DELAWARE WATER GAP NATIONAL RECREATION AREA – Some people were really in the holiday spirit this year and left some interesting and unnecessary gifts in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
“Public land sites do not typically agree with the whole “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure” saying,” officials said. “We would prefer you dispose of your construction materials, refrigerators, couches, tires, and all other garbage properly (which does not include dumping it on the side of the road).”
Dumping anywhere besides a proper disposal site is illegal and subject to fines. Things left behind in the woods do not just disappear, and very rarely does anyone pull over excited to find garbage bags full of used roofing materials on the side of a scenic woodland road, officials said.
Leaving behind any garbage, furniture, construction materials, mattresses, or anything else that does not naturally belong causes significant damage to the local environment and watershed. Chemicals, plastics, and other materials can escape into the river, allowing them to travel downstream, where they can poison or trap wildlife, officials said.
“Larger items become unnatural and toxic habitats for wildlife, creating an expectation that will not be met and can end in death. Not to mention that these things are also not pleasant to look at either,” officials said.
To report any dumping or harm to the park or others, call 570-426-2457.
