Montgomery County, PA

 

WHITEMARSH — The Montgomery County Commissioners committed $4 million Thursday toward the preservation of Erdenheim Farm and challenged other government, non-profit and private entities to do the same before a portion of the property is lost to development.

 

The focus of immediate concern is the 98-acre “Angus Tract” along Flourtown Road. The Whitemarsh Foundation, which was created to oversee efforts to preserve the farm, holds an option to purchase that tract, but for the option to be exercised funding needs to be in place by August, 2007.

 

Erdenheim Farm, owned by the estate of the late F. Eugene Dixon, is an expansive haven of rolling green countryside in the midst of suburban development.

 

“This is not only the largest tract of unprotected open space left in the Wissahickon Valley, it’s the last example of agricultural heritage of this entire area and a testament to Fitz Dixon’s stewardship of the land,” said Thomas Jay Ellis, Chairman of the Montgomery County Commissioners.

 

The Angus Tract in question is bordered by Flourtown Road to the north and Thomas Road to the east. A large 117-acre tract bordered by Stenton Avenue and bisected by the Wissahickon Creek is already owned by the Natural Lands Trust, having received it from George Widener, Mr. Dixon’s uncle and previous owner of Erdenheim Farm.

 

There is also the 108-acre “Sheep Tract” on the other side of Flourtown Road. It is not currently on the market, but County, local officials and non-profit organizations have a high interest in preserving it as well.

 

“Erdenheim Farm is important in its own right, but it’s also a crucial part of the whole when you look at its neighbors,” Commissioner James R. Matthews said.

 

“Combined with Fort Washington State Park, Morris Arboretum and several country clubs and private schools, you have nearly 2,000 acres of open space,” he said.

 

The environmental importance of this farm can’t be overstated, Commissioner Ruth S. Damsker said.

 

“This area is already prone to flooding, so we need as much open land as possible to soak up the rain,” she said. “And it’s not just farm animals that live here. The woods, the fields and the creek are full of wildlife.”

 

The most recent effort to preserve the Angus Tract began over five years ago with a development proposal for the former Eugenia Hospital and 50 acres of Mr. Dixon’s land. A retirement community, the Hill at Whitemarsh, is currently being built on that land.

 

Negotiations surrounding that development with the township and community groups resulted in 50 acres of the retirement community land being preserved and the option on the Angus Tract that the Whitemarsh Foundation holds.

 

There are some funds already available. The County, the township and the Colonial School District have agreed to a complex Tax Increment Financing system that will generate about $4 million for preservation of the Angus Tract.

 

In addition, the County and the Natural Lands Trust have applied for a $6 million grant from the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Whitemarsh Foundation has begun a capital campaign to raise funds from private sources.