County Seal
"Open space preservation has never been more important to Ocean County’s future and to protecting our quality of life.”

The Ocean County Board of Commissioners

FACT: The Ocean County open space tax was approved by voters in 1997.
FACT: Since then, over 30,000 acres of land has been preserved from development forever.
FACT: Over the last 30 years while the open space tax has remained the same, the cost of purchasing and preserving land has continued to rise.
FACT: Ocean County voters will get to decide whether to raise the tax at the polls in November.
FACT: The acquisitions of open space slows growth, protects sources of drinking water, mitigates flooding and improves quality of life.


The History of Ocean County’s Voter-Approved Open Space Tax

Ocean County’s Open Space Tax and Natural Lands Trust were created via countywide voter referendum in 1997 to establish a stable revenue stream dedicated to land preservation, rather than relying strictly on annual budget appropriations.

The tax was set at 1.2 cents per $100 of total County equalized real property valuation, with funds administered by the County Board of Commissioners with guidance from the Natural Lands Trust Advisory Committee.

Originally, the funds were restricted to the preservation of open space and farmland, and the protection of environmentally sensitive areas. In 2019, voters approved an amendment that allowed the program to expand its jurisdiction to include recreation, as well as historic properties and landmarks.
three photos of forests, shores, and flowers

Where does Ocean County go from here?

Ocean County’s population has continued to grow, becoming one of the most sought-after places to live in New Jersey and the Northeast. Because of this, the cost of land has continued to rise, which was one of the factors that prompted the creation of the Natural Lands Trust Fund. Consequently, the County continues to prioritize preservation to ensure that the natural character of the County stays intact.

What will increasing the Open Tax Tax Rate by 1-cent Allow Ocean County to Do?

  • PROTECT our diverse bird and wildlife species by ensuring their habitats are safeguarded with continued acquisition activities
  • ENSURE the county’s groundwater and category 1 watersheds remain clean and safe for drinking and recreation with maintenance activities and clean-ups
  • PREVENT massive development projects that threaten our county’s unique charm and character, and allow for a buffer against Joint Base McGuire-Dix Lakehurst by preserving areas that are not compatible for development

Calculate Your Property Tax Difference
Assessed Home ValueCurrent Open Space Contribution
(1.2 cents per $100 of assessed valuation)		Proposed Increase
(2.2 cents per $100 of assessed valuation)
$400,000$48.00$88.00
$600,000$72.00$132.00
$800,000$96.00$176.00
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Here is the question voters will see on their ballot this November:

"Shall the Ocean County Natural Lands Trust Fund, which was approved and established by referendum in 1997 to preserve farmland and open space from development, with a tax rate of 1.2 cents per $100 of total County equalized real property valuation, and then amended by referendum in 2019 to allow for the acquisition, development and maintenance of lands for recreational and historical preservation purposes, increase its funded rate from 1.2 cents per $100 of total County equalized real property valuation, to 2.2 cents per $100 of total County equalized real property valuation?”

Vote graphic

Click here to learn more about Ocean County Natural Lands
Ocean County Seal
COUNTY OF OCEAN

101 Hooper Avenue
Toms River, NJ 08753

732.244.2121

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