs are outlined below. Unit, Office of Environmental Planning, the environment. Examples of previously NJDEP, at 609-777-3251. funded projects include: natural resource Programs Administered by the NJ inventories, water quality studies, master Department of Environmental Protection 3. New Jersey Office of Environmental Planning Non-point Source Pollution plan and zoning amendments, open space 1. New Jersey Green Acres Control and Management Implementation plans, greenway planning, and public Eligible applicants: Municipalities and counties (Section 319(h) Grants) education programs.

Burlington County Parks and Open Space Master Plan 2002 38 Maximum grant: $2,500 Eligible applicants: Municipalities and Contact: Dave Johnson, NJDEP, Required match: At least 50% counties located in the coastal zone Community Forestry Program, 609-292- Application Round: Typical deadline is early Eligible projects: To acquire storm-damaged 2532, [email protected] December for awards in following year property for storm protection and recreation Contact: 609-984-0828 and conservation purposes 11. NJ Environmental Infrastructure Trust Contact: NJDEP, Bureau of Green Trust Eligible applicants: Municipalities and 5. NJDEP Clean Lakes Program Management, 609-984-0570, counties Eligible applicants: Municipal, county and [email protected] Eligible projects: The NJ Environmental regional government agencies Infrastructure Financing Program offers Eligible projects: Projects that improve the 8. Green Communities Challenge Grants financing at half the prevailing market recreational water quality at public lakes 2000 interest rate for publicly owned projects that Maximum grant: Up to 70% USEPA funding Eligible applicants: Municipal and county preserve and enhance water quality. for Phase I Diagnostic Feasibility Projects; governments Financing is available to help communities up to 50% state funding for Phase I Eligible projects: To help local government purchase land for open space preservation. Diagnostic Feasibility Projects. Up to 50% agencies implement urban and community Headwaters, stream corridors, wetlands and USEPA funding for Phase II Implementation forestry projects. These projects are aquifer recharge areas are among the types Projects; up to 75% state funding for Phase provided under four themes: Program of land that are eligible for financing. II Implementation Projects Development, Implementation, Tree Application round: Project sponsors should Application round: Typically September 1 Maintenance and Research Projects contact NJDEP before October 1 to receive each year Contact: Dave Johnson, NJDEP, financing for the following year. Contact: Bud Cann, Supervising Community Forestry Program, 609-292- Contact: NJ Environmental Infrastructure Environmental Specialist, Water Monitoring 2532, [email protected] Trust, 609-219-8600 or NJDEP 609-292- Management, 609-292-0427 8961, www.njeit.org 9. National Recreation Trails Program 6. National Recreational Trails Act Program Eligible applicants: Government and non- 12. 1992 Dam Restoration & Inland Water – Administered through NJDEP, Division profit landowners Projects Loan Program of Parks and Forestry, Office of Natural Eligible projects: To provide financial Eligible applicants: Local government, Lands Management assistance for developing and maintaining private lake associations Eligible applicants: public agencies and trails and trail facilities. Trails can be for Eligible projects: To provide low-interest nonprofit organizations non-motorized, multi-use and motorized loans to assist in the funding of dam Eligible projects: Trail proposal must be purposes. restorations, flood control projects, water located on land that is publicly owned or Contact: NJDEP, Natural Lands pollution control projects and water-related privately owned with a government agency Management, 609, 984-1339 recreation and conservation projects. holding an easement or lease for public Contact: John Ritchey, PE, NJDEP, Dam access. Projects must be completed within 10. New Jersey Tree Planting Grant Safety Section, 609-984-0859, 3 years. Eligible applicants: Volunteers, municipal, [email protected] Maximum grant: $25,000 county or state agency Match required: 20% of total project, may Eligible projects: To positively impact local Programs Administered by the NJ be cash or fair market value of labor or areas by planting trees on land owned or Department of Transportation materials controlled by state, county or local Application round: Varies yearly governments. This is achieved by 13. Transportation Enhancements (TEA-21) Contact: Office of Natural Lands supporting and encouraging the Eligible applicants: Municipalities, counties, Management, 609-984-1339 development of Community Forestry non-profits, State agencies Programs that will raise awareness of the Eligible projects: TEA-21 will provide grants 7. Coastal Blue Acres Grants & Loans benefits of trees and tree cover in the local for the following transportation-related community or county. projects:

Burlington County Parks and Open Space Master Plan 2002 39 a. provisions for pedestrians and bicycles Eligible projects: Development of management of recreation sites, resources infrastructure for transient, non-trailerable and programming. Operates as a safety and education programs for b. vessels, 26 feet or more in length clearinghouse to service requests for pedestrians and bicyclists Maximum grant: Tier 1 - $100,00 per state; technical assistance to local governments c. scenic easements or historic site Tier 2 - competitive through available resources. acquisition Match required: 25% Contact: DCA, Office of Recreation, 609- d. scenic or historic highway programs Application round: Deadline for State 292-9807, www.state.nj.us/dca e. landscaping and other scenic submission to US Fish & Wildlife Service – beautification September 30, 2002 19. Recreation Opportunities for Individuals Contact: Melody Lee Winder, NJDOT, with Disabilities f. historic preservation Office of Marine Resources, 609-530-4770 Eligible applicants: Municipalities and g. rehab of historic transportation buildings counties h. preservation of abandoned railways Programs Administered by the NJ Eligible projects: To provide funding corridor Department of Community Affairs assistance to local units of government for both short-term and special events and i. control and removal of outdoor ads 16. Athletics for Individuals with Disabilities continuous recreational services for j. archeological planning Eligible applicants: Nonprofit athletic individuals with disabilities. k. environmental mitigation of storm water organizations Contact: DCA, Office of Recreation, 609- and auto-wildlife mortalities Eligible projects: To provide grants to 292-9807, www.state.nj.us/dca l. establishment of transportation related increase the availability of athletic events for museums. individuals with disabilities by assisting and Historic Preservation Programs Contact: Robert Goslin, NJDOT, Local encouraging statewide nonprofit Government Services, 609-530-3640, organizations in sponsoring sports training 20. Garden State Historic Preservation Trust www.state.nj.us/dot/ and athletic competitions for people with Capital and Management Grants disabilities. Eligible applicants: County, Municipal, non- 14. Local Aid for Centers of Place Contact: DCA, Office of Recreation, 609- profit Eligible applicants: Centers designated by 984-6654, www.state.nj.us/dca Eligible projects: Grants for the planning, the State Planning Commission preservation, improvement, restoration, Eligible projects: Pedestrian and bicycle 17. Community Recreation for Individuals stabilization, rehabilitation and protection of facilities; scenic or historic transportation with Disabilities historic properties. Must be owned by program (including waterfront access); Eligible applicants: All county, municipal, or tax-exempt non-profit. parking and circulation management; Eligible projects: To provide in-service Contact: Harriette Hawkins, New Jersey adaptive reuse of railway corridors; training and education to community and Historic Trust, 609-984-0473, www.njht.org landscaping/beautification of transportation state agency personnel to develop, related facilities; rehabilitation of implement or improve recreation services for 21. Historic Preservation Revolving Loan transportation structures. individuals with disabilities. Program Contact: Robert Goslin, NJDOT, Local Contact: DCA, Office of Recreation, 609- Eligible applicants: County, municipal or Government Services, 609-530-3640, 292-6243, www.state.nj.us/dca tax-exempt non-profit www.state.nj.us/dot/ Eligible projects: Loans for the preservation, 18. Recreation and Park Department improvement, restoration, stabilization, 15. National Boating Infrastructure Grant Assistance rehabilitation and protection of historic Program – Administered through NJDOT, Eligible applicants: Community recreation properties. Office of Marine Resources and park departments Contact: Harriette Hawkins, New Jersey Eligible applicants: State, alone or in Eligible projects: Assist community Historic Trust, 609-984-0473, www.njht.org partnership with local entities recreation and park departments with the initiation, development, administration and

Burlington County Parks and Open Space Master Plan 2002 40 22. Historic Preservation Certified Local towns such items as park benches, picnic o Nonprofit matching grants Government Grants tables, bird baths, storage sheds, and other program (SADC provides Eligible applicants: Only CLG municipalities standard items normally associated with nonprofit organization with a may apply public recreational facilities. The items are matching grant to help fund fee Eligible projects: Certified local government manufactured by the correctional facility, simple or easement matching grant funds may be used to providing both training skills and work to purchases). promote historic preservation projects such inmates, while providing low cost products to

as municipal master plan elements, historic government agencies for community use. A FEDERAL resource reports, NJ and National register catalog and price list is available upon

nominations and other plans for the request. 1. Land and Water Conservation Fund protection of historic resources. Contact: Joe Demattea, DOC, Southern Eligible Applicants: State blends LWCF Contact: George Chidley, NJDEP, Historic State Correctional Facility, 1-800-321-6524 funds with Green Acres funding. Preservation Office, 609-984-6017, Eligible projects: Acquisition of land for parks [email protected] Programs Administered by the NJ State and recreation; development and Agriculture Development Committee redevelopment of recreation and park 23. Grants to Support NJ History 26. Farmland Preservation facilities; providing riding and hiking trails; Eligible applicants: These programs are enhancing recreation access; conservation aimed at the promotion of NJ history Eligible The SADC administers five permanent of natural resource areas. projects: Four separate grant funds are farmland preservation programs: Contact: NJDEP Green Acres, Steve available: Jandoli 609-984-0499; National Park a. general operating support grants o Fee Simple Purchase (SADC Service, www.ncrc.nps.gov/lwcf,. b. research, publication and media grants purchases a farm outright and c. special projects grants resells it at public auction with 2. Forest Legacy Program d. mini-grants. agricultural deed restrictions); Eligible Applicants: Private forest Contact: Mary Murrin, NJ Historical landowners. To qualify, landowners are Commission, 609-292-6062, o Direct State Easement required to prepare a multiple resource [email protected] Purchase (SADC purchases management plan as part of the

development rights directly conservation easement acquisition. In Programs Administered by the NJ from the farmer/landowner); addition to gains associated with the sale or Department of Corrections donation of property rights, many

o County Easement Purchase landowners also benefit from reduced taxes 24. Paying Communities Back Program (SADC provides county with associated with limits placed on land use. Eligible applicants: Municipalities, counties grant to help fund the purchase Eligible projects: The program focuses on Eligible projects: Provides inmate labor of easement from the acquisition of partial interests in privately details in a wide variety of supervised farmer/landowner); owned forest lands. FLP helps the states projects. These have and may include, develop and carry out their forest building of children’s playgrounds, park o Planning Incentive Grants conservation plans. It encourages and cleanup, park restoration, and other such (SADC provides municipality supports acquisition of conservation related activities. and/or county with grants to easements, legally binding agreements Contact: Bill Freeman, DOC, Corrections, help fund the purchase of transferring a negotiated set of property 609-984-7414 easements from rights from one party to another, without

farmers/landowners to removing the property from private 25. Southern State Industries Program preserve blocks of land ownership. Most FLP conservation Eligible applicants: Municipalities included in a detailed local easements restrict development, require Eligible projects: Provides at minimal cost, farmland preservation plan); sustainable forestry practices, and protect recreational products to interested cities and and other values.

Burlington County Parks and Open Space Master Plan 2002 41 Match required: The federal government required. Acceptable uses of the land will be printed and audio-visual interpretative may fund up to 75% of program costs, with spelled out in detail and approved, and may materials, building paths or bridges and at least 25% coming from private, state or include hunting, fishing, timber harvest, and other creative projects local sources. haying or grazing, depending on the Maximum grant: $2,500 Contact: USDA Forest Service, Cooperative situation. Required match: None Forestry, P.O. Box 96090 Application round: Ongoing, open sign-up in Application round: Applications typically due Washington, D.C. 20060-6090, Phone: 202- New Jersey began October 1, 1996 December 31 of each year 205-1469, [email protected] Contact: Tim Dunne, Resource Contact: 703-525-6300 Conservationist, USDA, 908-735-0733 3. Wetlands Reserve Program of the USDA 2. Dodge Foundation Natural Resources Conservation Service 4. Environmental Protection Agency Eligible applicants: Non-profit organizations (NRCS) Environmental Education Grants Program with 501 (c) Eligible applicants: Landowners (NRCS Eligible applicants: Government agencies, Eligible projects: Projects that fit under the determines final eligibility) school districts, colleges or universities, foundation’s “Public Issues” category that Eligible projects: Land with the potential to nonprofit organizations, and noncommercial focus on issues of sustainability, ecosystem contribute to desired ecosystem functions educational broadcasting entities preservation, energy conservation, pollution and values fitting into one of the following Eligible activities: Include, but are not limited prevention and reduction, and environmental categories: agricultural lands with restorable to: Training educators; designing and education and outreach that lead to wetlands, former or degraded wetlands demonstrating field methods, educational enlightened environmental policy. occurring in range and forest production practices and techniques, including Maximum grant: Grants generally range land, riparian areas that connect with assessing environmental and ecological from $10,000 to $100,000 protected wetlands along streams or other conditions or specific environmental issues Required match: None waterways, adjacent lands that will or problems; designing, demonstrating or Application round: A one-page letter of contribute significantly to the wetland disseminating environmental curricula; and inquiry by the applicant is encouraged to functions and values, previously restored fostering international cooperation in determine if a project falls within the wetlands under a State or Federal addressing environmental issues and foundation’s guidelines. Applications for restoration program, privately developed problems in the United States, Canada Public Issues Grants must be post-marked wetland areas meeting NRCS restoration and/or Mexico. by September 15 of each year. standards. Maximum grant: 25% of available funds Contact: 973-540-8442 Maximum grant: The program offers must go to small grants of $5,000 or less, landowners three options to choose from maximum limit of $250,000 for any single 3. Environmental Endowment for NJ when enrolling; a permanent easement, a 30 grant. Eligible applicants: Preference for nonprofits year easement, and a cost-share agreement Required match: A minimum of 25% of total with 501(c)(3) designation, but other in lieu of requiring an easement. Easement cost of project required nonprofits also eligible payment is for the agricultural value of the Application round: Varies yearly Eligible projects: Research, litigation, public land, an established payment cap, or an Contact: 212-637-3671 education and other activities that will amount offered by the landowner. promote the conservation, preservation and Restoration projects are fully funded by the FOUNDATIONS improvement of the air, land, water and NRCS for permanent and 30-year other natural resources. easements, and are funded 50 – 75% for 1. Conservation Foundation American Maximum grant available: $20,000 non-easement agreements. Greenways Dupont Award Required match: None Required match: 25-50% for non-easement Eligible applicants: Primarily nonprofit Application round: Typically announced in agreements. Landowner is responsible for organizations, although individuals and local November with applications due in January protecting and maintaining the wetlands governments may apply Contact: Richard Sullivan, President, 609- within the boundaries of the easement. Eligible projects: Mapping, assessments, 737-9698 Public access to the easement area is not surveying, conferences and design activities,

Burlington County Parks and Open Space Master Plan 2002 42 4. New Jersey Conservation Foundation time and/or money contributed from the project Matching Mini Grant Program group to be served. Required match: None, but the Foundation Eligible applicants: Nonprofit organizations Application round: No yearly deadline; prefers to make grants for projects that such as emerging land trust, citizen groups proposals are reviewed quarterly receive support from several sources and and greenway planning groups Contact: 201-509-9883 that do not depend upon the Foundation for (organizations do not need nonprofit status) total funding Eligible projects: Land planning, land 7. Victoria Foundation Application round: Accepts grant requests acquisition, conservation easements Eligible applicants: Non-profit organizations throughout the year Maximum grant available: $5,000 with 501(c)(3) status Contact: Geraldine Wang, 215-988-1830 Required match: 50% Eligible projects: For land acquisition – Application round: Typically announced in projects must be eligible for consideration by October or November, applications due 4 to the State Green Acres Program, must have 6 weeks after announcement passed their initial screening process and Contact: Beth Davison, 908-234-1225 must be in active consideration by Green Acres. Special consideration is given to 5. Pew Charitable Trust projects that will protect wetlands and Eligible applicants: Organizations classified transition areas, farmland, critical wildlife as nonprofit under section 501(c)(3) of the habitats, headwaters, exceptional IRS Code, and as charitable under 509(a) of ecosystems, watershed lands, and aquifer that Code recharge areas. Other eligible projects Eligible projects: Projects whose goals are involve environmental education and to reduce the use and production of highly leadership training, environmental research, persistent toxic substances that adversely public education and advocacy, and affect the environment and public health, resource conservation in New Jersey. and projects that halt the destruction and Maximum grant: Land Acquisition – grants further degradation of forest and marine may be used toward all or part of the 50% ecosystems in North America. match for Green Acres grants, usually up to Maximum grant: Majority of grants range $500,000. Other projects generally range from $50,000 to $250,000 from $8,000 to $50,000 Required match: None Required match: Land acquisition – Green Application round: Proposals accepted year Acres; other grants – No round and reviewed on rolling basis Application round: Ongoing Contact: 1-800-634-4850 Contact: Nancy Zimmerman, 973-748-5300

6. Schumann Fund for New Jersey 8. William Penn Foundation Eligible applicants: Non-profit organizations Eligible applicants: Non-profit organizations with 501(c)(3) status with 501(c)(3) status Eligible projects: Projects that support Eligible projects: Projects that support the protection of natural resources, goals of promoting open space preservation, environmental quality and wildlife. promoting development, maintenance and Maximum grant: No maximum was stated in use of natural areas within the Philadelphia the foundation’s annual report, but precious region, and that support environmental environmental protection grants ranged from education $10,000 to $80,000 Maximum grant: Grants range from a few Required match: None, but preference thousand to several million, depending on given to proposals indicating a high level of size of the organization and the scope of the

Burlington County Parks and Open Space Master Plan 2002 43 APPENDED MAPS

Map 1 – Historic & Cultural Sites in Burlington County – with Key

Map 2 – Recreation Opportunities in Burlington County

Map 3a – Environmentally Significant Regions in Burlington County

Map 3b – Environmentally Significant Regions of the Rancocas Creek

Burlington County Parks and Open Space Master Plan 2002 44 COMPANION DOCUMENTS

SCHOOR DEPALMA’S BACKGROUND REPORTS

• Parks & Open Space Inventory & Needs Assessment • Population Characteristics • Natural Resource Inventory • Preservation Options • Parks & Recreation Funding Options

REFERENCED DOCUMENTS

• State Development & Redevelopment Plan • Route 130 / Delaware River Corridor Strategic Plan, October 1998 • Burlington County Open Space Strategic Plan Acknowledgements: Amendment, April 2001 • Burlington County Farmland Preservation Program This report was prepared by staff at the Strategic Plan, September 1998 Burlington County Department of Resource Conservation with assistance from Schoor • Burlington County Farmland & Open Space DePalma Inc., and printed on recycled Preservation Programs, Plan of Finance, Sept. 1997 paper at Burlington County College. • Report of the Burlington County Parks Dept., Contributors include Tami Bozarth, Jennifer Needs Assessment Survey, Management Bulava, Susan Craft, Amy Collings, the Learning Laboratories, April 2001 Cooperative Extension Service, the • Rancocas Creek Greenway Implementation Plan Delaware Valley Regional Planning for the Main Stem, DVRPC, December 1996 Commission, Julia Gandy, Matt Johnson, Jeff Kerchner, Larchmont Elementary • 2002 DVRPC Rancocas Greenway Plan (pending) School of Mt. Laurel, the New Jersey • Delaware Valley Region of Burlington County, Conservation Foundation, Jennifer Otter, New Jersey Future Development Patterns, 1960 Mary Pat Robbie, Ralph Shrom, Carol Thomas, Kathy Shumway-Tunney and Laurie van Genderen.

Burlington County Parks and Open Space Master Plan 2002 45

KEY: HISTORIC and CULTURAL SITES

HISTORIC SITES 29 Ivins-Conover House 57 Smith Mansion HISTORIC DISTRICTS 1 Alice Paul Birthplace 30 J.F. Budd Baby Shoe Factory 58 Smithville Mansion A Arneytown 2 Amos Evans House 31 Jacob Wills House 59 St. Mary's Episcopal Church B Atsion Village 3 Arney's Mount Friends Meetinghouse 32 John Inskeep Homestead 60 St. Stevens Episcopal Church C Batsto Village 4 Barzillai Newbold House 33 Jonathan Haines House 61 Stokes-Evans House D Beverly National Cemetary 5 Birmingham School 34 Kirby's Mill 62 Taylor-Newbold House E Bordentown Historic District 6 Bishop-Irick Farmstead 35 Lawrence House 63 Thomas French Jr. House F Burlington Historic District 7 Bordentown meetinghouse/museum 36 Medford (Main St) Meetinghouse 64 Thomas Hollinshead House G Crosswicks 8 Breidenhart 37 Medford (Union St) Meetinghouse 65 Thomas Smith House H Eayres Plantation & Mill Site 9 Burlington County Prison Museum 38 Moorestown Friends School & 66 Vincentown Meetinghouse Meetinghouse I Moorestown Historic District 10 Charles Stokes House 39 Moorestown Meetinghouse 67 Westfield Meetinghouse J Mt. Holly Historic District 11 Cinnaminson & Spring Garden St. 40 Morris Mansion and Mill 68 William & Susan Evans House School K Pemberton Historic District 12 Colmantown Meeting House 41 Mount Holly Meetinghouse 69 William R. Allen School L Rancocas Historic Village 13 Cooper House 42 New Jersey Manual Training and Industrial School CULTURAL SITES M Recklesstown 14 Coopertown Meetinghouse 43 North Pemberton Railroad Station 70 Burlington County Footlighters N Riverton Historic District 15 Copany Meetinghouse 44 Oakwood 71 Center for the Arts in Southern NJ O Roebling Historic District 16 Cropwell Friends Meetinghouse 45 Old Town Hall 72 Creations Art Gallery P Vincentown Historic District 17 Crosswicks (Orthodox) Meetinghouse 46 Peachfield 73 Creative Hang-Ups Q Whitesbog Historic District 18 Crosswicks Meetinghouse 47 Pearson-How House 74 Lenape Performing Arts Center 19 Dr. James Still Office 48 Philadelphia Watch Case Company 75 National Ballet of NJ Building 20 Easton Meetinghouse 49 Point Breeze 76 Perkins Center for the Arts 21 Evesham Friends Meetinghouse 50 Providence Presbyterian Church 77 Seven Feathers Museum & Cultural Center 22 Farmer's Hall 51 Quaker School 23 Fenwick Manor 52 Rancocas Meetinghouse Note: Historic sites not mapped include: 24 Francis Hopkinson House 53 Red Dragon Canoe Club Thomas & Mary Evans House, Evesham 25 Gen. Edward S. Godfrey House 54 Rosebud Farm James & Charles B. Holloway Farm Complex, Chesterfield 26 Green Hill Farm 55 Schoolhouse William & Susannah Newbold House, Georgetown Shamong Hotel, Chatsworth 27 Hanover Furnace 56 Singleton-Latham-Large House Moorestown Town Hall 28 Isaac Collins House Upper Springfield Meetinghouse, Wrightstown Crosswicks Creek Site III, Bordentown City Bead Wreck Site, New Gretna Benjamin Cooper Farm, Moorestown John Irick House, Burlington Benjamin Jones House, Pemberton