New Jersey
Status: At Risk
29 State Parks | 35 Historic Sites
Take Action! Contact your state representatives.
Two years ago a plan took shape to cut $8.8 million from New Jersey's budget for parks, directly calling for the closure and limited access of 12 state parks. Instead a public outcry and last minute budget reprieves kept them open. Then and now, funding for state parks and state-owned historic sites in New Jersey has been a constant struggle. As the most densely-populated state in the nation, New Jersey's state parks and sites serve an important function. Now, more than ever, in response to the lagging economy, visitation is up at state parks and sites – including New Jersey – as people are looking for low-cost, in-state options and foregoing expensive vacations.
Governor Christie is attempting to accomplish what many have tried, cutting the state's mounting $11 billion deficit without eliminating crucial programs. In March he released a budget that cuts 9 percent of spending. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, the agency which oversees parks and sites, will see a nearly $29.8 million cut. State parks and historic sites are taking the biggest hit, going from $11.6 to $3.4 million. Leaders assure all state parks will remain open by redirecting funds, consolidating parks, and modifying the hours of operation. Fifty-seven historic sites and six historic districts make up the state parks system inventory. With an existing backlog of needed repairs at state parks totaling $300 million, and staff reduced 35 percent from optimal levels, keeping parks functioning – much less open – will indeed be a challenge.
The news about state-owned and funded historic sites is even more dire. Christie's budget eliminates $2.8 million of funding for a series of sites, including Morven Museum and Gardenand operating support for Save Ellis Island. Camden's floating WWII attraction, the Battleship New Jersey, will lose 40 percent of its operating budget and cut more staff positions, down now to 5 from 52 full-time employees in 2006. Advocates hope to reinstate some of the funding before the budget becomes final on July 1, saying the cuts are coming too quickly and suggest a gradual phase out instead.
What is the future of New Jersey's state parks and state-owned historic sites?
Two state-owned historic sites – the Old Barracks in Trenton and the Indian King Tavern in Haddonfield – illustrate the immense challenges ahead for New Jersey. Dating to 1758, the Old Barracks housed 300 British soldiers during the winters of the French and Indian War. Owned by the State of New Jersey since 1914, an agreement states funding will be provided in perpetuity. Instead, the recent budget calls for eliminating $375,000 in operating support. The 1750 Indian King Tavern is an example of an early American public house and tavern. In 1903 it became New Jersey's first state historic site. The state has preserved the site and provided funds for periodic capital improvements and maintenance, but state funds have not kept up with needs. Today Indian King Tavern is only open periodically due to inadequate funds for staffing, with a nonprofit friends group working to develop a long-term strategy.
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