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VERNON TOWNSHIP
RESOLUTION #R08-99

OPPOSITION TO THE STATE CLOSURE OF HIGH POINT STATE PARK

WHEREAS, due to cost-cutting measures imposed by New Jersey State Governor Jon S. Corzine’s austere budget, the Department of Environmental Protection is proposing to close nine State parks entirely, slash services at three more, and reduce off-season hours at all 42 sites; and

WHEREAS, approximately 17 million visitors use New Jersey parks and forest each year for camping, swimming, hiking, boating, picnicking and more; and

WHEREAS, High Point State Park had over 202,000 visitors in 2007 from all over the State and the tri-state area; those visitors utilized High Point State Park’s various services, such as the Interpretive Center featuring exhibits about nature along the Ridge, free programs for the public and school groups, swimming, camping, cabins, trails for biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, picnicking, etc. and houses the High Point Monument, a memorial to New Jersey veterans, which has just undergone a major refurbishing that took many, many hours and millions of dollars to complete; and

WHEREAS, outdoor recreation generates $3.9 billion yearly for the State’s economy; and

WHEREAS, with gas prices continuing to soar, it is likely more people will be staying closer to home for their vacation, utilizing the same State Parks that are s scheduled to close, including High Point State Park; and

WHEREAS, the layoffs would affect full-time park rangers and supervisors, historic and natural preservation specialists, clerical and maintenance staff, as well as the seasonal workers who would not be hired for the affected areas; and

WHEREAS, conservation groups and environmentalists are concerned, arguing long-time cuts in maintenance threaten the integrity of land preserved with billions of tax dollars and of services that boost tourism; and

WHEREAS, well maintained, accessible parks, including High Point State Park, wildlife areas and histories sites provide opportunities for recreation, education and economic development, which are essential to the health of communities throughout New Jersey; and

WHEREAS, much of Sussex County’s allure is based on tourism activities and environmental and historical resources, which, without the State Parks, would adversely affect the economy of Sussex County and the tri-state area; and

WHEREAS, these historic and environmental recreation facilities help promote and protect the way of life in Sussex County.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Vernon Township Council strongly opposes the Department of Environmental Protection’s proposal to close High Point State Park and the other New Jersey State Parks that are scheduled to be closed, services slashed and reducing off season hours; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Governor Jon S. Corzine, State House, P.O. Box 001, Trenton, NJ 08625; Senator Steven V. Oroho, 115 Demarest Road, Suite 2B, Sparta, NJ 07871; Assemblyman Gary R. Chiusano, 115 Demarest Road, Suite 2B Sparta, NJ 07871; Assemblywoman Alison Littell McHose, 115 Demarest Road, Suite 2B Sparta, NJ 07871; Lisa Jackson, Commissioner, Department of Environmental Protection, 401 E. State Street, P.O. Box 402. Trenton, NJ 08625; all New Jersey counties and all Sussex County municipalities.

CERTIFICATION

I hereby certify that the above resolution is a true copy of the resolution adopted by the Vernon Township Council at their regular meeting held on Thursday May 8, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. in the Vernon Municipal Center, 21 Church Street, Vernon, N.J. 07462.

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Dennis G. Murray
Acting Municipal Clerk