NJ DEPARTMENT of ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
NATURAL AND HISTORIC RESOURCES
NATURAL AREAS and the NATURAL AREAS SYSTEM

Notice of Rule Proposal
Natural Areas and the Natural Areas System Rules N.J.A.C. 7:5A

Public Notice
Take notice that the NJ Department of Environmental Protection is proposing  to readopt the Natural Areas and the Natural Areas System rules at N.J.A.C. 7:5A (the Natural Areas rules). The Natural Areas rules are scheduled to expire on November 17, 2009.  The Department is proposing to readopt the rules with amendments that would change the administering agency for two natural areas (Bear Swamp East, Cape May Wetlands), from the Division of Parks & Forestry to the Division of Fish & Wildlife, as a result of an interagency transfer of these lands that was approved in 2007.  The Department is also proposing to change the administering agency for Hacklebarney Natural Area from Voorhees State Park to Spruce Run Recreation Area.  The Department is also proposing to change the name of the Liberty Park Natural Area to the Richard J. Sullivan Natural Area, based on the dedication of this natural area in 2005.

The proposal is scheduled to be published in the New Jersey Register dated November 16, 2009.  A copy of the proposal is available from the Department’s website (PDF) and from DEP Rule Manager Sarah Ritchie, (609) 984-0041.  The proposal may also be found in official repository libraries and may also be ordered from LexisNexis Customer Service at (800)223-1944 or www.lexisnexis.com/bookstore. Be advised that there may be a fee for obtaining a copy of the proposal from some sources.

Written comments may be submitted by January 15, 2009 to:

NJ Department of Environmental Protection
Leslie W. Ledogar, Esq.
ATTN: DEP Docket No. 15-09-10/735
Office of Legal Affairs
PO Box 402
Trenton, New Jersey 08625