N.J. Admin. Code § 7:45-1.4

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 21, November 4, 2024

Section 7:45-1.4 - Master Plan of the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park

(a) The objectives of the Master Plan of the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park are as follows:

1. The Delaware and Raritan Canal is a water supply system.

i. The integrity of the Canal as a structure that carries water must be protected.

ii. The quality of the water that enters the Canal--whether from a point source, overland flow of stormwater runoff, or from groundwater exchange--must be suitable for a source of drinking water.

iii. Other uses or development projects must be compatible with the need to operate and maintain the Canal as a water supply system.

2. The Park is a site for recreational activities.

i. Recreational development should be aimed at encouraging the widest possible range of compatible recreational activities.

ii. The types of recreational activities to be encouraged depend upon the "Canal Environment" as designated in the Master Plan.

iii. Recreational development and access are to be allocated to all parts of the Park in order to avoid concentrating use at a few locations.

iv. Adjoining recreational resources should be connected to the Park for mutual enhancement. The development of additional recreational resources adjoining the Park is to be encouraged.

3. The Park is a historic resource.

i. All repair, maintenance, and development work on the Canal and its associated structures should respect and enhance the historic character of the Park.

ii. The Park's historic character is derived as much from the context through which the Canal flows as from the Canal's structures. That context--the area that can be seen from the Canal and its towpath--should be preserved in a manner that reflects its historic nature.

iii. The role that the Canal played in the history of New Jersey should be interpreted for public edification.

iv. The Park should provide an appropriate context for nearby historic structures, landscapes, or sites.

4. The Park is an area that should be maintained in its natural state.

i. The lands and water in the Park should be maintained to preserve wildlife habitats and the flourishing of natural vegetation communities.

ii. The Park should be a means of connecting other natural areas in the region, thereby enhancing their ability to function.

iii. Rare, endangered, or threatened species of plants and animals found in the park should be carefully preserved.

iv. Landscape materials used in the Park or used on adjoining lands should be native to the region and appropriate for their specific habitat.

v. The greatest possible variety of habitats for plants and animals should be preserved.

vi. The Park should serve as a migratory route for plants and animals.

5. The Park is a means of enhancing urban areas.

i. The recreational, historic, and natural conservation objectives are all applicable to urban areas through which the Canal flows and should be appropriately applied there.

ii. The Park should serve as a transportation route within urban areas for non-motorized vehicles and pedestrians.

iii. The Park should be both a boundary for urban neighborhoods and means of connection among them.

iv. The Park should be a means of connecting urban areas with recreational areas, historic sites, and natural areas in the region beyond the urban boundary.

N.J. Admin. Code § 7:45-1.4