Bill Text: NJ AR187 | 2020-2021 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Urges DEP to reopen all NJ State parks closed during COVID-19 pandemic.
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2020-09-17 - Introduced, Referred to Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee [AR187 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2020-AR187-Introduced.html
Sponsored by:
Assemblyman RONALD S. DANCER
District 12 (Burlington, Middlesex, Monmouth and Ocean)
SYNOPSIS
Urges DEP to reopen all NJ State parks closed during COVID-19 pandemic.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
An Assembly Resolution urging the Department of Environmental Protection to reopen all New Jersey State parks closed during the COVID-19 pandemic due to staffing reallocations and shortages.
Whereas, State parks are vitally important resources that help to promote the health and wellness of the public and contribute to the economic and environmental well-being of the community; and
Whereas, State parks provide members of the public with opportunities to exercise, experience the State's natural beauty and diverse history, and enjoy the various health benefits of recreation and being outdoors; and
Whereas, During the State-mandated quarantine due to COVID-19, State parks have served an even larger role in the lives of New Jersey residents; and
Whereas, As gyms and many indoor spaces remain closed in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, parks have become primary locations for exercise and socially-distanced socialization; and
Whereas, Although Governor Murphy encouraged State residents to avoid traveling far distances and to make use of local facilities, some communities have faced closures of their local State parks; and
Whereas, On August 10, 2020, the New Jersey State Park Service announced the closures of Fort Mott State Park, Voorhees State Park, and Stephens State Park for all uses, including passive recreation, until further notice due to staffing reallocations and shortages; and
Whereas, Residents of this State who frequently utilized the currently closed State parks for recreation, relaxation, and environmental appreciation will be forced to travel to different and more populated State parks; and
Whereas, The closure of the less crowded State parks is inconsistent with the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC), which recommends that the public avoid crowded parks; and
Whereas, During this unprecedented year of harsh restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is imperative that the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) make every effort to ensure that residents of this State are able to utilize all of New Jersey's outdoor recreational areas; and
Whereas, For these reasons, the DEP is urged to reopen and find ways to adequately staff all closed State parks throughout the State of New Jersey, so that New Jersey's State parks can operate safely and further benefit the State's residents; now, therefore,
Be It
Resolved by the General Assembly of the State
of New Jersey:
1. This House urges the Department of Environmental Protection to reopen all New Jersey State parks closed during the COVID-19 pandemic due to staffing reallocations and shortages.
2. Copies of this resolution, as filed with the Secretary of State, shall be transmitted by the Clerk of the General Assembly to the Commissioner of Environmental Protection.
STATEMENT
This resolution urges the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to reopen all New Jersey State parks closed during the COVID-19 pandemic due to staffing reallocations and shortages.
Access to State parks is essential to the health and wellness of New Jersey residents. State parks provide the public with opportunities to exercise, get fresh air, observe nature, and learn more about the history of the State. The role of State parks in the lives of New Jersey residents has grown enormously since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. As many gyms and indoor spaces remain closed in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, State parks have become the primary location for socially distanced recreation, socialization, and relaxation.
The Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC), along with the Governor, has also encouraged residents to stay local and refrain from traveling long distances. This has resulted in many New Jersey residents relying upon their local State parks. However, due to increased visitation at certain State parks throughout the State of New Jersey, the DEP has reallocated staffing from less crowded parks. Staffing reallocations and shortages has resulted in the closure of multiple State parks throughout the State. On August 10, 2020, the DEP announced the closures of Fort Mott State Park, Voorhees State Park, and Stephens State Park for all uses, including passive recreation, until further notice. The closures force residents who relied on local parks to travel longer distances to State parks that are more crowded and therefore, more dangerous during the COVID-19 pandemic.
During this year of harsh restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is imperative that the DEP make every effort to ensure that residents of this State are able to utilize all of New Jersey's outdoor recreational areas. For these reasons, the DEP is urged to reopen and find ways to adequately staff all closed State parks throughout the State of New Jersey, so that New Jersey's State parks can operate safely and continue to benefit the State's residents.
