To make your concerns about the park plan heard, follow these instructions

Many residents in the 189th Legislative District have shared their concerns with me in regard to the release of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area’s most recent, draft Visitor Use Management Plan. The plan’s goal is to ensure the park is meeting the needs of the modern visitor, based on research from this park and others across the country.

While the plan itself is roughly 146 pages, most concerns have stemmed from page 64 and 65, which proposes an “entrance fee” to the park. The proposed plan would charge seven-day passes for $25 a vehicle, $15 a person, and $20 for a motorcycle and $45 for an annual pass. Remember, this is merely a proposed plan, the draft is still under public comment and review.

Since I have received significant feedback on this, I attended a meeting last week and asked questions on your behalf. I also brought together staff from our federal legislative office to discuss and remind them of the public comment process. I also wanted to ensure as constituents, you understand the importance of submitting your comments so the park understands the impacts and concerns of our local residents as they further develop an updated plan. It is necessary comments are documented in a specific procedure and in order for your concerns not to fall on deaf ears, please follow the below instructions to be certain your voice on this matter is heard.

You can submit comments on the National Park’s plan online or my mail. In order to submit online, please visit parkplanning.nps.gov/document.cfm?documentID=99017 and click “Comment Now." The only required information needed to submit a comment is your city, state and area code. You may also submit your concerns via mail by sending to DEWA VUM Plan Team, 1978 River Road, Bushkill, PA 18324.

It is important to remember, when submitting your comment, please provide statements; explain how the proposed plan will impact you, rather than submit questions.The web page above also provides the entire draft of the Visitor Use Management Plan, their newsletter regarding the plan, and other important documents as it relates to the topic.

PA Rep. Rosemary Brown

East Stroudsburg