Our Monmouth Blog

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.