Farms nearing preservation

PLUMSTED - The Township Com-mittee is preparing to add Plumsted's two largest remaining farms into the preservation land program with resolutions authorizing open space plan amendments and municipal endorsements to forever protect their 662 acres from future residential development, according to Mayor Ron Dancer.

The two farms, consisting of 402 acres and 260 acres, would bring the total number of farms preserved in Plumsted to an all-time high of 34 farms, the highest in Ocean County and one of the highest in the state, Dancer said.

The two farms, totaling a combined 662 acres, are on Colliers Mills Road, Route 539, Long Swamp Road and Brindletown Road. To date, more than 3,000 acres of farm and woodlands have been preserved to help forever retain the township's rural character and, with these 662 farmland acres, Plumsted would be approaching the top 10 municipalities in the state for farm and woodland preservation acreage, according to the mayor.

Dancer said the committee is making every effort with the farmland owners to finalize contractual negotiations with the administrative and financial assistance of the state and Ocean County.

The mayor said the Township Committee is bringing the farm market $20 voucher program to Plumsted for eligible seniors who are 60 years and older with single incomes not exceeding $18,889 and married incomes of $25,327. Husbands and wives can both receive vouchers for a total of $40. The vouchers are only redeemable at participating farmers markets. At the present time, the Hallock Farm and DeWolf farm markets are participating in the program.

The committee has arranged for the staff of Ocean County Community Services, who administer the farmers market senior voucher, to be in Plumsted on Aug. 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to help enroll interested seniors. The specific sites in Plumsted for enrollment assistance will be announced next week.

Ocean County Community Services also administers the home delivered meals program for seniors. For more information, seniors may contact Dennis Poane directly at Ocean County Community Services by calling (732) 367-1400.