Property purchased for the Route 29 Scenic Byway

The 221-acre property owned by the Schuck family in Stockton was purchased using federal and state funding.

"Route 29 is New Jersey’s first designated Scenic Byway, and it is important that we preserve and protect open space along this wonderful highway corridor," Commissioner Fox said. "The property we are acquiring buffers the Delaware River and will be a tremendous addition to Bull’s Island Recreation Area and the Route 29 Scenic Byway."

Bradley M. Campbell, Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection added his sentiments. "It is especially gratifying to protect this land. It is one of the largest remaining developable tracts in the Delaware River Bluffs Corridor project area, which includes the D&R Canal. This is a priority project area for DEP and these watershed lands protect two of New Jersey’s most vital waterways."

Congressman Rush Holt (NJ-12) earmarked $1 million in federal funds toward the purchase. "I am pleased to have secured federal funds that will help expand New Jersey’s first-ever scenic byway," Holt said. "And I will continue to work in Congress to protect more of New Jersey’s natural treasures for future generations to enjoy."

Route 29 was nominated as the state’s first scenic byway under a federal program that helps to preserve scenic corridors. Approximately 35 miles long, and bordering the Delaware River, the Route 29 Scenic Byway stretches from the historic areas of Trenton to the rural landscapes of Hunterdon County.

Funding for this purchase includes $1 million from the Federal Scenic Byway program, secured by Representative Holt. The remaining funding was provided by the State Green Acres Program and the Garden State Preservation Trust.

The USDOT recognizes certain roads as National Scenic Byways based on their archaeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational and scenic qualities. There are 72 designated byways in 32 states. Route 29 is New Jersey’s first and only Scenic Byway.

The goals of the National Scenic Byway program are to expand public awareness of these corridors; improve the quality of the byways; provide quality locations for recreational endeavors; and to foster state and local partnerships with the federal government.

The Green Acres Program was created in 1961 to meet New Jersey’s growing recreational and conservation needs. To date, Green Acres has protected more than 507,000 acres of open space and developed hundreds of public parks, bringing the statewide system of preserved open space to more than 1.2 million acres of open space and farmland.