Funds approved for local trail projects

Bob Shinn, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection commissioner, announced the dedication of $1.6 million in federal funds to improve and develop state and local trails.

More than $814,000 has been earmarked for 39 New Jersey trail projects from the 2001 federal Recreational Trails Program. Additionally, DEP is currently seeking applications for approximately $810,000 in federal funds that has been allocated to New Jersey for the year 2002.

"The money will help us continue to develop and maintain a premier statewide network of trails that will increase recreational opportunities throughout New Jersey as demand increases," Shinn said. "These matching grants are important because they enable the state to offer greater access to the state’s many open spaces, create urban and suburban corridors and enhance recreational areas. We urge federal, state, county and local governments, and nonprofit agencies to send us their applications by Dec. 20."

The 39 projects, recommended by the New Jersey Trails Council, were approved by the Federal Highway Administration under the Recreational Trails Program as part of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century. Grant recipients must provide a 20 percent match for each trail project. The Trails Council is comprised of representatives from hiking, mountain biking, motorized trail use, canoeing and horseback riding interest groups as well as several general trail advocates and representatives from state government. The DEP’s Office of Natural Lands Management in the Division of Parks and Forestry administers the program.

Among the approved projects in Monmouth County are the Horse Park of New Jersey, Upper Freehold, which will use $25,000 to improve old farm roads now used as trails in Assunpink Wildlife Management Area. Trail improvements to accommodate carriage riding as well as horseback riding will be made on three of those paths that connect with the adjacent horse park. Also approved was $25,000 for the Lake Topanemus trails in Freehold Township and Freehold Borough.

For further information or to obtain an application, call the DEP’s Trails Program at (609) 984-1339.