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Knowlton pursues Green Acres supplemental funding, reports multiple parcel acquisitions under consideration
Summary
The Committee voted to enable a supplemental Green Acres funding request and heard reports on three parcels being considered for acquisition with 50% matching funds; Township previously received $1,355,753.84 in Green Acres grants and the enabling resolution references an additional $515,000 grant request.
Knowlton Township’s Committee approved an enabling resolution (2026-35) on Feb. 9 to request supplemental funding from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Green Acres Program as part of ongoing open-space acquisition efforts.
Resident Rene Mathez briefed the Committee on three active acquisition efforts potentially eligible for 50% Green Acres matching funds: a 14-acre parcel adjacent to the Township field, a 100-acre parcel on Mount Pleasant Road and an 80-acre parcel on Camelot Road. Mayor Debra Shipps also mentioned a 280-acre property with a helicopter landing zone that may attract county interest for a park. The Nature Conservancy is providing support for several of these efforts.
The enabling resolution notes the Township previously obtained Green Acres grants totaling $1,355,753.84 and references a proposed additional Green Acres grant of $515,000 in the enabling language. The resolution authorizes the mayor to request loans or grants and to enter into amendments with the State if necessary. The Committee directed staff to proceed with the supplemental funding request and to comply with Green Acres program rules regarding matching funds, grant scope and reporting requirements.
Next steps: Mayor or successor is authorized to request the supplemental funding, provide additional information to the State as required and, if awarded, to execute any necessary amendment to the Green Acres agreement.
