G. Thomas Donch Nature Preserve - Access Road CLOSED Until Further Notice

The access road to the G. Thomas Donch Nature Preserve, off of High Mountain Road, has been CLOSED for an extended period of time. Due to storm damage, the road is unsafe as the culvert under the road is collapsing. Because the culverts are part of a dam structure, the process for approval of the needed repairs is extensive. The project continues to be on hold until the New Jersey Division of Dam Safety issues its approval. The majority of the costs for repairs will be paid through a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant. Unfortunately, we cannot project a date for reopening the access road unless and until the Division of Dam Safety issues that approval. At this point, we are unable to assure that the access road will be open by the end of the year.

The Nature Preserve will continue to be open from dawn to dusk, but the parking lot and the road leading to the parking lot will be closed. Park access will be on foot only, with parking on adjacent streets, where permitted. Kayaks and paddleboards are permitted, but must be carried in. The Borough will provide updates as further information becomes available.