Save Jenny Jump

New Jersey is currently building two new state parks in Trenton and Paterson at a cost of over $20 million while saying that we can't afford $4.4 million to keep existing parks open. There has been a sustained revolt against the proposed state budget that closes nine state parks, including UACNJ's home park, Jenny Jump State Forest. We' ve been promised that the UACNJ Observatory will remain open but the closure of the park will have a negative impact on attendance for our public progams.

The governor's response has been to raise the possibility of keeping the parks open for "passive recreation." Many breathed a sigh of relief - but perhaps that's only because most don't realize the implications. Passive recreation" means no camping, no swimming, no programs, no bathrooms, and no maintenance of parking lots or our beautiful trails. All the parks in the state account for 0.07% of the state budget. Let the governor and your legislators know that we want the parks, the services, and continued operational funding.

Remember: the only tools we have are our letters, email and phone calls - please follow through!