Kudos to county for acquiring open space in Dismal Swamp

Congratulations to the Middlesex County Freeholders for acquiring the 69-acre Texas Eastern property in South Plainfield. This ecological treasure sits within the extraordinary 660- acre Dismal Swamp complex, which supports at least 200 wildlife species, including a variety of turtles and frogs that are vanishing elsewhere. It also provides wonderful opportunities for the public by way of nature trails, environmental education and passive open space. This is a truly welcome amenity, since rampant development has made the "Dis" an increasingly important natural respite for local residents.

Preserving this property required a complex and lengthy acquisition process in which several partners played critical roles, especially the Port Authority and its Deputy Executive Susan Bass Levin, who reimbursed the county for the purchase price of this site soon after it was acquired. In doing so, the Port Authority not only helped preserve another "priority acquisition site" of the bi-state Harbor Estuary Program (the admirable program goal here is to help preserve remaining natural habitat parcels in the Port District, and they have been immensely successful), but also frees up Middlesex County open space funds to improve recreational facilities as well as add to its impressive 7,000-acre openspace inventory.

Baykeeper initiated and helped facilitate the project at the behest of the Edison Wetlands Association nearly three years ago, and, thankfully, at the critical time, Middlesex County stepped up to formally purchase the site. This, in turn, was only possible because Mayor [Charles] Butrico and the Borough of South Plainfield were willing to hold and manage this site as a conservation area. Preserving the Texas Eastern acquisition is a great acquisition realized through a true team effort. Bravo, Middlesex County and partners!
Greg Remaud
Conservation Director
NY/NJ Baykeeper