Open Space
The Township passed a resolution in 2006 (Resolution 25-06) with the intent to “provide for the conservation of open space to control growth and development.” In November 2006, an Open Space Earned Income Tax (.15) was approved by referendum to “finance the purchase of open space and development rights.” The Township maintains an Open Space Fund (Fund 04) that collect the revenue and expend funds in accordance with state law.
LAND ACQUISITION AND CONSERVATION EASEMENTS
The Township has expended funds from its Open Space Fund for the acquisition of land and conservation easements in accordance with its Acquisition Plan.
Camp Laughing Waters (Conservation Easement) (Managed by Natural Lands)
This property is located off New Hanover Square Road and is an estimated 458 acres. Natural Lands maintains an easement the total acreage, with 375 acres in New Hanover Township (the rest of the acreage is located in Upper Frederick Township. The Township passed a resolution in 2022 (Resolution 22-09) to commit $480, 733 to help preserve this property. The debt for this easement will be paid off in 2033.
Appraisal Report
Hickory Valley Golf Course (Conservation Easement) (Managed by the Township)
This property is located at 1921 Ludwig Road and is an estimated 150 acres. The Township maintains an easement on 57 acres of the total acreage. The Township passed a resolution in 2020 (Resolution 20-15) to commit $571,349.90 to preserve this property. No debt was needed to purchase this property.
Appraisal Report
The Township will begin its annual inspection process in 2024., in accordance with the site's Deed of Conservation Agreement to the Township of New Hanover in Perpetuity. Results of inspections will be reported on this page.
Suloman's Dairy Farm (Conservation Easement) (Managed by the Township)
Camp Laughing Waters (Conservation Easement) (Managed by Natural Lands)
This property is located off New Hanover Square Road and is an estimated 458 acres. Natural Lands maintains an easement the total acreage, with 375 acres in New Hanover Township (the rest of the acreage is located in Upper Frederick Township. The Township passed a resolution in 2022 (Resolution 22-09) to commit $480, 733 to help preserve this property. The debt for this easement will be paid off in 2033.
Appraisal Report
Hickory Valley Golf Course (Conservation Easement) (Managed by the Township)
This property is located at 1921 Ludwig Road and is an estimated 150 acres. The Township maintains an easement on 57 acres of the total acreage. The Township passed a resolution in 2020 (Resolution 20-15) to commit $571,349.90 to preserve this property. No debt was needed to purchase this property.
Appraisal Report
The Township will begin its annual inspection process in 2024., in accordance with the site's Deed of Conservation Agreement to the Township of New Hanover in Perpetuity. Results of inspections will be reported on this page.
Parestis Tract (Land Acquisition) (Managed by the Township)
This property is located at 2003 Little Road and totals on 20.687 acres. The Township initially passed a resolution in 2008 (Resolution 46-08) to condemn by right of eminent domain for the purposes of open space and recreation. The Township then passed amendment to that initial resolution in 2009 (Resolution 48-09) and 2010 (Resolution 06-10) based on potential usage of Montgomery County Open Space Funds. The sale was ultimately finalized later in 2010 (Resolution 25-10) for $400,000, of which $320,000 was used via a grant from Montgomery County's then-titled Green Fields/Green Towns Program.
Suloman's Dairy Farm (Conservation Easement) (Managed by the Township)
This property is located at 2782 Leidy Road under various parcel IDs, collectively on 34.56 acres. The Township maintains an easement on 33.4 acres of the total acreage. The Township passed a resolution in 2019 (Resolution 19-07) to commit $700,000 to preserve this property. No debt was needed to purchase this property.
Appraisal Report
The Township will begin its annual inspection process in 2024., in accordance with the site's Deed of Conservation Agreement to the Township of New Hanover in Perpetuity. Results of inspections will be reported on this page.
Wassmer Tract (Land Acquisition)
This property is located behind the Municipal Building (2943 North Charlotte Street). The Township borrowed $3,000,000 for this property in 2011 and spent $3,200,000 in total to preserve about 64.55 acres of land for permanent open space. The debt for this acquisition was paid off in 2021.
The Township has been planning to convert the land into a passive trail system with amenities to be discussed in future phases. The Township specifically is in the final design stage, which will be presented on during a public meeting later this year.
Wassmer Tract Presentation (February 2024)
