WMA 18, Lower Delaware

A Link in the River to Bay Greenway

The Kiejdan Property is located along the South Branch of the Cooper River in Somerdale Borough, Camden County, and forms part of the spine of the River to Bay Greenway.  The Greenway is a multi-use recreational route linking neighborhoods and communities to open space and recreational resources across a 70-mile span from the Delaware River to Barnegat Bay.

The Cooper River watershed has experienced rapid development in recent years, resulting in floodplain encroachment and river pollution. Approximately half of the Kiejdan property serves as floodplain for the river so its permanent protection will help to protect water quality. It is also adjacent to a 2.2-acre site preserved by Somerdale Borough. 

The Trust for Public Land acquired the Kiejdan property from a willing seller in late 2005.  Ownership of the property was transferred to Somerdale Borough.  The proposed future use will be primarily passive recreation (walking trail only) leaving the land in its natural state, although a small area close to the road may be developed into a playground.

The total purchase price for the Kiejdan Property is $1,100,000.  Somerdale Borough contributed $250,000 from a NJDEP Green Acres Planning Incentive Grant, Camden County contributed $550,000 from the County Open Space Trust Fund, and TPL contributed $150,000 from a foundation grant. $150,000 was contributed by the NJDEP Office of Natural Resource Restoration, and NRD funding was facilitated by Conservation Resources.