Community News

A Sept. 23 closing was held on 74 acres of land in Hillsborough Township, deeded to the Somerset County Open Space program by land owner John Higgins.  The acquisition was completed through a partnership between Somerset County, New Jersey Conservation Foundation and Hillsborough Township. 

New Jersey Conservation Foundation secured an option agreement to purchase a total of 78 acres from Mr. Higgins, which was transferred to the County.  Hillsborough Township has committed to contributing $500,000 toward the county's preservation of the land.  The county anticipates closing on the remaining four acres later in the year, which will include the demolition of two dilapidated structures. 

The property will remain largely in its natural state as part of the Sourland Mountain Preserve. The county and New Jersey Conservation Foundation will work together to develop a management plan to promote the protection of natural resources and public enjoyment of the land.

Located near the intersection of Wertsville and Montgomery Roads, the property is contiguous to other open space lands acquired by Somerset County in recent years and will encourage the expansion of the Sourland Mountain Preserve to the Hunterdon County border, where many local, county and nonprofit preservation initiatives are currently underway.