As population grows and demand for water increases, land held for water supply should be safeguarded for that purpose in perpetuity. The site lies over an EPA-designated Sole Source Aquifer. Sitework for construction and logging will destroy the forest cover that holds precipitation and prevents erosion and flooding. The impervious cover of buildings, roads and paving will decrease groundwater recharge, while runoff from roads and lawns will contaminate groundwater with salts, oils, pesticides and fertilizers. The rare spotted salamander was seen at a vernal spawning pool on the tract.
Raptors constitute the tract's single most notable feature.
Denville could condemn the tract, and the state Green Acres Program could finance up to the amount of the court-ordered fair market value. Attend the hearing. It is important that citizens attend the hearing in large numbers. These two Council members are not permitted to vote on this issue because of conflicting interest. Write a letter to the editor of your local paper, the Daily Record or the Star-Ledger.