Apr 01 2008
New Jersey State Park Closings
This story got my attention today. The Associated Press reported that “Nine state parks may close under budget ax” part of cost-cutting measures forced by Gov. Jon S. Corzine’s austere budget. 80 park workers would also face lay-offs as part of the cost cutting measure.
I personally feel terrible about this. New Jersey State parks are not only great tourist attractions but resource for the community to enjoy. They are really beautiful and my family has used and enjoyed them over the years. Last June I shared with you the great time my family and I had at Battle of Monmouth 229th Anniversary Commemoration.
From the APP story:
“The list of parks slated for closure includes five in the Skylands region and two each in the Shore and Delaware River regions. Hours and services at three others would be drastically reduced. Parks targeted to close include High Point State Park and Round Valley Recreation Area in the north, Monmouth Battlefield State Park at the shore and Parvin State Park in the south. “
In the story “Environmentalists say the modest fiscal savings are not worth the quality-of-life trade off.” I could not agree more. The report continued:
“We have too many people in government who don’t understand how important parks are for the people of New Jersey,” said Jeff Tittel, executive director of the New Jersey Sierra Club. “Not everybody can have a house on Long Beach Island or the Hamptons. This is where people go on their vacations.”
Tittel called the park closings “shortsighted,” saying that outdoor recreation generates $3.9 billion yearly for the state’s economy.
The list of parks effected as reported by APP:
The list of nine state parks that would close:
– Monmouth Battlefield State Park, 2,928 acres, Monmouth County. Visitor center, restrooms, closed.
– Stephens State Park, 805 acres, Warren County. Camping area closed.
– High Point State Park, 15,827 acres, Sussex County. Swimming, camping, interpretive center, office, closed. Trail access limited.
– Brendan T. Byrne State Forest (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, 3,684 acres, Hunterdon County. Swimming, camping, Wallace House, office, closed.
– Parvin State Park, 1,952 acres, Salem County. Swimming, camping, interpretive center, office, closed.
– Jenny Jump State Forest, 4,288 acres, Warren County. Camping and office, closed. Trail access limited.
– Worthington State Forest, 6,584 acres, Warren County. Camping and office, closed. Trail access limited.
– Fort Mott State Park, 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, 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, 5,379 acres, central New Jersey. Bulls Island Recreation Area closed to campers. Rockingham Historic Site and towpath, open.
– Washington Crossing State Park, 3,126 acres, Mercer and Hunterdon counties. Significantly reduced hours at Clark House, Johnson Ferry House and the museum.
Budget cuts are always tough and unpleasant decisions. If you feel strongly enough you should let the Governor know your thoughts by sending a comment via the Contact the Governor web page.
cant afford to drive far for vacation due to gas prices, now i wont have anywhere to camp.HAS THIS GOV. LOST IT
I am sure that there is a way to skim from the top as opposed to closing the 9 state parks that were mentioned. The people of this state need to rally together and stand up to the government with this issue in mind. My family and I have camped , hiked and fished the state parks for years and like someone else mentioned , where are the residents of New Jersey going to go this summer when the gas prices are unaffordable.
Why are we, the hard working, extreme tax paying residents being penalized for the stupdity of our government
Stop taking all your money problems out on us
We are sick of it.
I COULDN’T AGREE WITH YOU MORE. MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS HAVE CAMPED FOR YEARS. WHY IS IT THE LOW TO MIDDLE INCOME PEOPLE GET HIT THE HARDEST. THIS IS ALL A LOT OF PEOPLE CAN AFFORD FOR VACATIN WITH THEIR CHILDREN. CORZINE THE RICHEST PERSON IN NJ COULD CARE LESS. MY OPINION HE ONLY CARES ABOUT THE RICH, DOESN’T HAVE A CLUE WHAT IT’S LIKE TO LIVE PAY CHECK TO PAY CHECK OR NOT TO HAVE HIS MONEY OR LIFE STYLE.
LET US RALLY, BRING MOTOR HOMES, RV’S, POP-UPS, TENTS, ETC TO TRENTON FOR AN OVER NIGHT CAMP ON THE LAWN OF HIS OFFICE. BRING GRILLS FOR A COOK OUT.
HOW CAN WE PASS THIS ON TO ALL CAMPERS AND PEOPLE WHO ENJOY A DAY AT THE PARK?
I would be happy to pass along the collective feedback of the blog to the office of the Governor. Together we can get the word out!
I will send the feedback from these comments on April 30th.
Ok…so it’s so incredibly expensive to live in New Jersey, there has to be some benefits for paying all of this money, right? I used think, well at least we have these beautiful state parks to utilize and now…I think…why am I staying here?
Parks are such a great place for families! Seriously, how about cutting other ridiculous things, instead of parks? It makes no sense…the amount of corruption and waste NJ has, and they want to close parks???
I have lived in NJ my whole life. One of the things I love about this state are the outdoor activities and green areas. Yes, our state budget is in crisis. I understand this and I’m sure it’s challenging to accomodate everyone. However, don’t target the middle-class citizens by closing the state parks in the middle of summer! Gas prices are out of control. Not everyone can afford vacations. State parks are where families can spend quality time together. It is bad enough that Waterloo Village is closed due to budget cuts, but now state parks also?
Everyone, let’s keep each other posted on what we can do prevent this state budget from passing.
I just learned there is a peaceful demonstration scheduled at Round Valley for tomorrow (Sat April 5) at 12 noon. For info you can contact mapgar@gmail.com
I grew up, and currently live, about 5 miles from Parvn State Park. I have spent many an hour there camping and fishing. It is a beautiful spot, and I feel terrible about it being closed. I am so mad at the governor right now, I could scream. I wonder if the state plans to sell off the land to private developers. That’s just what we need, more condos.
I sent this email via the governors web site. I urge everyone to send emails to the governor, and encourage your friends and colleagues to do the same.
Also, thanks Ruth for the info on the demonstration at Round Valley. I would love to be there, but unfortunately I have to chauffeur my daughter to a girl scout activity. I hope the turnout is good!
Dear Governor Corzine:
I urge you to reconsider the budget cuts which will affect the State parks. This seems like a very short-sighted measure. The State parks contribute a great deal to the attractiveness of New Jersey for tourists. They also add significantly to the quality of life for NJ residents. I personally walk every weekday for one hour in Round Valley, and two to three hours on the weekends. I would be devastated if this is taken away from me. I know that there are many other people like me, since I meet them on my walks every day. I have not been a political activist for quite a few years, but if you proceed with this, you will have given me a cause to re-energize me, and I will fight this with all my energy and resources.
Sincerely,
John B Sergeant
Another smug illogical strong arm tactic for a governor who’s whining because he can’t get his own way …
Wa, Wa, Wa … poor Governor!!!
Why can’t the budget be cut back across the board kind of like skimming rather than totally cut out and or threaten major cuts to our quality of living in NJ
He’s against small towns, state parks, Ag Dept, and now what else?
Then again he’s rich and probably has no real clue or even care as to how we have to work and live in this state.
Lived in this state all my life and am now one of the many who are considering fleeing before, but wait!!! We get taxed for leaving the state too!
I LEFT NJ TO GET AWAY FROM THE IDIOTS THE PEOPLE OF NJ KEEP VOTING INTO OFFICE. I LIVE IN PA NOW AND COULD NOT BE HAPPIER. YOU VOTED THIS IDIOT IN AND AFTER THE MCGREEVY AND FLORIO ADMINISTRATIONS. DONT CRY ABOUT IT NOW AND STOP VOTING IN THESE STUPID LEFT WING LIBERAL DEMOCRATS INTO OFFICE. REMEMBER CHRISTIE TODD WHITMAN SHE LEFT OFFICE WITH A HUGE SURPLUS AND FLORIO SPENT IT IN 5 MINUTES.
VOTE REPUBLICAN IN 2008
SUGGESTION State PARks. The Dept. of Corrections already services Stokes Forest , Wawayanda , High point,Worthington,Jenny Jump and Ringwood State Parks. It also has serviced Stephens , Hopatcong , Waterloo Village and Swartzwood State Parks in the past. .The Department of Corrections Mountainveiw Facility is scheduled to close the unit located in Stokes Forest .The unit has serviced these State Parks for years. The unit houses 110 full Minimum inmates and is a work camp.My suggestion is to Keep the unit open and have 1 or 2 park people go between parks to check on details get trash ect.The officers already have keys for cleaning supplies , rakes , tools etc.
Each Detail presently consists of 1 Officer and 10 inmates.
6 hrs inmate labor x 10 inmates = 60 hrs work per work detail per day.
If the Work camp closes you gain nothing. The inmates will be moved but they will still be incarcerated and paid for by the tax payers.The Staff will be relocated but will still be paid saving nothing.
If it stays open the inmates clean the parks for people to enjoy.
Go to njkeepitgreen.org to see how you can join in the rally at the state house on April 23rd. Show the governor how much parks mean to you.