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Trust Fund


On November 9th, 1989, the voters of Cape May County approved by a 2 - 1 margin a ballot question endorsing the establishment of a trust fund to preserve open space and agricultural land. The trust is funded by a County property tax of 1 cent per 100 dollars of assessed valuation and currently generates approximately 1.3 million dollars a year. Since its inception, the program has preserved approximately 4,000 acres of open space and farmland (almost 5 square miles).

Cape May County Creative Placemaking Plan

The Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to present you with the "Cape May County Creative Placemaking Plan".  This document, the result of a stakeholder-driven visioning process, provides partners in our Open Spaces Program with robust guidelines for use in designing projects for public spaces throughout Cape May County, using materials, patterns, colors, and other aesthetic elements derived from our natural and built environments.

Placemaking Plan


Expansion

Beginning on January 1, 2013, the Open Space Program was expanded to include Park/Recreation Development and Historic Preservation Projects.

Map of County Open Space and Farmland Preservation


Farmland Easement Acquisition


For information on the Farmland Easement Acquisition application process and pending applications, contact Brigitte Sherman at 609-465-1081 or email.


Farmland Preservation


For all other information on Farmland Preservation, including Right to Farm issues and information on existing preserved farms, contact Barbara Ernst at 609-465-1086 or email.



  1. 2019 County Agricultural Development Board Meeting Schedule
  2. County Planning Incentive Grant Easement Purchase Application for an Individual Farm (PDF)
  3. Farmland Preservation Brochure (PDF)

Open Space Program

Application Deadline Has Been Postponed to 1/15/2020.                        The Deadline for the 12/15/2019 Funding Round Has Been Postponed to 1/15/2020.

  1. Program Guide - November 2019
  2. Historic Preservation Program Application Form 2019
  3. Land Acquisition Application Form 2019
  4. Parks and Rec Application Form 2019
  5. 2019 Open Space Meeting Schedule
  6. Coastal Recreational Enhancements Application Form 2019

Reimbursement Historic Preservation

  1. Project Completion Form (PDF)
  2. Post Construction Engineering Certification
  3. Development Payment Request - Historic Preservation
  4. Reimbursement Request - Historic Preservation

Reimbursement Park & Recreation

  1. Post Construction Engineering Certification (PDF)
  2. Development Payment Request Form (PDF)
  3. Project Completion Form
  4. Reimbursement Request Form (PDF)