TOMS RIVER — Ocean County voters will be asked in November to consider increasing the dedicated tax that funds the county’s Natural Lands Trust Fund, a program officials say has helped preserve more than 30,000 acres of open space and more than 3,600 acres of farmland since it was formally created in 1998.
The Ocean County Board of Commissioners plans to place a referendum on the ballot seeking to raise the fund’s rate from 1.2 cents to 2.2 cents per $100 of total county equalized real property valuation. County officials said the additional money would support future land preservation, conservation, recreation and historic preservation efforts.
“Over the last 30 years, while the open space tax has remained the same, the cost of purchasing and preserving the land has continued to rise,” Commissioner Director Frank Sadeghi said. “This proposed increase would allow for additional funding to support the continued land preservation and conservation efforts throughout the county.”
Commissioner Robert S. Arace said the county’s continued population growth has made preservation a priority. He said Ocean County had the highest population change among New Jersey’s 21 counties, according to the 2024 census survey, and that preserving land helps protect the county’s natural character. Arace said the program has also helped save environmentally sensitive areas, create buffers near Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst and limit some development.
Nearly 47% of Ocean County, or about 186,000 acres, has been preserved as open space, including federal, state and county lands, officials said.
The Natural Lands Trust Fund began after county voters approved the creation of a dedicated preservation fund in 1997. The measure was supported by voters in all 33 municipalities. The advisory committee overseeing the program was established the following year, when guidelines were developed for reviewing properties for possible preservation.
The program was expanded by voters in 2019 to allow funding for the acquisition, development and maintenance of land for recreation and historic preservation purposes.
Properties considered for preservation must be formally nominated, purchased only from willing sellers and approved by the local governing body. County officials said properties must also have environmental features that support the goals of the program.
Ahead of the referendum, the county has launched a website with information about land acquisition, cleanup and maintenance projects, habitat restoration work and possible future grant opportunities. More information is available at co.ocean.nj.us/frmOpenSpace.aspx.
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