Inganamort visits state parks
ENVIRONMENT. Assemblyman tours four state parks and trails in Sussex and Warren counties.
Newton /
| 17 Jan 2025 | 11:30
From left are James Scholts, Luis Arevalo, Rebecca Fitzgerald, Brett Conrads, Assemblyman Michael Inganamort, John Cecil, Robin Madden, Mackenzie Smith, Blanca Chevrestt, Benjamin Kurtz and Clark Howell. (Photo provided)
Senior leadership from the Department of Environmental Protection hosted Assemblyman Michael Inganamort, R-24, and his chief of staff, Brett Conrads, at four state parks and trails in Sussex and Warren counties Jan. 10.
They discussed recent and upcoming capital improvements in Swartswood State Park in Stillwater, a portion of the Sussex Branch Trail in Newton, Allamuchy Mountain State Park and Waterloo Village in Byram.
Attending from the Department of Environmental Protection were John Cecil, assistant commissioner of state parks, forests & historic sites; Robin Madden, chief of operations; Mackenzie Smith, senior policy adviser; Rebecca Fitzgerald, administrator, state parks; Blanca Chevrestt, acting regional superintendent; James Scholts, construction management specialist; Nateshea Fenderson-Singh, administrative assistant, Office of Legislative Affairs; and Luis Arevalo, program coordinator.
Swartswood State Park was founded in 1915 as New Jersey’s first state park. Inganamort questioned DEP officials about water quality in Swartswood Lake and recreational access.
At Allamuchy Mountain State Park, participants saw the new public entrance on Route 517 across from the Panther Valley Mall. Local mountain bikers, hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts had expressed strong interest in a new entrance.
“Our state parks have never been more popular and well-used among New Jerseyans, and this requires proactive maintenance and intentional improvements,” Inganamort said. “Having now walked these popular trails, I look forward to working more closely with the Department of Environmental Protection to ensure our state parks not only protect natural habitat and native species but also best serve families in northwest New Jersey.”
Fitzgerald said, “New Jersey’s state parks demonstrate the beauty and opportunity of the Garden State through the natural and historic resources they harbor and the enjoyment they provide to residents and visitors alike.
“Ensuring that our legislative leaders are familiar with the opportunities and challenges that come with managing more than 450,000 acres of state park and forest land is essential. Thanks to the assemblyman and his staff for taking the time to get an up-close look at New Jersey’s cherished state parks.”
Inganamort serves on the Assembly Environment and Natural Resources Committee.
He is co-chairman of the New Jersey Angling and Hunting Conservation Caucus with state Sen. Parker Space and Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia, both R-24.