Environment (Parks & Recreation)

This bill changes how municipalities calculate impervious surfaces for parks in the Highlands preservation area. It specifies that all municipal parks within a single town should be treated as one property (not individually) when measuring impervious surface percentage against the 3% limit. The calculation excludes Highlands open waters and solar panels from the impervious surface count. This directly affects municipal park development projects in the Highlands region, making compliance with the 3% limit easier by allowing combined park area calculations.

This resolution opposes proposals to reclassify the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area as a National Park and Preserve (specifically the "Delaware River National Park and Lenape Preserve" plan) and expand its boundaries. It cites concerns about potential restrictions on recreational activities like hunting, negative economic impacts on local tourism businesses and farmers, and possible federal land acquisition using eminent domain. The resolution formally expresses New Jersey's opposition to these changes and directs copies to state and federal officials, including the National Park Service and congressional representatives.