N.J. buys 473 acres of Scout reservation

The state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) recently purchased a 473-acre portion of the Mount Allamuchy Scout Reservation that increases the size of Allamuchy Mountain State Park in Sussex County by nearly 20 percent.

The purchase also will expand trails and hiking opportunities in the park.

The Mount Allamuchy Scout Reservation property in Byram Township was purchased from Scouting America, Patriots’ Path Council, which will continue to operate on land adjacent to the park.

The state acquired the land for about $1.2 million, using money provided by the State Land Acquisition Fund and federal Land and Water Conservation Fund.

The purchase was part of a land acquisition and preservation initiative announced Thursday, May 15 by DEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette. It is aimed at increasing wildlife habitat connectivity and open space preservation work.

“This new land acquisition initiative will more closely link the great work of our longstanding Connecting Habitat Across New Jersey (CHANJ) wildlife habitat connectivity program with our Green Acres open space preservation program,” he said.

“By better integrating the resources of these two programs, we will more effectively target preservation of habitat corridors needed by wildlife while creating open space recreation opportunities for the public.”

Green Acres funding legislation signed earlier this year by Gov. Phil Murphy for the first time prioritizes the acquisition of lands in 235 municipalities throughout the state for conservation purposes because of their importance in connecting wildlife habitats.

The state’s new strategy includes increased collaboration with non-profits and municipal officials in identifying opportunities to engage with residents about property purchases.

Using CHANJ mapping tools, DEP staff are identifying priority areas for habitat conservation that align with properties that come on the market.

Critical habitat

“We are thrilled to announce the acquisition of this addition to Allamuchy Mountain State Park as part of our CHANJ initiative,” said Elizabeth Dragon, DEP assistant commissioner for community investment and economic redevelopment. “This strategic purchase advances DEP priorities by enhancing habitat connectivity and expanding outdoor recreation.”

DEP Fish & Wildlife Assistant Commissioner Dave Golden said, “The challenge to piecing fragmented wildlife habitats back together is daunting. The Allamuchy acquisition is a positive step in helping us protect threatened and endangered species as well as other species that provide rich wildlife diversity to the state.

“CHANJ offers tools to assist land-use, conservation and transportation planners to be more proactive and collaborative, helping to ensure that our wildlife can persist long into the future.”

John Cecil, DEP assistant commissioner for state parks, forests & historic sites, said, “This addition of 473 acres to Allamuchy Mountain State Park safeguards critical habitat for endangered species in perpetuity and enhances the park’s existing trail network, a win for wildlife, habitat and people.

“In the coming months, state park service crews will begin rerouting and improving the property’s existing trails for all to enjoy.”

Marc Andreo, Scout executive and chief executive of the Patriots’ Path Council, said, “Through our partnership with the NJDEP, we are ensuring Scouts maintain a lasting connection to the environment, empowering the next generation of conservation leaders to engage with and learn from the natural beauty of our state parks.”

State Assemblyman Mike Inganamort, R-24, said, “To those of us who spent our summers at the Mt. Allamuchy Scout Reservation, this land has a lot of meaning and its stewardship really matters.

“I couldn’t be more pleased that these forests, wetlands and streams - all tied together by five miles of trails - will be preserved through the New Jersey State Park Service for generations to come.”

Connecting habitat

By identifying and acquiring key properties, this new DEP initiative will create a more connected landscape for wildlife, supporting biodiversity and ecological health across New Jersey.

The DEP will host two webinars June 12 to discuss opportunities for municipal leaders related to CHANJ and urban parks.

The Allamuchy Mountain State Park acquisition advances several DEP priorities, including expanding outdoor recreational opportunities and supporting conservation of biodiversity as described in its 2024 Outside, Together! plan.

The forested property offers scenic views and is rich with wetlands, streams, important wildlife habitat and several existing trails, some of which already tie into Allamuchy Mountain State Park’s extensive trail system. That includes the Highlands Trail and the New Jersey State Long Trail, envisioned as a hiking trail and multi-use greenway crossing the breadth of New Jersey from High Point State Park to Cape May Point.

The Highlands Trail crosses through the Mid-Atlantic Highlands Region through Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and Connecticut.

The New Jersey portion extends from the Delaware River in Hunterdon County to the New York state border at Passaic County, traversing Allamuchy Mountain State Park and connecting many communities in the Highlands with parks, open space and opportunities for outdoor recreation.

In addition, the trails in the newly preserved property are part of a larger trail network that includes other significant trails nearby, including the Patriot’s Path, Morris Canal Greenway, Sussex Branch Trail, Liberty-Water Gap Trail and September 11th National Memorial Trail.