This is in reference to the present state of affairs in and without the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area regarding the quality and type of experience desired or expected. “Recreation Area” is a downgrade and ignores or does not emphasize properly the true landscapes within. Recreation is a natural; it needs no designation. It does, however, set into motion certain attitudes and conscience expectations of the pastimes to be had within the park. Recreational developments, out of the Denver Service Center of the National Parks, only lead to more negative impacts and lower standards for expected impacts when management assessments are done. Under the title "recreation area," much of the land’s original history is pushed aside or ignored. Native Americans, early explorers and settlers are deemed as important as, say, a new parking lot. Many historic structures in the park lack funding, while monies were available for Turtle Beach, for example. A title change to the following is suggested: New Jersey Frontier National Park. If we center ourselves on the great prime core bear habitat within the park and the Native Americans who once lived there, we may name the park after a myth that originated from these very landscapes and call it the Celestial Bear Comes Down to Earth National Wildlife Park, or National Historic Park. Something must be attempted to aid in the endeavor to honestly instill and enforce Organic Act of 1871 principles and carry out the enforcement of the code of regulations for the proper use of the lands. History and planetary biodiversity are much more important than “recreational developments.” At present, our population suffers from a “loss of land ethic.” The term "recreation area" only allows this loss of ethic to manifest and pollute the national park. The recreation area also suffers from a diminished law enforcement staff, which may or may not really care about what is taking place. The Delaware Water Gap has become a dumping ground for consumer recreation, a trash dump. Other monies are spent for road maintenance, asphalt pavement and pollution; roads only allow more access, more violations. How can seven or 11 park rangers keep up and properly monitor or enforce the rules? The Organic Act principles are displayed at mational park headquarters in Bushkill, Pa., but the principles cannot be realized in the present state of affairs. Some new approach to the parks management philosophy is definitely required for the future of the park and its Organic Act mandates and principles. What could be more important to any nation or people but to have sacred landscapes and treat them properly?

Today we discovered Millbrook Village! Although we've lived in northwest New Jersey for many years, we never knew this "little gem" was right in our backyard. A very talented Park Ranger, dressed as an early Dutch colonist, took us back in time to recreate an image of what life was like in this typical, rural town. We thoroughly enjoyed the peaceful hike around nearby Blue Mountain lake as well. Many thanks to our National Park Service for preserving this beautiful area.