Where the Frack is DEP Parks Funding Plan?

DEP More Than 2 Years Late In Responding to Legislative Mandate

As we begin summer, and with trees falling down in State campgrounds, we’re reminded of the crisis in State Parks funding.

For years, we have demanded that part of the solution include collection of current market value of leases and easements, particularly for utility easements across state lands.

The easement issue was epitomized by the Tennessee Gas Pipeline scandal .

(also see:  NEW JERSEY FORFEITS MILLIONS ON PARK LEASES AND CONCESSIONS — Lapsed Leases, Below Market Rates and Sweetheart Deals Give Corporations Breaks

So, we note that way back in June 2008, the Legislature mandated that DEP act to reform longstanding problems.

We secured amendments to that law specifically to address utlity easements across state parks and state lands.

That issue is especially timely, now that Governor Christie’s Energy Master Plan touts new gas pipeline infrastructure to import Marcellus fracking gas.

So, here it is – have at it (see:P.L. 2008, c. 31):

4. a. The Department of Environmental Protection shall conduct, within six months after the effective date of this act, a study of the facilities, services, resources, activities, and amenities provided, or which reasonably could be provided, at each State park or forest as defined in subsection e. of section 3 of P.L.1983, c.324 (C.13:1L-3).  As part of the study, the department shall:

     (1)   examine opportunities for increasing revenue realized from State parks and forests through (a) concessions, (b) marketing of products with State park or forest, New Jersey history, or other New Jerseyana or Garden State themes, (c) marketing of other products such as camping and outdoor recreational supplies and equipment, and (d) leases and rentals for events and other one-time or short-term uses;

     (2)   conduct a re-appraisal of the rents and fees charged for all residences and other buildings and structures, and for utility easements and right-of-ways, located on State park or forest lands to ensure they reflect current fair market values and will continue to do so;

     (3)   research fee structure strategies such as per person pricing compared to per vehicle charges and non-uniform pricing based upon intensity or frequency of use, location of the State park or forest, season, time of day, age of the visitor, and other similar factors;

     (4)   determine whether the fees it charges or will charge at State parks and forests are competitively priced when compared to similar facilities, services, resources, activities, and amenities offered in the private sector or by other states; and

     (5)   determine whether the fees it charges or will charge are causing or will cause any significant decrease in visitation to State parks and forests or a decrease in the use of certain facilities, services, resources, or amenities or in participation in certain activities.

     b.    The department, within 60 days after completion of the study required pursuant to subsection a. of this section, shall submit, pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1991, c.164 (C.52:14-19.1), to the Legislature and to the State Treasurer a report of its findings and conclusions from the study.

     c.     Based upon the results of the study, the department shall, by July 1, 2009, (1) modify the fees it charges for facilities, services, resources, activities, and amenities at State parks and forests to ensure as much as practicable that the fee structure established properly reflects the availability of those facilities, services, resources, activities, and amenities and that the fee revenues realized therefrom are making an appropriate and reasonable contribution toward defraying the cost of operating and maintaining State parks and forests, and (2) implement other measures deemed in the study to be appropriate and beneficial with respect to increasing revenues realized from State parks and forests.

Where are the media and Legislative Oversight?