Parks pay - keep parks open!

RELEASE: April 4, 2008 – Volume XL, No. 14

Considering the trends of our modern American society - people getting fatter and children losing their connection with nature - it’s dismaying that Gov. Corzine wants to close nine state parks and reduce services at three others in an attempt to solve New Jersey’s budget crisis.

Swimming areas, hiking trails, fishing spots, campgrounds, interpretive nature centers, historic sites and picnic groves would all be shuttered – just in time for summer, when kids are out of school and thousands of families are looking for affordable ways to enjoy the great outdoors.

The list of imperiled parks starts at High Point State Park at the northern tip of New Jersey and works its way southward: Worthington State Forest, Jenny Jump State Forest and Stephens State Park in Warren County; Round Valley Recreation Area in Hunterdon County; Monmouth Battlefield State Park in Monmouth County; Brendan Byrne State Forest in Burlington County; Fort Mott State Park and Parvin State Park in Salem County.

Cynics suggest that the proposed park closings are merely a bargaining tactic, a way to gain leverage in getting the budget passed. There’s even a name for it in political circles – the “Washington Monument ploy.” Politicians announce highly unpopular cuts, and then relent in exchange for other concessions.

Whether that is the case or not, is the state really going to post “No Trespassing” signs at the gates to thousands of acres of parkland? I certainly hope not, for the future of the state’s public health, its financial solvency and its ecological balance relies on our parks and open spaces.

In a time when high property taxes and inflation are pinching the average New Jersey family, the last thing we need is closed parks. Youngsters and their parents must abandon their televisions and computers and get outside to stretch their muscles and enjoy the outdoors – walking, running, swimming, bicycling, kayaking, climbing trees. Remember the old saying about the family that plays together?

And as the world mobilizes to fight global warming and stop the loss of our diverse plant and animal species, we need to raise the next generation of environmental advocates. Children’s connection to nature and their appreciation for forests, swamps and fields are all critical to the future of the planet. Research shows that today’s youngsters can recognize more than 10 corporate logos, but cannot name 10 birds or trees from their own neighborhoods.

Although the governor terms the park closings a “painful” but necessary move to put the state’s financial house in order, it’s penny wise and pound foolish in a state with a booming eco-tourism industry. Every year, wildlife-related recreation – including fishing, hunting, bird-watching and other nature observation – brings in nearly $170 million in sales tax revenue to New Jersey. And that’s not counting the fees charged for admission to parks and reserving campsites! Any savings found by closing the parks will likely be obliterated by the ensuing loss of tourist dollars and sales tax revenues.

Governor Corzine may be right when he says that tax-weary New Jersey citizens want smaller state government. But I doubt they’re talking about park rangers and lifeguards. Let’s not forget that New Jerseyans voted yes on bond issues to acquire parks, open space, historic sites and farmland 13 consecutive times since 1961! The most recent ballot question was last November, and 54 percent of voters approved borrowing $200 million to keep New Jersey green.

If there’s a silver lining to this park closing dustup, it’s the urgent reminder of the need for a permanent, stable source of funding to keep preserving land and pay for its long-term stewardship. The Garden State’s natural wonders should not be vulnerable to the yearly political tides in Trenton. Despite our state’s current fiscal woes, we should continue to invest in land preservation. Study after study has proven that preserved lands pay multiple dividends toward our state’s bottom line.

Lands, once preserved, continue to serve New Jersey with clean water, clean air, peace of mind, wildlife and so many other priceless treasures.

We cannot give up on our parks and open spaces. Ask our legislators to restore the parks funding when they vote on the budget this summer. At the same time, let’s ask them to adopt a permanent, dedicated fund to keep preserving our rapidly dwindling open space, and to make sure our parks stay open for the enjoyment and quality of life of all New Jerseyans.

If there’s any hope for the future of our parks, it’s in making sure our young people have access to them today.

For more information on the proposed park closings, go to www.njkeepitgreen.org or www.nj.gov/dep/parksandforests. And for more information on preserving our precious natural resources, contact me at info@njconservation.org or visit our website at www.njconservation.org.

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