Hunterdon Land Trust Alliance

In the spring of 1995, a group of concerned citizens from across the County convened a meeting with the New Jersey Conservation Foundation. The purpose of this meeting was to discuss the feasibility of forming numerous local land trusts to facilitate land conservation projects. After several meetings, it became clear that the creation of a regional land trust would be far more effective because of increased cost and resource efficiencies. Thus, thirty-four citizens representing local, county, regional and state organizations formed a Steering Committee to develop a mission statement, bylaws, a board of trustees and a work plan of both short and long term goals for a regional land trust.

In 1996, the Hunterdon Land Trust Alliance incorporated as a nonprofit, countywide conservation organization. Three classes of trustees-regular, advisory and honorary represent a broad cross-section of the county population and its 26 municipalities and include members of other nonprofit conservation groups as well as county and municipal agencies. HLTA maintains an office in Kingwood Township and employs one part-time administrator 12 hours per week.

HLTA is a county-wide land trust incorporated to promote the protection of threatened natural, agricultural and historic resources through conservation and education. The organization is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and is governed by a board of volunteer trustees. The Hunterdon Land Trust Alliance acquires land and conservation easements and works to initiate, coordinate and advocate land conservation projects.

Located within the Piedmont and Highlands regions of west central New Jersey, Hunterdon County boasts a beautiful and productive rural landscape. This landscape is characterized by picturesque farmsteads, historic villages, winding streams, gently rolling hills and steep, wooded terrain.

What's Special About Hunterdon County?

Hunterdon County's long-standing agricultural heritage remains a dominant feature to this day. It has the largest number of farms in the state and ranks second in the amount of land enrolled in farmland assessment. Its agricultural base is diverse. There are still traditional farming operations, including dairy, hay and corn. However, the county is witnessing changes in farming, as horses and high value/specialty crops and animals become more prevalent.
In addition to having a productive agricultural base, Hunterdon is rich in natural resources. Groundwater is the primary source of potable water for county residents; thus the need to maintain a clean and adequate supply is essential. However, surface water is equally important. Two reservoirs and a canal, located in the county, provide 225 million gallons a day of water for 1.5 million people in New Jersey. Many trout streams traverse the county, eventually draining into the Raritan, Delaware or Musconetcong Rivers. Numerous state and federally listed endangered and threatened plants and animals are known to occur in Hunterdon County as well.
According to the 2002 census, approximately 125,795 people resided in the county. Despite this rather modest population base, it is the third fastest-growing county statewide. The Hunterdon County Planning Board projects another 23-percent increase over the next 20 years. As suburban development continues to encroach upon the county's rural landscape, critical natural, scenic and agricultural resources must be protected not only for the benefit of Hunterdon County residents, but also for citizens throughout New Jersey. The Hunterdon Land Trust Alliance was created to help fulfill this need.

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