Land Acquisition Grant Program

The Bergen County Land Acquisition Grant Program is a locally funded initiative that supports the acquisition of land for conservation and recreational use within Bergen County, New Jersey. Administered by the Bergen County Department of Parks through the Division of Land Management and funded via the Bergen County Open Space Trust Fund, this program provides financial assistance to municipalities, qualified nonprofit organizations, and the County itself. It is intended to preserve open space, expand recreational opportunities, and safeguard environmentally sensitive areas for public benefit. The program focuses on facilitating the purchase of undeveloped or minimally developed land to be used for conservation, outdoor recreation, and natural resource protection. Eligible acquisitions may include properties that protect water quality, conserve wildlife habitats, provide scenic or cultural value, or enhance the public’s access to nature and outdoor space. In addition to outright land purchases, the program supports transactions aligned with long-term open space preservation goals, often in cooperation with nonprofit land trusts or other local government partners. Participation in the program begins with the submission of a Letter of Intent, which must be received no later than 4:30 P.M. Eastern Time on Friday, March 27, 2026. This is a required preliminary step to confirm basic project eligibility. Full grant applications are due by 4:30 P.M. on Friday, April 24, 2026. Applicants must follow the guidelines outlined in the Open Space Partnership Policy & Procedures Manual and include documentation such as property descriptions, ownership and appraisal information, environmental assessments, and clear demonstration of public purpose. A key requirement of the program is compliance with the Appraisal Requirements Scope of Work, which outlines technical standards for property valuations. Accurate and compliant appraisals are critical to the grant approval process. All applications must be submitted electronically; paper submissions are not accepted. Files exceeding typical email size should be delivered through a cloud-based file sharing system. Application packages are reviewed by Trust Fund administrators and relevant advisory boards based on criteria such as environmental value, connectivity to existing preserved lands, public access potential, and alignment with County open space goals. Grant funding is awarded on a matching basis, with applicants required to contribute a portion of the total project cost. The specific match requirement is not disclosed in the summary but is presumed consistent with other Open Space Trust Fund programs, which typically operate on a dollar-for-dollar basis. Projects are expected to close and record within a timeline determined by the County’s grant contract, and properties acquired through this funding must be permanently preserved for public benefit. For additional guidance or to submit application documents, interested parties should contact Kenneth Aloisio, Executive Director of the Bergen County Open Space Trust Fund. He can be reached at (201) 336-6454 or by email at [email protected]. As with other programs under the Bergen County Trust Fund, this grant reflects the County’s commitment to environmental preservation, public access to natural resources, and responsible land use planning across its communities.

Public hearing advertisements must match and meet size/date rules; appraisals must meet state requirements; applicants must coordinate with Cultural & Historic Affairs early.