BUSHKILL, PA — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and the National Park Service (NPS) will commemorate its 100th anniversary in 2016. Special events and programs are being planned to celebrate the anniversaries and will be announced soon at www.nps.gov/dewa/planyourvisit/events.htm.

Because many of Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area’s planning documents were dated, the park recently prepared a Foundation Document. This document is the first step for considering the park’s history, future planning and study needs. “It has been 50 years, and the time is right to take a comprehensive look at where we are today and where we’re going in the future,” said John Donahue, park superintendent. “Effectively managing a national park unit and planning for its future requires a basic understanding of a park’s resources, values and history to provide a foundation for planning and management.”

Foundation Documents describe the core mission of park units by identifying the purpose; significance; fundamental, important and related resources and values; interpretive themes; planning and data needs; special mandates and administrative commitments. Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area completed its Foundation Document in December of 2014; the final document is available on the park’s website at www.nps.gov/dewa/parkmgmt/planning.