Hall of Records Main St.

PO Box 1255

Freehold, N.J. 07728

Re: Preservation of the Fariello Farm in the

Freneau Section of Aberdeen and Marlboro

for Open Space & Passive Recreation

I am writing this letter as a citizen of Monmouth County to thank you and to encourage the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders in its efforts to preserve the Fariello Farm as a County Park that could be used for passive recreation activities, such as hiking, picnicking, game courts, fishing, bird watching and nature appreciation.

It is my understanding that the more than fifty acre Fariello Farm, located northeast of the intersection of Ticetown and Greenwood Roads in Marlboro and Aberdeen Townships, was bequeathed to the county for a park. The northwestern end of Monmouth is notably lacking a county park and the Fariello Farm property would be an ideal choice to fill the current void in the county park system. Some of its assets are as follows:

Environmentally Sensitive Steep Slopes For Hiking & Scenic Views

Approximately one third of the property is still wooded. The undeveloped forested area borders Matawan Creek on its eastern boundary and a tributary of the creek along the property's northern edge. This portion of the property has very steep slopes and is designated as "PA5" (environmentally sensitive) in the State Development and Redevelopment Plan. These steep slopes are exceptionally rare topography for this part of the county that should be preserved. The ravines which encompass Matawan Creek and its tributaries are extremely scenic and would be inviting to hikers if the area were designated as a park.

Level Cleared Fields For More Semi-Active Recreation & Parking

More than half of the property has been cleared and farmed and is designated as "PA2" in the State Development and Redevelopment Plan. This portion of the Fariello Farm could be easily developed for ball courts, a small parking area, a demonstration agricultural area and even re-establishment of the existing horseback riding ring.

Access to The Henry Hudson Trail Extension For Biking & Walking

The Fariello Farm is located approximately one half mile west of the Freehold to Aberdeen section of the Henry Hudson Trail and could be an extension of that recreation route. I have used part of the newly converted rail-to trail line and think it is a great asset for our community, especially since most of our roadways are becoming heavily congested and lack wide enough shoulders on which to jog or ride bikes safely. The trail is getting a lot of use by joggers and bicyclists. I have, however noticed that cars with bicycles on racks occasionally drive the area seeking a location to safely park while using the trail. A small parking area at the Fariello Farm could support additional use of the Henry Hudson Trail since it is located, via Wilson Avenue, an easy half mile bike ride distance away.

Access To Wetlands For Nature Appreciation

The Fariello Farm could provide access to the wetlands located west of the southern end of Lake Lefferts for nature appreciation. A portion of these wetlands bordering the 1960's Lake Ridge development have already been designated as a preservation area by Old Bridge Township however there appears to be no public access. It would be a natural extension of this preserved wetland greenbelt if the wooded and wetland portions of the Fariello Farm were to be preserved as part of a Monmouth County Park. This undeveloped area is an exceptional feeding area for migratory birds as well as year round habitat for red fox, turtles, and diverse wet land plant species, such as Turk's-cap lily, blazing stars, various arrowheads and the rhododendron known as swamp-honeysuckle.

Monmouth County Conservation Foundation Endangered Site

The Fariello Farm adjoins a property which includes a NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife listed vernal pool. The associated wetlands and uplands are home to a population of Fowlers toad (a NJ listed species of special concern) as well as other reptiles and amphibians. The Freneau Woods have recently been listed by the Monmouth County Conservation Foundation as one of the eight most endangered sites in the New Jersey Bayshore. It is a convergence of our northern and southern forests which makes it especially rich in variety of native species and its uncommon lack of invasive non-natives.

Please consider the great natural resource, features and location of the Fariello Farm as a new segment of the Monmouth County Park System for much needed open space and recreation. The farm fields and the unique undeveloped habitats could be visited and appreciated by active citizens and nature enthusiasts and would eternally serve to educate our residents if the property were to be preserved as a county park.

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