126-Acre Bain Farm Preserved in Frankford Township,
Sussex County

The Land Conservancy of New Jersey is pleased to announce that the Bain Farm, a 126-acre farm located near the corner of Route 206 and Plains Road in Frankford Township, has been preserved. This scenic farm lies near the Paulins Kill and atop a sloping ridge that is visible from many vantage points in Sussex County. It is an important acquisition for the Township, County, and State, as it is located within Frankford Township’s prime agricultural belt, as outlined in the Township’s Open Space & Recreation Plan which was recently updated by the Township’s Open Space Committee and by the Conservancy.

This farm was purchased by the Conservancy for preservation and resale as a deed-restricted farm. The Conservancy contributed $500,000 with a grant provided by the State Agricultural Development Committee’s non-profit program. Additional funding was provided by the Federal Farm and Ranchland Protection Program and the Sussex County Agriculture Development Committee through the County Open Space Trust Fund. Frankford Township also played a key role in preserving this property by paying for the costs of acquiring the land, including the survey, appraisal and title insurance.

The farm has been part of the Bain family for several generations. It was originally purchased by the great-grandfather of Tom Bain whose name appears on an 1860 map of Sussex County. “Preserving the farm means a lot to me. I look forward to telling my grandchildren that this is the property that made up the farm held so long by our family. It is good to know that it will always look like a farm and never be covered by pavement,” said Tom Bain.

The agricultural easement protecting the farm will be held jointly by the State Agricultural Development Committee and the Natural Resource Conservation Service. In a true partnership, this farm easement will be monitored by the Sussex County Agriculture Development Board.

The preservation of the Bain Farm ensures not only the protection of New Jersey’s farmland but also the state’s history. The farm’s fields are also important habitat for unique wildlife, including ground-nesting birds such as the Bobolink, a type of migrant blackbird unique to the Americas which is declining in number due to loss of habitat to development. Protection of this species’ habitat is a prime example of the multiple benefits of land preservation.

“With its magnificent view of the Kittatinny ridge, the Bain farm is another example of how the Conservancy, Township, County and State are working together to preserve those beautiful places that make Sussex County such a special place,” said Conservancy President David Epstein.