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.
County commissioners voted on Nov. 12 to adopt a resolution authorizing a cost-share partnership with the township and the nonprofit foundation 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,” explained 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 dedicated to preserving land and protecting natural resources throughout the state. Since 1960, it 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 foundation has been interested in preserving the Samost property for more than a decade and is hopeful the support offered by the county and Evesham will allow it to reach a purchase agreement with the land’s owners.
The 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,” explained Robyn Jeney, a foundation regional manager.
“We are so grateful to our partners and supporters who have rallied to protect this ecologically important property,” she added. “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 township has offered to take responsibility for cleanup and stewardship of the property. Evesham already maintains the adjacent 1,300-acre Black Run Preserve. Acquisition of the Samost property will create a preserve of more than 2,000 contiguous acres, one of the single largest parcels of locally preserved open space in the county.
“The Black Run Preserve is an environmental treasure enjoyed by Evesham residents and visitors from across Burlington County and South Jersey,” Evesham Mayor Jaclyn Veasy noted. “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.”
“This is a large piece of property that is among the most environmentally precious in the region,” said Deputy Mayor and liaison to the township’s Environmental Commission Dr. Krystal Hunter. “Permanently preserving this property is the best way to protect it and keep it natural for current and future generations to enjoy.”
Preservation could also provide additional opportunities for passive recreation, including hiking, mountain biking and wildlife viewing. The county is now 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 will need to be approved by the New Jersey Pinelands Commission.
County Commissioner Deputy Director Allison Eckel, liaison to the county’s Department of Resource Conservation and Parks, said preserving the Samost property would benefit the county and Evesham, regardless of whether it is used for the trail network.
“Our board has prioritized protecting the natural environment and promoting sustainability,” she pointed out, “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.”
