Here is some news about the AT in NJ.
The Department of Environmental Protection has announced plans to close or limit access to twelve of New Jersey’s 42 state parks on July 1, 2008. Seven out of the nine parks are in the Skylands of Northwest New Jersey. The closures represent about 45% of the state park acreage in the region. They include High Point (http://www.njskylands.com/pkhighpt.htm) in Sussex County: Worthington (http://www.njskylands.com/pkworthington.htm)in Warren Coun ty
88BlueGT
04-07-2008, 00:10
I know, its absolutely ridiculous.... let's not even talk about it, I get so frustrated lol.
The list of parks effected as reported by APP:
The list of nine state parks that would close:
– Monmouth Battlefield State Park (http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/monbat.html), 2,928 acres, Monmouth County. Visitor center, restrooms, closed.
– Stephens State Park (http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/stephens.html), 805 acres, Warren County. Camping area closed.
– High Point State Park (http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/highpoint.html), 15,827 acres, Sussex County. Swimming, camping, interpretive center, office, closed. Trail access limited.
– Brendan T. Byrne State Forest (http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/byrne.html) (formerly Lebanon State Forest), 36,647 acres, Burlington County. Camping, group picnic area, Indian King Tavern, office, closed. Trail access limited.
– Round Valley Recreation Area (http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/round.html), 3,684 acres, Hunterdon County. Swimming, camping, Wallace House, office, closed.
– Parvin State Park (http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/parvin.html), 1,952 acres, Salem County. Swimming, camping, interpretive center, office, closed.
– Jenny Jump State Forest (http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/jennyjump.html), 4,288 acres, Warren County. Camping and office, closed. Trail access limited.
– Worthington State Forest (http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/worthington.html), 6,584 acres, Warren County. Camping and office, closed. Trail access limited.
– Fort Mott State Park (http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/fortmott.html), 104 acres, Salem County. Hancock House, historic sites, office, closed. Access to ferry service, open.
The list of three New Jersey state parks that would partially close under the proposed budget:
– Ringwood State Park (http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/ringwood.html), 4,044 acres, Bergen and Passaic counties. Shepherd Lake swimming area closed; Ringwood Manor, reduced hours. State Botanical Gardens and Skylands Manor, open.
– D&R Canal State Park (http://www.dandrcanal.com/), 5,379 acres, central New Jersey. Bulls Island Recreation Area closed to campers. Rockingham Historic Site and towpath, open.
– Washington Crossing State Park (http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/washcros.html), 3,126 acres, Mercer and Hunterdon counties. Significantly reduced hours at Clark House, Johnson Ferry House and the museum.
Here is some news about the AT in NJ.
The Department of Environmental Protection has announced plans to close or limit access to twelve of New Jersey’s 42 state parks on July 1, 2008. Seven out of the nine parks are in the Skylands of Northwest New Jersey. The closures represent about 45% of the state park acreage in the region. They include High Point (http://www.njskylands.com/pkhighpt.htm) in Sussex County: Worthington (http://www.njskylands.com/pkworthington.htm)in Warren Coun ty Recently took a visit to Stokes State Forest(AT passes right through here at a place called Culvers Gap which is near Culvers Lake). A wonderful state forest that hikers traverse before reaching High Point State Park. Lots of black bears and wildlife of all kinds. Months ago New Jersey closed all the state parks do to their inability to reach an accord on the state budget. Now they want to close many state parks and do away with the state department of agriculture.
jersey joe
04-07-2008, 20:37
Looks like the NJ state budget crunch is hitting everywhere!
Grumpy Ol' Pops
04-07-2008, 23:38
Looks like the NJ state budget crunch is hitting everywhere!
Will the Governor/King also reduce the budget for his palace at Morven or his summer palace in Island Beach State Park? Since he owns a very nice private residence in Summit (I believe that's where it is), why does he even need the one in Princeton? Why shouldn't he be like any other commuter in New Jersey and drive himself to work or use public transportation? Think of all the budget he could cut there! The amount saved would fund most of the state park cutbacks, I'm sure!
jersey joe
04-08-2008, 00:12
Nope, unlike our state he's rich, no need to cut back on his expenses...
88BlueGT
04-08-2008, 00:14
The home in princeton alone would do it. After cutting all the parks out, etc. I believe hes only cutting like 4 million? sounds like a lot but in the total scheme of things, its NOTHING.
When is all of this supposed to take effect? I'm planning a trip through Worthington right now, closed or not.
jersey joe
04-10-2008, 09:38
It seems like some of the park cuts are pretty insignificant. Shorter hours at visitor centers and bathrooms and such...The trails are are still open!