Lizard Tail Swamp Trail Gets Fed Grant

TRENTON — Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Lisa P. Jackson today announced that more than $2.1 million in federal grant money has been earmarked for maintaining and improving recreational trails throughout New Jersey.
In Cape May County, The Nature Conservancy, Delaware Bayshores, Lizard Tail Swamp Preserve received $25,000. It was the only agency in this county to receive any of the federal grant.
“Recreational trails enhance our environment, economy and quality of life while offering health and fitness opportunities, outdoor classrooms for nature study, greenways for wildlife conservation and links with our historic past,” Jackson said in a release. “With these funds, great trails throughout New Jersey will be even better.”
In the coming year, the DEP will award approximately $1 million in competitive grants for groups that maintain and operate trails. Recipients are required to provide a 20 percent matching share for each project. More than $1.1 million from the Federal Highway Administration’s Recreational Trails Program already has been approved for 48 trail projects.
Projects approved for funding include a $25,000 grant to the Bergen County Department of Parks to restore trails at Saddle River County Park. Also, Camden Greenways Inc. has partnered with the City of Camden to receive $25,000 to connect existing parks and open space as part of the Camden Greenway Trail.
In Burlington County, Wharton State Forest will use $6,425 to develop a water trail maintenance program on several rivers in the Pinelands. Randolph Township in Morris County received $25,000 to construct a trail bridge over Dawson Brook in Heistein Park as part of their township bikeway.
The non-profit Atlantic Off-Highway Vehicle Park Inc. was awarded $338,218 to establish a new riding area in Ocean County for off-highway vehicle enthusiasts. Thirty percent of each year’s funding must be allocated for motorized trail recreation.
The 48 trail projects were recommended for funding by the New Jersey Trails Council and approved by the Federal Highway Administration under the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act.
The DEP’s Office of Natural Lands Management administers the program. The Trails Council comprises interest groups for hiking, mountain biking, motorized trail use, canoeing, kayaking and horseback riding as well as several general trail advocates and state government representatives.
Government agencies and non-profit organizations have until Dec. 15, 2007 to apply for the 2008 funding. Those interested in additional grant information and the application form should call the DEP Trails Program at (609) 984-1339 or visit http://www.nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/natural/njtrails.html.