New Jersey preserved 332 acres of hiking, natural areas in 2009

Eight North Jersey preservation projects totaling 332 acres in four counties and costing $7.1 million were completed at the end of 2009, permanently saving natural lands, hiking trails and agricultural land, according to a year-end report of the Land Conservancy of New Jersey.

Closings on five tracts occurred in the final 10 days of the year in partnership with local, county and state governments, and non-profit groups for sites in Morris, Essex, Sussex and Warren counties.