The Warren County Board of Commissioners in New Jersey has officially opposed the proposal to change the Delaware Water Gap from a national recreation area into a national park. The proposal, put forth by the Delaware River National Park and Lenape Preserve Alliance, aims to better protect the park's environment. However, county leaders argue that the change would limit recreational activities and significantly impact local tax revenue.
The Delaware Water Gap, which spans approximately 70,000 acres across New Jersey and Pennsylvania, offers a variety of recreational activities such as hunting, fishing, swimming, camping, biking, hiking, and boating. The area also protects and preserves national resources, including endangered, threatened, and rare species of plants and animals.
According to WFMZ.com, the resolution approved by the commissioners stated that the Alliance's proposed plan would "limit or prohibit certain recreational activities in some of the park's areas." The resolution also expressed concerns about the lack of clarity regarding the scope and effect of the proposed designation on issues of interest to the residents of Warren County.
The Senate Resolution No. 93 filed in the state Assembly and Senate also opposes the proposed changes. The resolution, sponsored by state Sen. Parker Space and Assembly members Dawn Fantasia and Mike Inganamort, argues that the change could negatively affect the economic prosperity of businesses in Sussex and Warren counties that benefit substantially from tourism to the Delaware Water Gap.
There has been no response from the Pennsylvania side of the river regarding the proposed change.