RELEASE: Reps. Gottheimer and Kean Introduce Resolution to Keep Delaware Water Gap a National Recreation Area, Citing Local Input

Resources / Press Share on RELEASE: Reps. Gottheimer and Kean Introduce Resolution to Keep Delaware Water Gap a National Recreation Area, Citing Local Input Jul 21, 2026 Press WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Representatives Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) and Tom Kean Jr. (NJ-7) introduced a House resolution opposing the redesignation of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area as a national park and preserve, pointing to a lack of local support for the change. The resolution was introduced by Representative Kean, whose district includes the Gap. The push follows years of periodic proposals to convert the Gap’s designation, and comes after extensive outreach to the North Jersey communities that surround it. Gottheimer has said from the beginning that any decision on the Gap’s future needed to be driven by the towns and residents most affected by it. “As I’ve said from day one, this matter required significant local input because it directly impacts many North Jersey townships, boroughs, and residents,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “I have immense trust in the mayors and local governments of the Fifth District and their ability to represent the views of our shared constituents. Following constructive discussions with local mayors and officials, and solicitation of local input, it does not seem that the proposal to redesignate the Delaware Water Gap as a national park has the necessary local support to move forward.” “The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is an important resource for our region. New Jerseyans have enjoyed fishing, hunting, boating, camping, canoeing, and more there for decades. It is critical that the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area remain a designated Recreation Area so it can continue to be enjoyed by visitors and local residents, rather than threatening its purpose and local outdoor recreation activities by redesignating it a national park,” said Congressman Tom Kean Jr. (NJ-7). “ The Delaware Water Gap Defense Fund has strongly opposed changing its designation to a national park and preserve since 2022,” said Sandy Hull, founder of the Delaware Water Gap Defense Fund . “This resolution reflects cooperative efforts by Congressmen Kean and Gottheimer to maintain the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area as a national recreation area. Support for preserving its current status comes from millions of residents in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, supported by hunting, environmental, recreational, historical, and cultural organizations. As a living legacy of the tragic Tocks Island Dam project, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area deserves protection, and we thank all who continue to stand up for its history and natural beauty.” The Delaware Water Gap spans nearly 70,000 acres across New Jersey and Pennsylvania and is currently managed as a National Recreation Area — a designation that supports fishing, hunting, hiking, boating, camping, canoeing, and other activities enjoyed by residents and visitors. It is also home to numerous rare, threatened, and endangered species. The resolution states that it is the sense of the House of Representatives that the Delaware Water Gap should remain designated as a National Recreation Area, that Congress should continue supporting local access to outdoor recreation, and that no federal funds should be used to pursue redesignating the Gap as a national park and preserve. Find text of the resolution here . ### Share on