Sussex County Council agreed Sept. 16 to support an application for a $100,000 state grant to fund a master plan and development of the Forest of the Broadkill preserve near Milton.

“The goal is to have a safe, sustainable public access and long-term conservation of the parcel,” said Sara Bluhm, Sussex County Land Trust executive director. 

The land trust needed a letter of support from the county for the Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Trail Program grant application through the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. 

The grant would pay half the cost, with the balance coming from a $90,000 state community reinvestment fund allocation and the value of volunteer contributions to the project. 

The 294-acre site comprises three properties at the intersection of Shingle Point Road and Route 30. The county and the land trust jointly acquired the land in 2023.

Phase 1 includes construction of a formal entrance and exit, stabilization of the one-lane access road, an Americans with Disabilities Act-accessible gravel parking lot, installation of signs and stormwater management, Bluhm said.

“It will be the first public access point for the preserve,” she said. “It expands close-to-home recreation near a growing Milton area, ADA access for all visitors, protects natural habitats while offering safe recreation, while aligning with the state comprehensive outdoor plan.” 

The total cost for those activities is between $200,000 and $250,000, she said.

The land off Gravel Hill and Shingle Point roads is on the south side of Ingram Branch, a tributary and headwaters of the Broadkill River. The site is located in an area of rapid growth, surrounded by new housing developments.

The land trust expects to hear a decision from the state in December. Construction of the improvements would occur in the spring and summer of next year, with a ribbon cutting in the fall, Bluhm said.

Council Vice President John Rieley praised the work of the land trust, with the support of the county.

“I think 20 years from now this is going to be our legacy,” Rieley said. “We’ll look back and say that was some of the best work we did.”

The Broadkill project, in particular, will provide many public benefits, he said.

“The public access component is crucial,” Rieley said. “But this is going to be a gem. This is really going to be a great place to just enjoy the outdoors, go for a hike, spend time and see nature. We all know the development pressures continue, and it’s important to preserve this, not only for use by people but also as part of a throughway for wildlife, a refuge for wildlife as they’re experiencing the pressure of development as well.”

“The topography, for Sussex County, is pretty unique,” added Council President Douglas Hudson. “What a great piece of land.”