Gottheimer, Kean introduce resolution to keep Delaware Water Gap a national recreation area

DELAWARE WATER GAP NATIONAL RECREATION AREA — U.S. Reps. Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J., and Tom Kean Jr., R-N.J., have introduced a House resolution opposing efforts to redesignate the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area as a national park and preserve, citing a lack of local support for the change.

The resolution, introduced by Kean, whose congressional district includes the Delaware Water Gap, follows years of proposals to change the area’s designation. According to the lawmakers, the measure reflects feedback from local officials and residents in the communities surrounding the recreation area.

“As I’ve said from day one, this matter required significant local input because it directly impacts many North Jersey townships, boroughs, and residents,” Gottheimer said. “I have immense trust in the mayors and local governments of the Fifth District and their ability to represent the views of our shared constituents. Following constructive discussions with local mayors and officials, and solicitation of local input, it does not seem that the proposal to redesignate the Delaware Water Gap as a national park has the necessary local support to move forward.”

Kean said the area’s current designation supports a wide range of outdoor recreation.

“The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is an important resource for our region. New Jerseyans have enjoyed fishing, hunting, boating, camping, canoeing, and more there for decades. It is critical that the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area remain a designated Recreation Area so it can continue to be enjoyed by visitors and local residents, rather than threatening its purpose and local outdoor recreation activities by redesignating it a national park,” Kean said.

Sandy Hull, founder of the Delaware Water Gap Defense Fund, welcomed the resolution.

“The Delaware Water Gap Defense Fund has strongly opposed changing its designation to a national park and preserve since 2022,” Hull said. “This resolution reflects cooperative efforts by Congressmen Kean and Gottheimer to maintain the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area as a national recreation area. Support for preserving its current status comes from millions of residents in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, supported by hunting, environmental, recreational, historical, and cultural organizations. As a living legacy of the tragic Tocks Island Dam project, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area deserves protection, and we thank all who continue to stand up for its history and natural beauty.”

The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area spans nearly 70,000 acres across New Jersey and Pennsylvania and is managed by the National Park Service. The area is used for fishing, hunting, hiking, boating, camping, canoeing and other outdoor activities and is home to numerous rare, threatened and endangered species.

The resolution states that the Delaware Water Gap should remain a National Recreation Area, that Congress should continue supporting public access to outdoor recreation, and that no federal funding should be used to pursue redesignating the area as a national park and preserve.