June 28, 2000

For release at your earliest convenience

For further information, please contact Stephen Mountain at 543-4555

The Mendham Township Committee announced today that the Township has acquired the 68 acre Tomkin’s tract from long time township residents Stirling and Elizabeth Tomkins.

"With the acquisition of the Tomkin’s tract the Township has protected a critical open space link between the Schiff Nature Preserve and the County’s Mount Paul Park in Chester Township," stated Mayor Kathryn Porter. "This wonderful new addition to the Township’s open space network will provide outstanding recreational opportunities for hikers and horse enthusiasts alike. It also preserves a multitude of natural features including a section of Burnett Brook and over 30 species of trees."

The Tomkin’s tract, located just off Route 24, on the Township’s border with Chester Township, is a hidden natural wonder, featuring steep, rugged topography and pristine forest. The property ties together a natural green-way of over 800 acres of contiguous open space spanning from the Schiff Nature Preserve to Mount Paul Park.

The Township purchased the property for $1,300,000, using local open space funds, a County open space grant of $500,000 and State Green Acres grant funding. The Township’s local open space trust fund is supported by the $0.04 open space tax. To date the trust fund has been used to acquire, four properties totaling over 400 acres in all.

"I am proud of the effort our Township has made to preserve open space and look forward to many more acquisitions like the Tomkin’s tract in the future," said Mayor Porter. "We are building a green infrastructure in our township that preserves our community’s character and will be enjoyed by residents now and forever."

The Tomkin’s tract will be dedicated with an official ceremony at the property later this fall. The date and time of this event will be announced at a later date.

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