The goals and objectives for the Frankford Township Open Space Plan are to establish a foundation for decisions concerning acquisition of lands for open space, recreation and farmland preservation. These lands could be acquired either with easements or in fee simple. The lend area of the township is 34 square miles, or 22,272 acres. Municipal owned and leased properties are 316.48 acres; school properties consist of 27.55 acres, the State of New Jersey owns 2,140 acres. Properties in the Township comprised of 20 acres or more total approximately 8,290 acres.

On May 27, 2003, the Frankford Township Open Space Committee held a meeting with property owners who own 20 acres or more. The purpose of this meeting was to provide information on methods of preserving land. Providing this information were Terry Caruso and Richard Osborne from the State Green Acres program, Donna Traylor, Coordinator of the Sussex County Farmland Preservation program, Nathaniel Sadjak from the Wallkill River Watershed program, and Angela Shoemake representing the New Jersey Nature Conservancy. This meeting was well attended.

The first piece of property being purchased' with Frankford Township Open Space money ($50,000.00) is in partnership with Green Acres, The Nature Conservancy, and a grant from the Department of Community Affairs for $250,000.00. The closing for Frankford will occur when all promised State monies are accounted for. The property is a 55 acre parcel located on Route 206. This property will continue to be farmed, but will offer a parking lot to provide access to a contiguous hiking trail. Additionally, the Sussex County Farmland Preservation program has successfully preserved 223 acres within the township that will remain forever in agricultural use. The Farmland Preservation program has 7 more properties (totaling approximately 655 acres) that have received all final approvals and will enter the program in the near future.

The Township Open Space Committee is examining other properties for preservation that may have unique geologic areas, endangered or threatened plants or animals, or for the protection of habitats. To preserve any land, the landowner must be a willing participant. The Township continues to conduct an outreach program to landowners. Although it is recognized that not every, parcel of vacant land may be appropriate for preservation, the Township will do its best to preserve the best open space and farmland to meet the needs of its residents. The Open Space Committee holds its meetings at the Municipal Building the first Thursday evening of every month. Please join us.