Burlington County is teaming with Evesham Township and the New Jersey Conservation Foundation to protect an ecologically-sensitive property next to the Black Run Preserve.
The Burlington County Commissioners voted Wednesday to adopt a resolution authorizing a cost-share partnership with the township and nonprofit group to preserve the 835-acre Samost property.
Located between Kettle Run, Tomlinson Mill, Kenilworth and Egret roads in Evesham, the property is part of the New Jersey Pinelands and the source of the Black Run, an important freshwater tributary that feeds into the southwest branch of the Rancocas Creek. The property also has critical habitat for numerous native species, including the threatened Pinelands tree frog.
“Burlington County values our natural environment and it’s become more important than ever to preserve our green open spaces for current and future generations,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Dr. Felicia Hopson. “Preserving the Samost property will protect an important water source and critical habitat for Pinelands plants and animals. It will expand Evesham’s Black Run Preserve and provide additional opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy passive outdoor recreation in the Pines.”
The New Jersey Conservation Foundation is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving land and protecting natural resources throughout New Jersey. Since 1960, the organization has helped preserve more than 140,000 acres of open space, farmland and parks, and it manages more than a dozen nature preserves, including the 9,400-acre Franklin Parker Preserve in Tabernacle and Woodland Township.
The organization has been interested in preserving the Samost property for over a decade and is hopeful the support offered by Burlington County and Evesham will allow it to reach a purchase agreement with the land’s owners.
Burlington County’s resolution authorizes up to $5 million of County open space funds for the proposed purchase.
"Thanks to early funding commitments, like this one from Burlington County, we are very optimistic that we will be able to move toward reaching an agreement with the landowner," said Robyn Jeney, New Jersey Conservation Foundation's South Jersey Regional Manager. "We are so grateful to our partners and supporters who have rallied to protect this ecologically important property. Here's to continuing this momentum with the goal of ensuring these 835 forested acres remain open space for generations to come."
Evesham leaders strongly support preserving the land and say the town has offered to take responsibility for cleanup and stewardship of the property. The township already maintains the adjacent 1,300-acre Black Run Preserve. Acquisition of the Samost property will create a preserve of over 2,000 contiguous acres, one of the single largest parcels of locally preserved open space in Burlington County.
“The Black Run Preserve is an environmental treasure enjoyed by Evesham residents and visitors from across Burlington County and South Jersey. We take the responsibility of being good stewards of the land very seriously and we are committed to extending the same devotion and care to the Samost property’s unique and special landscape,” said Mayor Jaclyn Veasy.
“We recognize the importance of this property and the potential harm that any kind of substantial development might cause,” added Councilwoman Heather Cooper. “We want to eliminate this threat and ensure this land is protected now and forever.”
“This is a large piece of property that is among the most environmentally-precious in the region,” said Evesham Deputy Mayor Dr. Krystal Hunter, the Council liaison to the township’s Environmental Commission. “Permanently preserving this property is the best way to protect it and keep it natural for current and future generations to enjoy.”
Preserving the property could also provide additional opportunities for passive recreation, including hiking, mountain biking and wildlife viewing.
Currently, Burlington County is studying possible routes for more than 50 miles of regional trails through central and southern areas of the county. The goal of the Southern Regional Trails Study is to identify feasible routes to link the County’s existing trails with local municipal trail networks, parks and other destinations, including ones in Evesham like the Garden State Beagle Club property, Savich Field, Arrowhead Park and the Black Run Preserve.
Many of the new trails being studied would need to be approved by the New Jersey Pinelands Commission.
Burlington County Commissioner Deputy Director Allison Eckel said preserving the Samost property would benefit Burlington County and Evesham, regardless of whether it is used for the trail network.
“Our board has prioritized protecting the natural environment and promoting sustainability, so I’m excited we’re taking this step to partner with Evesham and the New Jersey Conservation Foundation to try to save such an important natural landmark,” said Commissioner Eckel, the liaison to the County Department of Resource Conservation and Parks. “I’m also excited about the possibilities for extending County trails south into parts of Mount Laurel, Medford and Evesham. This would make natural areas of the Pinelands more accessible for everyone, including those with mobility challenges. We believe this can be done responsibly and we hope to work with Evesham and NJCF to make this land accessible and preserve what makes it so special.”