The Planning Process 2 Draft Alternatives 9 What Happens Next? 12 Ramapo Mountains County Park Plan Newsletter You are Invited to a Public Open House Hear the County Department of Park s preliminary ideas for the park. Discuss your ideas, concerns and thoughts. Talk with the planning team. Thursday, October 17, 2013 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Township of Mahwah Administration Building, Senior Activity Center 75 Corporate Dr. Mahwah, NJ 0730 (Please note: The entrance to and parking for the Senior Activity Center is located at the rear of the building.) Dear Friends In September 2010, we introduced you to a planning effort to guide decisions at Bergen County Ramapo Mountains County Park to help chart a course for its future. At this time we are sharing our progress with you and are asking you to share your thoughts and ideas. In this newsletter, you will find summaries of preliminary interpretive theme statements, concepts to preserve the park s natural and cultural resources. Your review and comments will help refine these preliminary concepts and guide the planning team in developing the preferred planning concept. Once fully developed, one of these concepts could be selected as the Department of Park s preferred concept or a new concept could emerge that combines elements from some or all of the preliminary concepts. We invite you to review the alternatives and offer us your comments by mail or electronically through the project website. You may also submit your comments at the public open house announced in this newsletter. Thank you for your continued interest in this planning process. Sincerely, Ronald Kistner Director, Department of Parks Robert S. Garrison Director, Department of Planning & Economic Development Project website: www.co.bergen.nj.us/index.aspx?nid=202
Ramapo Mountains County Park Plan Contact Information Address Bergen County Department of Parks One Bergen County Plaza, Fourth Floor Hackensack, NJ 07601 Telephone 201-336-PARK (7275) Department Website www.co.bergen.nj.us/index.aspx?nid=105 Plan Website www.co.bergen.nj.us/index.aspx?nid=202 If you have questions or would like to contact someone directly about the Ramapo Mountains County Park Plan, please contact Adam Strobel, Project Manager, by telephone (201-336-658, or by email: ramapoparkmp@ co.bergen.nj.us) Park Purpose Statement The purpose of the Bergen County Ramapo Mountains County Park is to protect and maintain the wilderness experience, interpret and learn from this dynamic natural resource, and facilitate the sensible and sustainable human use of the Ramapo Mountains and the surrounding landscape. Park Significance Statement The Planning Process Our park planning process is organized around three primary questions: Why was this park established and what is its overall purpose? What is the vision of the future (what kind of place do we want the RMCP to be in 15 to 20 years from now)? And how do we accomplish our future vision or what actions are needed to create this desired future? Statements of RMCP s purpose and significance provide answers to the why questions and form the foundation of the management plan. Developing a plan for the park future (answering the what and how questions) is the primary function of the management plan. Based upon the RMCP s mission, research data and your comments, the planning team has developed a range of preliminary alternatives for protecting resources, meeting the needs of our visitors, and addressing the concerns of neighbors and partners. Evaluating a set of alternatives enables us to compare and contrast the advantages and/or disadvantages of one course of action over another and establishes a sound approach to decision-making required. These preliminary alternatives were developed in response to issues and concerns from the public and Bergen County Park managers about RMCP. The concepts and components of the alternatives are based upon the public suggestions received during the Community Visioning process and the Park staff s professional experience. The Ramapo Mountains County Park offers exceptional opportunities for nature based recreation and enjoyment; cultural and historical related activities. The Ramapo Mountains County Park lies at the northeast limits of the New York New Jersey Highlands and is a component of the Appalachian Mountain chain, contributing to significant biological diversity including habitat for a unique assemblage of plants and animals unparalleled in the region. The Ramapo Mountains County Park contains the most rugged and dramatically beautiful mountain scenery in all of Bergen County. Ramapo Mountains County Park Plan Newsletter August 2013 2
± N E W Y O R K S TAT E Mountain Cemetery Bald Mountain (Elevation 1,16) Ringwood Manor Park Robert J. Davidson Site 507 Stag Brook «17 85 100 # Hawk Rock EY Darlington School House ü Æ N a tu ü Æ Ramapo Valley County Reservation 202 98 Bear Swamp Camp Yaw Paw VA LL ra l G a s P i pe lin e C o r r id o r # Nickel Mine RA MA PO Ringwood Manor Park RD Ringwood Borough Zones Camp Glen Gray ü Æ Subregions ü Æ S Interstate Highway Trails State Route Parking Area County Route Camping Area Local Road Scenic Overlook Natural Gas Saddle Ridge Pipeline Corridor Horse Back Mine Riding Area 0 2,000,000 6,000 S85 Camp Todd County Park Fox Brook Camp Tamarack County Park LIN KY ue Borough 692 Stag Brook Bear Swamp RA M Y RD p n VALLE A PO PA S S A I C COUNTY Fox Brook Camp Glen Gray County Park Ringwood Manor Park Zones identify how different areas of the Darlington County & Park park could be managed to achieve agolf variety of resource 287 Course conditions and visitor experiences. The Planning Team has developedæ üdescriptions for four zones that could be Campgaw appropriate for the RMCP. Alternatives for future park Mountain County Reservation conditions and management ü have been developed by Æ arranging these zones in different configurations in the RMCP. S89 8,000 Feet This Map Was Developed Using Bergen County And State Of New Jersey Digital Data. This Secondary Product Has Not Been Verified And Is Not County Or State Authorized.
RD Stag Brook Zone Limited visitor facilities would provide a sense of remoteness in a mountainous wilderness setting. Natural and cultural resources would be preserved. This zone features Bald Mountain, highest elevation (1,16 ft) in the RMCP. Potential trails in this zone would offer opportunities to visit and learn from wetlands and vernal pools and offer views of the Stag Brook gorge. Zone Core visitor opportunities and facilities would be provided with a trail system and interpretive programs could be developed. The scenic east-west Halifax Trail into Ringwood Manor State Park would be located in this zone. Views of a wide variety of surface water features, including waterfalls, are present along trails to Scarlet Oak Pond and McMillian Reservoir and the Ramapo River. Broad ridge-top views east to Newark Basin and to Manhattan are also an attraction to hikers. Subregion 5,000 ft Bald Mountain (Elevation 1,16) Robert J. Davidson Site Interstate Highway State Route County Route Local Road Natural Gas Pipeline Corridor Mountain Cemetery Trails Parking Area Camping Area Scenic Overlook Mine N E W Y O R K S T A T Robert J. Davidson Site Natural Gas Pipeline Corridor Stag Brook Bear Swamp # Nickel Mine Natural Gas Pipeline Corridor Stag Brook Hawk Rock 287 # Nickel Mine Bear Swamp Hawk Rock RAMAPO VALLEY Darlington School House Æü Æü Ramapo Valley County Reservation Ramapo Mountains County Park Plan Newsletter August 2013
C O U N T Y C O U N T Y Bear Swamp Brook Zone Good natural and cultural resource conditions and emphasis on resource preservation and restoration. Limited visitor facilities, providing a sense of remoteness and immersion in nature within a mountainous setting. Trail access to representative ecological communities such as wetlands, riparian corridors, and vernal pools, as well as views of large glacial erratics. Fox Brook Zone The perennial streams Fox Brook and Crystal Lake Brook watersheds, along with associated lakes would be located in this zone. Preservation of riparian corridor environments and enhancement of interpretive programs are appropriate activities in this zone. Overnight cabin camping would be provided at Camp Glen Gray; camping infrastructure will be located in this zone, as well as opportunities for a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, boating and fishing. Stag Brook Bear Swamp # Ringwood Manor Park # Nickel Mine Ringwood Manor Park Natural Gas Pipeline Corridor Camp Glen Gray County Park Fox Brook np Camp Glen Gray Camp Yaw Paw Natural Gas Pipeline Corridor Bear Swamp Ringwood Manor Park Fox Brook 202 RAMAPO VALLEY RD 692 SKYLINE DR Æü Camp Tamarack County Park S91 Camp Todd County Park 202 Ramapo Mountains County Park Plan Newsletter August 2013 5
Zones Stag Brook Zone Zone Bear Swamp Brook Zone Fox Brook Zone Natural Resource Conditions Natural resources would emphasize maintaining ecological integrity of riparian corridor of Stag Brook and associated tributaries. Invasive exotic plant species would be removed when possible and select areas would be restored with native vegetation. Studies of vernal pools would result in: Vernal pools to support amphibian and/or invertebrates. New vernal pools classified by NJDEP. New management prescriptions to protect vernal pools. Encourage people to stay on maintained trails. Eliminate off-road vehicles as they disrupt natural resources and ecological processes. Recreation and management facilities and activities may be altered or managed to improve the quality of ecological resources and processes. Resource management would focus on minimizing impacts from infrastructure, concentrated visitor use and administrative activities. Studies of vernal pools would result in: Vernal pools to support amphibian and/or invertebrates. New vernal pools classified by NJDEP. New management prescriptions to protect vernal pools. Invasive, exotic plant species would be removed using integrated weed management techniques and areas would be restored with native vegetation. Natural resource preservation, restoration, and ecosystem management would be the primary management emphasis. Resource management would enhance the quality, protection, and recovery of native vegetation. Invasive exotic plant species would be removed when possible and select areas would be restored with native vegetation. Studies of vernal pools would result in: Vernal pools to support amphibian and/or invertebrates. New vernal pools classified by NJDEP. New management prescriptions to protect vernal pools. Encourage people to stay on maintained trails. Natural resource preservation, restoration, and ecosystem management would be the primary management emphasis. Resource management would enhance the quality, protection and efforts to identify vernal pool habitats and associated buffers. Invasive exotic plant species would be removed when possible and select areas would be restored with native vegetation. Encourage people to stay on maintained trails. Eliminate off-road vehicles as they disrupt natural resources and ecological processes. Encourage people to stay on maintained trails. Eliminate off-road vehicles as they disrupt natural resources and ecological processes. Eradicate invasive exotic plants in natural gas pipeline corridors; investigate ecological restoration opportunities. Eliminate off-road vehicles as they disrupt natural resources and ecological processes. Cultural Resource Conditions of cultural resources would be in concert with management of natural resources. of cultural resources would be in concert with management of natural resources. of cultural resources would be in concert with management of natural resources. of cultural resources would be in concert with management of natural resources. To the extent possible, cultural resources would be visually accessible and interpreted to the public, recognizing visitor safety and security of historic resources. To the extent possible, cultural resources would be visually accessible and interpreted to the public, recognizing visitor safety and security of historic resources. To the extent possible, cultural resources would be visually accessible and interpreted to the public, recognizing visitor safety and security of historic resources. To the extent possible, cultural resources would be visually accessible and interpreted to the public, recognizing visitor safety and security of historic resources. Cultural resources, such as mountain cemetery and Davidson farm site, would be further evaluated in order to determine their current condition and determine their eligibility status. Cultural resources, which include ruins and foundations, low stone walls and the identified Green Mountain Valley Settlement, would be further evaluated in order to determine their current condition and determine their eligibility status. Cultural resources would be identified with further evaluation in order to determine their current condition and determine their eligibility status. Cultural resources would be further studied to determine significance of sites; protect sites as needed; potentially use information in cultural interpretive program for the County Park. Visitor Experience and Use Some opportunities to appreciate natural wooded area, remoteness, and scenic views. Some opportunities for rock climbing and bouldering; adventurous recreation. High quality opportunities would be provided for visitor abilities. Activities would include, but not limited to hiking, fishing, and nature observation. McMillan Reservoir and Scarlet Oak Pond provide scenic, remote and serene water observation experiences. High level of accessibility would be provided for visitors to see, experience and learn about nature within this zone. Great opportunities to experience solitude, remoteness. Outstanding opportunities for wilderness based recreational activities would be the focus in this zone. Activities would include in trail hiking, nature and historic resource viewing, and interpretive program for bedrock and surficial geology. Visitor services, except for emergency response, would rarely be provided. A wide variety of high quality day use and overnight recreation opportunities would be provided. Activities would include, but not limited to hiking, fishing, swimming, self-propelled boating, all contained in a weekend camping facility. Greatest potential for new trails. Ramapo Mountains County Park Plan Newsletter August 2013 6
Zones Stag Brook Zone Zone Bear Swamp Brook Zone Fox Brook Zone Facilities Very limited, primitive facilities could be present and meet accepted wilderness standards. Recreation facilities could Trail system connecting the upper and lower portions of the zone. Interpretive information and signage. Education facilities could Ramapough Lenape cultural center. Transportation facilities could Low impact parking lots/ pull-offs. Roadway improvements. A range of facilities and infrastructure accommodate daytime visitor use as well as park operations. The highest level of development would occur in this zone. Education, recreation, transportation and administrative faculties could occur in some or the entire zone. Education facilities could Interpretive trails Informational and interpretive signage Recreation facilities could Trails Fishing Restrooms Limited visitor facilities accommodate recreation and park operations. Facilities would be minimally obstructive on the landscape and designed to be compatible with natural surroundings. Facilities could Trails Informational and interpretive signage. Mountain Biking. Transportation facilities could Low impact lots/pull-offs along Skyline Drive. A functional organized overnight campground will be located at Camp Glen Gray area in this zone. Facilities could Overnight cabin camping. Boating on Lake Vreeland. Fishing. Hiking. Fire Tower lookouts. Potential development of limited tent-only, passive camping opportunities at Tamarack and Todd recreation areas; accessible only by hiking to a limited area within one or both former camp sites. Transportation facilities could Parking lots Roads Pedestrian bridges Administrative facilities could Administrative offices Maintenance and storage site Staff housing Access and Transportation Public access is available throughout the zone, but access to some areas may be extremely challenging. Access would be by foot. Both public access and areas restricted for park administrative use occur. Most open areas would be easily accessible by visitors. Access would be by foot. Opportunities for public transportation, parking and sidewalks to the park entrance may be accommodated. Public access is available throughout the zone, but access to some areas may be extremely challenging. Access would be by foot. Opportunities for creating parking off Bear Swamp Road. Due to environmental sensitivities of habitats and hazards of steep slopes, public access will be focused to one or a few sites in the zone. Access to Camp Glen Gray will be limited to those who are camp users. Restrained direct access from Skyline Drive, except through State parkland. Opportunity to determine if access from Skyline Drive is feasible with limited parking on Skyline Drive. Ramapo Mountains County Park Plan Newsletter August 2013 7
Ramapo Mountains County Park Plan Newsletter August 2013 8
Draft Alternatives In the planning process we are accessing alternative management concepts, desired conditions, and prescriptions for the Ramapo Mountains County Park. All of the alternatives must be reasonable, viable and conform to Bergen County Park Rules and the laws, regulations, and policies of the NJ Department of Environmental Protection. Each alternative is built around an underlying concept that describes a possible vision for park management over the next 15 to 20 years. The Bergen County Department of Parks has not yet designated a preferred alternative. The preferred alternative will be designated in the draft Ramapo Mountains County Park Plan. It could be one of the preliminary alternatives or it could be made up of parts of the alternatives. Your comments and ideas on the preliminary alternatives will assist the County in selecting a preferred alternative. The table beginning on page 10 outlines preliminary concepts, prescriptions, and conditions and for the future of the Ramapo Mountains County Park. Please review the table and provide your comments on the comment form, in person at the public workshop, or online at www.co.bergen.nj.us/ index.aspx?nid=202 Alternative A: Current The No Action Alternative provides the baseline from which to compare the other alternatives. Under this alternative, current management practices would continue, as funding allows. The emphasis in this alternative would be to protect the values of the park without substantially increasing staff, programs, funding support or facilities. Alternative B: This alternative takes a broader look at the role of Ramapo County Mountain Park in preserving the greater Ramapo Mountains ecosystem, which includes,500 acres of county parkland and over 16,000 acres of State and municipal parklands across the Bergen & Passaic County border (Mahwah Township Park, Ringwood State Park, Ramapo Mountains State Forest, Long Pond Iron Works State Park). The emphasis of park management and educational efforts would focus on ecosystem preservation and enhancement though coordinated regional environmental stewardship. The focus of visitor experience would be to link to solitude, tranquility, natural surroundings, and scenery through traditional hiking and nature observation. Greater coordination with the State Division of Parks and Forestry will occur to improve joint access and management of areas where the RMCP abuts State parkland. Alternative C: This alternative focuses on improving connections between visitors and the outdoors through a variety of enhanced recreation and learning experiences. Primary recreational/interpretive themes describe the key stories or concepts that will help visitors understand and appreciate the purpose and significance of the park. The emphasis of park management would be to diversify the RMCP s visitor base and build stewardship through hands-on recreation and education opportunities. Strive to increase use by developing programs and facilities geared to students and curriculum-based education programs. This alternative would allow expansion of existing trails within areas of educational value and visual interest and allow access to environmentally sensitive areas, but restrict detrimental activities. Ramapo Mountains County Park Plan Newsletter August 2013 9
Summary of Alternatives Alternative A: No Action Natural Resources Cultural Resources Continue existing natural resource programs and projects. Continue existing cultural resource programs. Continue cooperation with historical societies, native tribes. Alternative B: Alternative C: Focus on inventory, monitoring and preservation. Remove invasive exotic species, where possible. Restore areas to natural conditions. Focus on documentation and research of significant cultural sites, landscapes, structures and collections. with extension to cultural education. with development of education program on native peoples. Interpretation and Education Treatments focus on protection and preservation. Continue existing education, outreach and interpretive programs. Focus on education about appropriate educational uses. Treatments focus on interpretation, education, and visitor use, where feasible. Establish curriculum based educational programs with colleges/ local school districts. Increase outreach for interpretation and education. Substantially increase on-site Bergen County Parks led programs. Recreation Camping Continue existing camping activities at Camp Glen Gray and Campgaw Mountain County Reservation. Bow Hunting Climbing Self-propelled boats Continue to restrict hunting opportunities. Continue prohibition of rock climbing Continue use of self-propelled boats where permissible. Increase-self-guided opportunities. Facilities Park Entrances Maintain existing park entrances. Develop park entrances to improve awareness of entering RMCP. Trails Tamarack and Todd Areas Mountain Biking Current number of trails, existing trail alignments, and trail uses would be maintained. Evaluate new trails on a case-by-case basis. Remove all structures, facilities and paved areas; restore with native vegetation. Continue prohibition of mountain biking. Horseback Riding Continue prohibition of horseback riding. No net increase in trails. Remove and actively restore select trails for resource and other concerns. Remove unsafe structures as appropriate for limited camping use; restore with native vegetation. Increase cooperation with partners. Plus permit controlled camping in designated areas. Establish safety zones within or in combination with State parkland to facilitate hunting. PLUS explore rentals of self-propelled boats on Scarlett Oak Pond. Consider several new trails to encourage visitors to explore beyond current trails and for interpretive learning. Rehabilitate structures, facilities, as appropriate, and develop overnight camping opportunities. Conduct feasibility study to cite a dedicated area within RMCP. Conduct feasibility study to cite a dedicated area within RMCP for horseback riding. Ramapo Mountains County Park Plan Newsletter August 2013 10
Summary of Alternatives Alternative A: No Action Access Parking Maintain existing parking areas within RMCP. Pedestrian Interagency Lands Alternative B: Alternative C: Reconfigure trailhead parking to provide safer ingress/ egress. Improve non-motorized access along Road; increase accessibility via sidewalks to and from Ramapo College and adjoining Mahwah Township Recreation Areas. Collaborate with NJ Parks and Forestry for enhanced education and interpretation. Acquire appropriate parcel(s) of land to increase and/or protect RMCP. Continue to protect park boundaries; remove illegal encroachments Develop formal cooperative agreement with NJ Parks and Forestry to define management roles and responsibilities within County and State parkland. Investigate administrative transfer of County parkland to NJ Parks and Forestry located in Bear Swamp Zone to reduce inconsistent park management rules. Plus incorporating new park entrance with the Darlington Schoolhouse building as a visitor information center. Establish small, low impact lots/ pull-offs along Skyline Drive to formalize access to RMCP. Ramapo Mountains County Park Plan Newsletter August 2013 11
What Happens Next? The next step will be the selection of a preferred alternative. The selection process is based on analysis of the impacts and advantages of the alternatives and public comments. The Department of Park s preferred alternative will be designated in the Ramapo Mountains County Park Plan. Once the draft management plan is complete, the document will be available for review and comment. At that time, we will also hold a final public open house to present the contents of the draft Plan and provide opportunities to discuss the draft plan with County staff. The draft Plan will then be revised and a final Plan will be published and available. Park management will then begin to implement the plan over the next 15 to 20 years. Ramapo Mountains County Park Plan Schedule Planning Steps Date Public Involvement Opportunities 1 Identify the Planning Context Reaffirm the purpose and significance of RMCP. Determine issues and concerns, and gather and analyze information. 2 Develop and Evaluate We Are Here Preliminary Alternatives Identify a reasonable range of alternative future conditions and management actions, assess the potential effects, analyze public reactions, and select a preferred alternative. 3 Prepare and Publish a Draft Plan Prepare draft plan describing the planning context, management alternatives, and impacts. Distribute to the public. Revise and Publish the Final Plan Analyze comments, revise draft document, and distribute to the public. 2009 to 2010 Attend the public visioning workshop and provide comments. Read project website and send us your comments. 2011 to 2013 Attend the public open house and send us your comments. Winter 2013-201 Attend the public open house. Read draft plan and send us your comments. 201 Stay involved throughout the implementation of the approved plan. Check park website for updates. Project website: www.co.bergen.nj.us/index.aspx?nid=202