At the 8/19/2020 Freeholder meeting, the following resolution was passed regarding the closure of Fort Mott Park –

RESOLUTION OPPOSING THE INDEFINITE CLOSURE OF FORT MOTT STATE PARK FOR THE BENEFIT OF STATE PARKS IN THE OTHER NEW JERSEY COUNTIES

WHEREAS, in 1947 the State of New Jersey purchased the 124 acre Civil War Fort located on the Delaware River and designed to resist a land attack, known as Fort Mott, as a historic site, from the federal government; and

WHEREAS, on June 24, 1951 it opened to the public as Fort Mott State Park; and

WHEREAS, Fort Mott also encompasses Finns Point National Cemetery, the only active Department of Veterans Affairs burial site in NJ where soldiers from the Civil War, German POWs from WWII and veterans of more current wars are interred; and

WHEREAS, on September 6, 1973 Fort Mott and Finns Point National Cemetery were designated a New Jersey Registered Historic Place and on August 31, 1978 they were also added to the National Register of Historic Places; and

WHEREAS, in 1988 the New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail was established and begins in Salem County; and

WHEREAS, the Trail’s southern Welcome Center is located within Fort Mott State Park and directs visitors to natural, recreational and historic resources and sites in the County; and

WHEREAS, Pea Patch Island, located mid channel in the Delaware River, houses Fort Delaware, established in 1813, was used as a prison camp during the Civil War housing up to 12,595 Confederate prisoners at one time and currently show cases life at the fort in 1864 and allows for outstanding observation and opportunities to study remote marsh life, including one of the largest wading bird nesting areas on the East Coast; and

WHEREAS, Pea Patch Island is only accessible by ferry; and

WHEREAS, Fort Mott, NJ and Delaware City, DE are the only two ports for ferry access to the island; and

WHEREAS, Fort Mott provides a unique blend of historic, recreational, and coastal ecological experiences unlike those provided at Parvin State Park and Tall Pines State Park, both a 40-minute drive; and

WHEREAS, the indefinite closure of Fort Mott, to provide staffing for other county state parks, impedes access to numerous other recreational and historical sites; and

WHEREAS, access to Fort Mott and the other ecological and historic sites support sustainable tourism and contribute to the County’s economic base; and WHEREAS, Salem County has limited recreational opportunities for residents and visitors; and WHEREAS, Fort Mott provides scenic and recreation opportunities during the pandemic.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Chosen Freeholders of the County of Salem that Governor Murphy reopen Fort Mott State Park for the enjoyment of the residents and visitors of Salem County.