Georgetown, Del., Aug. 18, 2009: Another part of Sussex County is going to the birds … and the deer, rabbits and other wildlife around.

County Council, at its Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2009, meeting, approved $58,325 as its contribution toward the purchase of 25 acres along Hastings Farm Road, northeast of Seaford, in the Nanticoke River watershed. The action followed a recommendation by the non-profit Sussex County Land Trust, which advises the County on preservation efforts.

The parcel of farmland and forest is adjacent to a larger, 440-acre tract known as the Middleford North Preserve, owned by The Nature Conservancy. Its inclusion in that preserve would further protect habitat and ensure unspoiled lands remain along the banks of the Gravelly Branch, a tributary of the Nanticoke River. The County’s share – already budgeted for open space protection – will pay for half of the purchase; the Conservancy will pay the rest.

Roger L. Jones, Jr., state director of The Nature Conservancy, applauded the County’s decision, saying that the contribution will help the non-profit organization continue its mission of protecting critical areas and fragile habitat.

“The Delaware Chapter of The Nature Conservancy is pleased to be able to partner with Sussex County Council to permanently protect land containing important wildlife habitat near Seaford in the Nanticoke River watershed, one of the Conservancy's priority areas,” Mr. Jones said. “We greatly appreciate the County’s support. The protection of this tract continues our commitment to preserve important wildlife habitats in the Nanticoke River watershed.”

Wendy O. Baker, president of the Sussex County Land Trust, said the property to be purchased is in a prime location, as it falls within her organization’s goal to create a Grand Preservation Loop, a string of protected properties link throughout the county.

Since 2003, County Council and the Sussex County Land Trust have partnered to use a mix of public and private dollars to purchase and preserve open space throughout Sussex County. Sussex County has committed more than $7.2 million and saved 3,225 acres in that effort.

“Once again, Sussex County is demonstrating its fervent commitment to preserving open space for our children and their children,” Council President Vance C. Phillips said. “Through partnerships such as this, both government and private citizens can play a vital role in retaining for ourselves and our posterity this beautiful place we’re so blessed to call home.”

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