Voters to Decide if Trust Fund Will Support Open Space Stewardship

On November 4, 2025, Morris County voters will decide on a measure to amend the Preservation Trust Fund to support stewardship of preserved lands. The initiative, if approved, will allow funding for habitat restoration, invasive species removal, and green infrastructure improvements without any tax increase. The Preservation Trust Fund Review Committee, established in January 2024, recommended the program after thorough evaluation and expert consultations. Commissioner Deputy Director Stephen Shaw stated that this initiative builds on over 30 years of community support for preservation in the county. The proposed program will initially focus on municipal properties, with plans to expand to nonprofit lands in the future.

Eligible activities include natural resource management and meadow restoration, while routine maintenance and land acquisition remain excluded. The ballot question has been formally authorized and will be promoted through outreach efforts by the county. Additional educational resources will be made available to ensure voters understand the implications of their choice.