Grand Cascades earns outstanding developer award

HARDYSTON — The Grand Cascades Hotel and Conference Center in Hardyston was recently presented with the 2008 Outstanding Developer Award by the New Jersey Association of Conservation Districts. The award is presented annually to a land developer who, in compliance with the provisions of the Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Act of 1975, has done “exceptional” work to control and prevent soil erosion and sedimentation during construction and has cooperated with the soil conservation district in an outstanding manner which can be recognized as a model throughout New Jersey. The Sussex County Soil Conservation District nominated the hotel/conference center Center for this award “for accomplishing their goals in conservation of natural resources and utilizing natural species to enhance the landscape.” The district said Grand Cascades has employed best management practices to prevent soil erosion and control sedimentation during construction. Additionally, “they have protected natural resources and provided ample buffering between completed sections of the project and those still under construction,” said district officials. “This is the only resort in the state to have a Bog Turtle Enhancement Program. They are the first Four Season Resort in the area to be the recipients of the state’s Landowners Incentive Program Grant and have been awarded a three-year grant from the New Jersey Conservation and Wildlife Foundation for the development of a Wildlife Habitat Improvement Plan.”