Headwater Property Donated for Preservation

A critical 14 acre property in Mount Olive has been donated by Linda and John Walsh to The Land Conservancy of New Jersey for permanent preservation. This forested property contains a perennial stream and is an important part the headwaters of the South Branch of the Raritan River which provides clean drinking water to more than 1 million New Jersey residents. “We thank Linda and John Walsh for their generosity and dedication in preserving this important property,” said Conservancy President David Epstein. “They have set a wonderful example of caring for their community that we hope will inspire others to join our effort.”

The New Jersey Water Supply Authority and Mount Olive Township paid for necessary survey, environmental assessment and title insurance work which helped to make the preservation of the property possible. Henry Patterson, Executive Director of the New Jersey Water Supply Authority noted, “The Authority is pleased to help preserve this parcel using funds provided by its water customers and financing through the New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Financing Program.”

Mount Olive Mayor David Scapicchio stated that, “The Township has been pleased to partner on this project by assisting with some costs and waiving Planning fees to accomplish this land donation. We appreciate The Conservancy’s creative efforts which have once again made all parties winners.”

“We are so pleased to be able to donate our beautiful forested property to The Land Conservancy of New Jersey,” said John and Linda Walsh. “The Conservancy will ensure that our former property and thousands of other acres in New Jersey will be protected for the future enjoyment of many people as well as the wildlife that lives in the area.”

In 2009 The Conservancy, Water Supply Authority and Township helped form the South Branch Preservation Partnership which includes the Morris County Municipal Utilities Authority, Trout Unlimited and the South Branch Watershed Association. The partnership developed plans for permanently preserving more than 1000 acres in the headwaters of the South Branch of the Raritan River. The Walsh property represents the second headwater property preserved by the partners and brings the total of preserved land to 149 acres.

The New Jersey Water Supply Authority is a public body of the State of New Jersey created in 1981 to maintain a dependable supply of water to central New Jersey residents. The Authority operates the Spruce Run, Round Valley and Manasquan reservoirs and the D&R Canal for water supply and has, with its partners, helped to preserve 3060 acres of critical lands in these watersheds.