PARK MANAGEMENT PLAN VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE County of Bergen Department of Parks Ramapo Mountains County Park Area To attend this on-line open house, click “slide show”, then “From Beginning”. We want your comments on what kind of a park Ramapo Mountains County Park should be.

Participants received our newsletter that presents a range of preliminary alternatives for protecting resources, meeting needs of visitors, and addressing concerns of neighbors and partners. Participants were asked to provide comments on the newsletter. newsletter Comment period ends on November 4, What happened at the October 17, 2013 Open House?

The Management Plan will guide decisions made at Ramapo Mountains County Park for the next 20 years. Combines public input with scientific information and analysis. What is a Park Management Plan?

Extensive forested natural landscape. Ramapo River and McMillian Reservoir. Wildlife live and migrate in all watershed areas. Important geologic features such as Bald Mountain. Fundamental Park Resources include:

Recreation: hiking & walking, bird watching, fishing, camping. Dramatically beautiful mountain scenery in all of Bergen County. Nature/wilderness appreciation. Environmental and Cultural Education. Fundamental park values include:

Natural wildlife preserve & recreation area in a highly developed suburban county. Primary interpretive theme:

Planning challenges include: Non- Contiguous County Parkland Access to park User conflicts Wildlife/People conflicts Invasive plant species

Several different approaches, called Preliminary Alternative Concepts, are being considered to preserve the park’s natural and cultural resources. Each concept would steer the park in a different direction over the next 20 years. “Preliminary Alternative Concepts”

Preserve the Ramapo Mountains County Park area in its natural state with no additional development for recreational use. Continue existing efforts for natural and cultural protection. Continue education and interpretive programs. Continue existing camping activities; maintain existing trails; restrict all access to mountain bikes and equestrian. Limit parking to existing lots and do not expand parking capacity. Adopt a strict enforcement policy and program sufficient park staffing. Alternative A: Current Management

Preserve the Ramapo Mountains County Park area in its natural state with an emphasis on: Greater ecosystem & cultural stewardship. Focus visitor experience on tranquility and natural surroundings through hiking and nature observation. More emphasis on conserving and managing the many significant natural and cultural resources. Recreation provides for enjoyment of park’s natural and scenic features. More emphasis on experiencing preserved places. More attention to watershed preservation, planning, maintenance, & reforestation. New program and fund ongoing stewardship activities. Alternative B: Serenity

Preserve the Ramapo Mountains County Park area in its natural state with an emphasis on: Diversifying visitor base with hands-on recreation and education. Maximize outdoor recreation potential and conservation. New programs, hand-on learning focus on natural areas, cultural assets. More attention to expanding trails within areas of educational, cultural value, visual interest. New opportunities to recreate (e.g. mountain biking and horseback riding in designated areas on trails marked for such uses). New program and fund ongoing stewardship activities with partners. Alternative C: Active Connections

Each concept includes the values of preserving natural and historic resources and making recreation available. Yet, each concept approach is about what should be done and how to make it happen. Comparing the three concepts

Now it is your turn! Now that you’ve seen the three preliminary Alternative Concepts, tell us what you think. Please comment online.comment online Fill out a comment form and send it to:Fill out Adam Strobel, Project Manager Department of Planning and Economic Development One Bergen County Plaza, Fourth Floor Hackensack, NJ Or Fax the comment form to: Adam Strobel, Project Manager (201)

Public comment is a vital step in making decisions that will guide the Ramapo Mountains County Park through its next two decades. The next step will take place in the winter of 2013/2014. We hope you can join us then as well, either in person or online. Thanks for coming to our Virtual Open House!

Ramapo Mountains County Park Management Plan Bergen County Department of Parks One Bergen County Plaza, Fourth Floor Hackensack, NJ Department Website: Plan Website: Ronald Kistner, Director, Department of Parks Robert S. Garrison, Director, Department of Planning & Economic Development Kathleen A. Donovan County Executive Board of Chosen Freeholders David L. Ganz, Chairman, Joan M. Voss, Vice Chairwoman, John A. Felice, Chair Pro Tempore, Maura R. De Nicola, John D. Mitchell, Steven A. Tanelli, Tracy Silna Zur