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9 nj parks to close july 1 2008
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joe mastro
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Apr 03, 2008 03:14 PST
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*Here is JORBA's message...*
*Governor's 2008 Budget to Close Parks in NJ as of 1 July 2008 *
Members and fellow concerned trail users in NJ:
As many of you know, Governor Corzine's 2008 proposed budget includes
cuts that will close or partially close many State Parks within New
Jersey as of July 1, 2008. With JORBA volunteers (including JAR's
significant efforts at WSF) giving over 5500 hours in volunteer trail
work in 2007, this is an especially tough pill to swallow in 2008.
Parks on the chopping block: Monmouth Battlefield State Park,
/Stephens State Park/, High Point State Park, Brendan T. Byrne State
Forest, /Round Valley Recreation Area/, Parvin State Park, Jenny Jump
State Forest, Worthington State Forest and Fort Mott State Park. In
addition, /Ringwood State Park/, /D&R Canal State Park/ and Washington
Crossing State Park may suffer cuts in facilities or hours of operation.
Will this restrict mountain biking in any of these parks? Possibly.
Without adequate funding, ranger presence is cut to the bone and the
safety of trail users can no longer be assured. In response the park
superintendents are forced to close the gates in response.
JORBA believes that when the Governor is considering items to cut in the
state budget, closing parks within NJ is not a wise choice. Whether they
casually walk, ride a horse or a bike, or a paddle a watercraft, open
space benefits almost every citizen of NJ and thus closures effect most
everyone in adverse way.
Jim Amon (Former Executive Director of the D&R Canal Commission) says it
well: "Of all the mistaken things to do because you are short of
revenue, the worst thing is to close revenue producing parks. Parks
produce revenue not only through the collection of park fees, but also
by supporting ecotourism, including bringing business to local
restaurants, encouraging the purchase of bikes and other outdoor
equipment -- all of which support our state economy..." Source
<http://www.njkeepitgreen.org/benefits.htm>
*What can you do?*
Its time to contact your legislators and let them know that you do not
want your parks sacrificed in the name of budget cuts. Please ask your
legislators to reconsider this budget and fully fund NJ State Parks,
Forests and Recreation Areas. If you are a frequent user of a park local
to you, make the note personal and tell them how much you enjoy the park
and treasure its trails. If you volunteer at the park, mention your
volunteer work and mention the local club, or JORBA, that you volunteer
with. All these personal items in a note will make a difference and an
impact.
The letter does not have to be long. 1 or 2 paragraphs is plenty. Nor do
we want you to mail any form letters instead, consider the points above
and use the Quick and Easy Contact your Legislator
<http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/SelectMun.asp> link on the State of NJ
website.
All you have to is:
1. Click the Contact your Legislator
<http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/SelectMun.asp> link
2. Select your Town
3. Select all your Legislators (click the check boxes)
4. Select "STATE BUDGET AND FINANCE" from the Subject drop down list
5. Enter your Name, Address, etc.
6. Enter subject such as "Cuts to Close State Parks"
7. Enter a message.
The following is a sample message (urge you to edit it and add your own
personal message):
"I would like to voice my opposition to the proposed cuts outlined in
the Governor's 2008 budget, which would force closures of 15 parks as of
July 1, 2008. As an avid mountain biker, I utilize the state's parks and
forests several times per ____ and a closure of these parks is
unacceptable. Volunteers affiliated with JORBA performed over 5500 hours
of trail work in 2007 so a closure of these parks will be a bitter pill
to swallow in 2008. Please consider that parks benefit all residents
directly or indirectly and thus closures affect many NJ residents and
nearby businesses that benefit from their use."
Proofread your message and if you're satisfied, click "Submit Email" to
send your message to your legislators. Again, this can be tailored to
your own personal volunteer efforts in a specific park or personal beliefs.
<mailto:JAR-unsu-@yahoogroups.com?subject=>
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/JAR;_ylc=X3oDMTJlMG9vcnY5BF9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzIxODczOTkEZ3Jwc3BJZAMxNzA1MDY3NDc5BHNlYwN2dGwEc2xrA3ZnaHAEc3RpbWUDMTIwNzE5OTMzOQ-->
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