Temporary road closures during amphibian migration

BUSHKILL — Every year, there are a few spring nights when warm rains fall and myriad wood frogs, spotted salamanders, spring peepers and other spring-breeding amphibians suddenly feel the ancestral urge to search the environment for prospective mates. The trigger for these closures of River Road will be forecasts calling for rain with temperatures in the 50s. Since the amphibians are active principally at night and have completed their treks by dawn, the closures will be between approximately 6 and 6 a.m. In the past, motor vehicles have taken a massive toll of these species, causing impacts on the breeding population. For the sixth year in a row, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area will accordingly be taking steps to protect migrating amphibians by closing River Road in Middle Smithfield Township from park headquarters south to a point north of Shawnee on two or three mild, rainy nights. This action also resulted in a rare opportunity for the public to view this special moment in our surrounding environment. Gates at the Hialeah picnic area on the southern end of River Road within the park and at headquarters near the intersection of Hidden Lake Road and River Road to the north will be closed and locked. Drivers are reminded that skirting these gates will result in fines of $50 to $150, at a minimum, and that the potential injury to members of the public from that action will be a criminal offense.