WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep Frank A. LoBiondo (R-2nd) applauded passage of his legislation reauthorizing the New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail through Sept. 30, 2011.
The legislation would extend the authorization to allow time for a strategic plan to be created to find additional public and private support for the trail, which has attracted millions of tourists and residents to the area since its inception in 1988. The measure was approved by the full House late last night and now goes to the president for his signature.
“The New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail incorporates some of New Jersey’s most popular destinations, providing additional support to local businesses and communities that rely on tourism dollars for economic survival,” LoBiondo stated in a release. “This trail has also helped our residents develop greater pride and awareness of our shared history. As the region experiences these challenging economic times, I will continue to fight to protect the federal dollars being awarded to our state that support our critical tourism industry.”
Stretching some 300 miles from Perth Amboy to Cape May and across to Carneys Point, the Coastal Heritage Trail connects numerous places of historic, environmental, maritime and recreational interests.
These areas include three National Wildlife Refuges, four tributaries of the Maurice River which has been designated a Wild and Scenic River, a Civil War fort and national cemetery as well as numerous historic sights related to the rich heritage of New Jersey.
Eco-tourism in the area has been especially significant due to the trail’s attractiveness to a wide range of wildlife. Whale and dolphin watching is extremely popular along the shore and bird watchers from around the world are drawn to the area to see migratory species such as plovers, ospreys and bald eagles.
In July 2007, LoBiondo testified at a Congressional hearing on the importance of state’s Coastal Heritage Trail. Also testifying was Meghan Wren, executive director of the Bayshore Discovery Project, Bivalve. The project operates the Delaware Bay Museum from the historic Bivalve oyster Shipping Sheds and Wharves which serve as a tourism destination, a maritime community center and the homeport to New Jersey’s Official Tall Ship, the A. J. Meerwald.
The restored Delaware Bay oyster schooner serves as a living history educational classroom providing a once-in-a-lifetime experience for 5,000 youngsters each year.
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New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail Route
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long is the Trail?
A: The New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail stretches nearly 300 miles along the Atlantic seaboard including Raritan, Barnegat and Delaware Bays.
Q: What kind of Trail is it?
A: The Trail is a vehicular trail. It isn’t one continuous route. The Trail links destinations by routes on local and county roads, divided State and U.S. highways. You can can plan your trip by regions, each with a detailed map.
Q: Does the Trail have camp grounds?
A: The New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail has extensive camping areas. Although the New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail does not own land, many of our partners have what you need. You can learn more by linking to our partners’ web pages, contacting us, or visiting the Trail’s welcome centers.
Q: Where can I canoe?
A: There are miles of fresh water creeks and tidal marshes for canoeing and kayaking. You can bring your own canoe or rent a canoe, kayak, or raft from a professional outfitter.
Q: Are there lighthouses on the Trail?
A: There are eight lighthouses located on the New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail.
Great Beds Light in Raritan Bay near Perth Amboy’s Harbor Walk
Sandy Hook Light & Dwelling, the nation’s oldest operating light is at Sandy Hook, Gateway National Recreation Area
Twin Lights State Historic Site in Highlands, NJ
Barnegat Lighthouse State Park on Long Beach Island
Hereford Inlet Lighthouse in North Wildwood
Cape May Lighthouse at Cape May Point
East Point Lighthouse on the Delaware Bay at Maurice River Cove near Heislerville, NJ
Finns Point Rear Range Light near Supawna Meadows National Wildlife Refuge on the Delaware River
Q: Is there a good bird watching area on the Trail?
A: The New Jersey coast provides vital habitat for many species during their spring and fall migrations. The Trail’s partners include state and county parks, and state forests. There are over twenty wildlife refuges, wildlife management areas, and preserves managed by federal and state agencies as well as non-profit organizations. Contact our destinations for the best seasons to view migrating and nesting birds.
Q: Are there bike trails?
A: Yes, the Delsea, Absecon and Cape May Regions have bicycle routes recommended by the South Jersey Wheelmen. You can see these bike trails in the Trail’s regional brochures which include maps. Contact us and we will mail you these brochures.
Q: How do I get a Golden Age or Golden Access Passport?
A: The two lifetime passes, the Golden Age Passport and Golden Access Passport, may be purchased and used at all federally operated areas that charge entrance (use) fees. There are two destinations on the Trail where you can get passports – Sandy Hook, Gateway National Recreation Area and Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge.
Q: How do I get cancellation “stamps” for my passport book on the Trail?
A: You can obtain the New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail Route cancellation at the Trail’s Welcome Centers and administration office.
The Pinelands National Reserve cancellation is available at the Pinelands Commission headquarters, email: info@njpines.state.nj.us and at the Trail’s administration office.
The Maurice National Scenic & Recreational River cancellation is available at the Trail’s administration office.
The Great Egg Harbor National Scenic & Recreational River cancellation is available at Estell Manor Nature Center at 609-646-5900 in Estell Manor, NJ or at the Trail’s administration office.
The Sandy Hook, Gateway National Recreational Area cancellation is available at Sandy Hook’s visitor center 732-872-5970.
Q: Where can I learn more about the National Park’s Entrance Pass Program and passport books?
A: Go to www.nps.gov/fees_passes.htm for the NPS Entrance Pass Program. Call toll-free 877-628-7275 to order passport books.
Dennisville – As a parent of a Tech student it would be great if the school would update their staff directory. So many old staff still listed and no new teachers listed. What gives?
