15 November 2024
An Open Letter to Essex County Officials and Commissioners, Local Town Mayors and Fire Chiefs,
With the historically dry conditions in our region, the chance of fire occurring in the South Mountain Reservation and spreading to local towns is an increasing risk. The recent fires in Livingston and northern New Jersey serve as stark reminders of the vulnerability of all towns abutting the reservation: Millburn, Maplewood, South Orange and West Orange. Without better service/fire road access within the 2,110-acre reservation, controlling a fire there would be a severe challenge putting the lives of park users and nearby homes at stake. The recorded telephone message sent to all Essex County residents on November 14th by the County Executive urging extreme caution to reduce the risk of fire underscores our dangerous situation.
Nearly three years ago, the South Mountain Conservancy provided the Essex County Parks Department with a comprehensive assessment and action plan for improving the reservation’s key wide, gravel “woods” roads which, if in good condition, could serve as fire and service roads. Unfortunately, many were — and still are — in disrepair. (See the photo of the Hillspur Trail which was washed out after Hurricane Ida in August 2021.) The prioritized restoration plan, excerpted below, would allow access not only for fires, but medical emergencies and the Sheriff’s Department.
With recent fires and drought conditions, it is clear the County can no longer delay making significant repairs. The Parks Department also needs to invest in equipment and resources to fortify the reservation’s storm water management system for the long term. Without such a commitment, the reservation’s woods/fire roads, even if fixed, would be subject to severe erosion from the more frequent intense rain storms due to climate change (when there isn’t a drought!).
The Conservancy has expended hundreds of volunteer hours since 2022 attempting to fortify the swales and culverts to make these reservation roads more resilient. Formerly the responsibility of the Park Commission and the County, our manual efforts are far from enough. More mechanized equipment, road material and piping, and County personnel are needed to prepare for the future and keep the reservation’s access roads accessible. The reservation cannot maintain itself. Without action, its infrastructure will deteriorate even further.
We ask again that the County meet to review our plan and commit resources to ensure the future of the reservation and the safety of park users and adjoining communities. The untouched November 2020 NJ Green Acres grant of $500k might aid in this effort. Further, we implore the County Commissioners to Put Essex County First and support a safety plan for the County’s largest park. Finally, we encourage the mayors and fire chiefs of those towns in jeopardy to join us in urging the County to take action. We cannot allow the reservation to be taken for granted, nor dismiss the threat of fire now and in the future.
Concerned and looking toward to making the reservation safer for all,
Dennis Percher
Chair, Board of Trustees
South Mountain Conservancy
