Senior leadership from the Department of Environmental Protection hosted Assemblyman Michael Inganamort (R-24) and his Chief of Staff Brett Conrads at four State Parks and Trails in Sussex and Warren Counties on January 10th.
The purpose of the visit was to discuss recent and upcoming capital improvements in Swartswood State Park in Stillwater Township, a portion of the Sussex Branch Trail in Newton, Allamuchy Mountain State Park, and Waterloo Village in Byram Township.
Attending from the Department of Environmental Protection were John Cecil, Assistant Commissioner of State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites; Robin Madden, Chief of Operations; Mackenzie Smith, Senior Policy Advisor; Rebecca Fitzgerald, Administrator, State Parks; Blanca Chevrestt, Acting Regional Superintendent; James Scholts, Construction Management Specialist; Nateshea Fenderson-Singh, Administrative Assistant, Office of Legislative Affairs; and Luis Arevalo, Program Coordinator.
Swartswood State Park was founded in 1915 and is New Jersey’s first State Park. At the park, Inganamort pressed the DEP on matters of water quality in Swartswood Lake and recreational access. At Allamuchy Mountain State Park, participants saw the new public entrance on Route 517 across from the Panther Valley Mall. The District 24 Legislative Office communicated strong interest in a new entrance from local mountain bikers, hikers, and other outdoor enthusiasts to the DEP throughout 2024.
“Our State Parks have never been more popular and well-used among New Jerseyans, and this requires proactive maintenance and intentional improvements,” said Inganamort. “Having now walked these popular trails, I look forward to working more closely with the Department of Environmental Protection to ensure our State Parks not only protect natural habitat and native species, but also best serve families in Northwest New Jersey.”
“New Jersey’s State Parks demonstrate the beauty and opportunity of the Garden State through the natural and historic resources they harbor and the enjoyment they provide to residents and visitors alike,” said Rebecca Fitzgerald, Administrator, State Parks, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. “Ensuring that our legislative leaders are familiar with the opportunities and challenges that come with managing more than 450,000 acres of state park and forest land is essential. Thanks to the Assemblyman and his staff for taking the time to get an up-close look at New Jersey’s cherished State Parks.”
In the Assembly, Inganamort serves on the Environment and Natural Resources Committee. He is co-chair of the New Jersey Angling and Hunting Conservation Caucus with Senator Parker Space and Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia.
