Resolution to promote state parks, culture approved

TRENTON — A bipartisan resolution sponsored by Assembly Republican members Parker Space and Alison Littell McHose that calls on the National Park Service to assist New Jersey in promoting its state parks and marketing events and sites of historic, cultural, and natural significance in the Garden State, was approved recently by the Assembly Tourism and Gaming Committee.

“We currently do a good job of promoting the public use of our parks and cultural and historic sites, and encouraging public participation in the state’s many cultural, historic, and recreational events,” said Space, R-Sussex, Warren and Morris. “The assistance of the NPS and the coordination of federal and state marketing efforts, however, would help facilitate even greater public use and stewardship of all we to offer from Revolutionary War sites to lighthouses, and fishing streams to 30 state parks.”

The Space-McHose resolution calls on the NPS, in the U.S. Department of the Interior, to assist New Jersey in marketing and promoting the state’s parks, and events and sites of historic, cultural, and natural significance, in order to facilitate greater public engagement in the state’s historic, cultural, and natural heritage.

“New Jersey is rich in history, culture and nature. There’s something for everyone to experience and enjoy at our 50 varied historical attractions and 30 state parks from Wawayanda State Park in Sussex and Passaic counties to Corson’s Inlet State Park in Cape May County,” stated McHose, R-Sussex, Warren and Morris. “The NPS has indicated its willingness to join forces with state governments to help revitalize communities, recognize, promote, and preserve local history, and introduce the next generation to environmental stewardship opportunities and responsibilities. We should take advantage of every opportunity afforded us to help us promote New Jersey’s heritage.”

The NPS currently offers advice, technical assistance, and grants to state and local governments, in order to aid them in the protection of significant historic and cultural sites, the preservation of the nation’s diverse cultural heritage, and the creation of close-to-home recreational opportunities.