Vernon named Appalachian Trail community

VERNON — Vernon Township was recognized as the newest member of the Appalachian Trail Community during the 2018 Vernon EarthFest.
There are more than 40 communities along the Appalachian Trail’s corridor that have been recognized in the Appalachian Trail Community program. These towns and cities are considered assets by all that use the trail, and many of these towns act as good friends and neighbors to the trail.
Vernon joins Blairstown as the only other New Jersey town to earn the designation.
According to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, designation as an Appalachian Trail Community and participation in the program is designed to act as a catalyst for enhancing economic development, engaging community citizens as trail visitors and stewards, aiding local municipalities and regional areas with conservation planning and helping local community members see the trail as a resource and asset.
Vernon Appalachian Trail steering committee members, Stew Stumper and Charlene Van Vugt worked with AT conservancy Julie Judkins and Karen Lutz to have Vernon recognized as an Appalachian Trail Community. Vernon's Pochuck Boardwalk and Stairway to Heaven/Pinwheel Vista, are arguable two of the most beautiful and well known sections of the AT in New Jersey so this was a perfect relationship to form with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. Charlene Van Vugt said, “The AT community designation will have a positive impact on Vernon and we are proud to be a part of it”.
On his Facebook page, Mayor Harry Shortway said the designation will create challenges such as creating a safe parking area for guests without disrupting thelives of residents.
"Team work between the different trail organizations, state and county officials, and our police department have calmed the adverse conditions created by the parking on Route 517 and the surrounding neighborhoods," Shortway said.