Trust Fund

On November 9th, 1989, the voters of Cape May County approved by a 2 - 1 margin a ballot question endorsing the establishment of a trust fund to preserve open space and agricultural land. The trust is funded by a County property tax of 1 cent per 100 dollars of assessed valuation and currently generates approximately 1.3 million dollars a year. Since its inception, the program has preserved approximately 4,000 acres of open space and farmland (almost 5 square miles).

Expansion

Beginning on January 1, 2013, the Open Space Program was expanded to include Park/Recreation Development and Historic Preservation Projects.

Map of County Open Space and Farmland Preservation

Farmland Easement Acquisition

For information on the Farmland Easement Acquisition application process and pending applications, contact Brigitte Sherman at 609-465-1081 or email.

Farmland Preservation

For all other information on Farmland Preservation, including Right to Farm issues and information on existing preserved farms, contact Barbara Ernst at 609-465-1086 or email.