Public meetings on future of Heritage Trail

The National Park Service is inviting the public to attend public meetings on March 1 and March 24 to share concerns and suggestions about the role of the New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail route to protect New Jersey’s important coastal heritage.

Four public meetings will be held. Locally, meetings will take place March 1, 2-4 p.m. and again at 6-8 p.m, in the Beech Room, Thompson Park Visitor Center, 805 Newman Springs Road (Route 520), Lincroft. For directions, call 732-842-4000, ext. 4312, or check online at www.monmouthcountyparks.com/page.aspx?Id=2539.

On March 24, 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., two public meetings will take place in the Home Town Dairy Conference Room (elevator available), Ocean County Library, Toms River Branch, 101 Washington St. For directions, call 732-349-6200 or check online www.theoceancountylibrary.org/Branches/tr/tr.htm.

According to project director Philip Correll, “Public input is welcomed and needed to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of the New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail Route in supporting public stewardship and protection of important natural and cultural resources along the New Jersey coast.”

Topics for discussion will include:

 Increased support for stewardship, interpretation, and education;

 Ideas for creating a stronger identity for the trail;

 Options for more participation by trail stakeholders;

 Ideas for a new management structure or agreements for improved management and coordination among trail partners.

Those unable to attend a meeting can send comments to NJCHTR_ strategic_ [email protected] or NJ Coastal Heritage Trail Route Strategic Plan, 389 Fortescue Road, P.O. Box 568, Newport, NJ 08345. Go to www.nps.gov/neje for more information about the trail.

The New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail Route was established in 1988 through federal legislation to raise awareness about and support public stewardship and protection of natural and cultural resources along 300 miles of New Jersey coastline. The trail’s project area includes the coastal region along the Raritan Bay from PerthAmboy to Sandy Hook, the entire Atlantic coast of New Jersey south to Cape May, and the Delaware Bay and River from Cape May to Deepwater near the Delaware Memorial Bridge.

The New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail Route works through partnerships with federal, state and local agencies and nonprofit organizations. There are nearly 60 cooperating locations that serve as trail destinations.