Sign On to Support Pennsylvania Getting Its First National Park

From PennEnvironment (http://www.pennenvironment.org):

Believe it or not, Pennsylvania isn’t home to a single national park! Maybe that’s not surprising since there are only nine national parks found east of the Mississippi. But an effort is underway to change that by calling on Congress to create the first national park in Pennsylvania.

With over 4.5 million visitors each year, the Delaware Water Gap is one of the nation’s most popular outdoor destinations.¹ And if you’ve ever visited the Water Gap, you know exactly why: with over 700,000 acres of incredible majestic vistas, serene waterfalls, and even a portion of the Appalachian Trail, the Delaware Water Gap has something for everyone — except the distinction of being named a national park.

Take action to bring National Park designation to this scenic destination at https://pennenvironment.webaction.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=47447.

The Delaware Water Gap has as many visitors each year as Yellowstone National Park or Yosemite, but today, there are only 9 national parks found east of the Mississippi, and none in Pennsylvania, New Jersey or New York.²

Currently, the Delaware Water Gap is designated as a National Recreation Area instead of a National Park. That may not seem like a big deal, but that minor difference in title means the difference in tens of millions of dollars in financial support and the status symbol for outdoor enthusiasts for whom “national parks” are a huge destination draw.

Not only is the Delaware Water Gap an important recreation area, it’s also home to dozens of species like the great blue heron, otters, foxes, and many more animals that would benefit from additional conservation efforts.³

With that in mind, a movement is afoot to convince federal officials to nominate the Delaware Water Gap for National Park status by classifying it as a National Park and Preserve.

Help us show the Biden administration and members of Congress that the Delaware Water Gap is deserving of the prestigious title of “National Park.”

What an incredible legacy to leave for our kids and future generations: convincing our national leaders to add the Delaware Water Gap to the elite group of outdoor places in America known as our national parks.

Over 1,000 supporters like you have already signed our petition. Add your name! Help us make this vision a reality today.

1. Jason Nark, “Pennsylvania and New Jersey could get their first national park,” Philadelphia Inquirer, October 21, 2021.
2. Cassie Miller, “A national park for Pa. and N.J.? Supporters of a new proposal say it’s possible and long overdue,” Pennsylvania Capital-Star, July 5, 2021.
3. “Delaware Water Gap Animals,” National Parks Service, November 3, 2017.