County Exapnds Ramapo Reservation By 18 Acres

MAHWAH, NJ — Bergen County has purchased 18 acres of land to expand the Ramapo Valley County Reservation.

The land was purchased for $1.35 million from the Bergen County Open Space Preservation Trust Fund. It consists of wetlands and open fields that are potential nesting habitats for wood and bog turtles. Both are listed as threatened species by federal wildlife authorities.

“With nearly 1 million residents living in Bergen County, protection of our environment and its natural beauty and resources is critical," said Bergen County Executive Tedesco. “This addition to one of Bergen County’s most popular parks is an investment in the quality of life for current and future generations of Bergen County residents.”

The Ramapo Valley County Reservation is the largest park in Bergen County at more than 4,000 acres. It contains miles of hiking and biking trails. Access to the Ramapo River allows for canoeing and kayaking. Fishing is done at either the Ramapo River or at several ponds. Camping is allowed April through November.

The county Board of Chosen Freeholders approved the purchase and allocation of funds.

“When the Freeholder Board followed the will of the people by increasing open space funding, this is exactly what we had in mind,” said Freeholder Chairman Tom Sullivan. “People move to and stay in Bergen County for the quality of life, and acquiring and preserving an additional 18 acres for the Ramapo Reservation is a protection and demonstration of those values.”

The Open Space Institute, a conservation organization that supports public efforts to protect the environment, facilitated the purchase.

“Protected land plays a critical role in improving the quality of life for residents of suburban New Jersey,” said Kim Elliman, president and CEO of OSI.“This project will have lasting influence as future generations will use it to learn about our natural world and how to protect it."

Above: A map of the newly-acquired land for the Ramapo Reservation. (Courtesy of Bergen County)

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Photo courtesy of Bergen County