WJW Tour de Flateau

This year’s WJW Tour de Flateau Benefits Hunterdon Land Trust:

The Western Jersey Wheelmen Cycling Club is proud to be able to cycle in Hunterdon County. Our County has a rich agricultural heritage. It has the largest number of farms in the state. It presents a beautiful pastoral landscape that often surprises visiting riders. Many of the roads are not only aesthetically pleasing but are decidedly low traffic compared to much of the rest of the state. We have chosen routes that are relatively flat on the Hunterdon plateau.

In addition to having a productive agricultural base, Hunterdon is rich in natural resources. Groundwater is the primary source of potable water for county residents; thus the need to maintain a clean and adequate supply is essential. However, surface water is equally important. Two reservoirs and a canal, located in the county, provide 225 million gallons a day of water for 1.5 million people in New Jersey. Many trout streams traverse the county, eventually draining into the Raritan, Delaware or Musconetcong rivers. Numerous state- and federally-listed endangered and threatened plants and animals are known to occur in Hunterdon County as well.

The County’s open spaces make for great cycling. But we are not immune to development pressure. That is why we have partnered with the Hunterdon Land Trust for this year’s Tour de Flateau. The Hunterdon Land Trust is a private, nonprofit organization with specific mission to conserve land and its resources. They have a history of successful and strategic land preservation. We will highlight a few of these preserved parcels along each route.

Land preservation is a critical tool in the effort to manage growth wisely and maintain Hunterdon County’s traditional rural character. By working with local governments, the Land Trust helps communities control sprawl, reduce traffic, protect beautiful landscapes and historic areas, and provide ample space for outdoor recreation.