River Road closure protects breeding amphibians

Posted 8/21/12

BUSHKILL, PA — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Superintendent John J. Donahue announced last week that motorists can expect River Road to be closed for several nights over the next few …

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River Road closure protects breeding amphibians

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BUSHKILL, PA — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Superintendent John J. Donahue announced last week that motorists can expect River Road to be closed for several nights over the next few weeks to protect breeding amphibians. Since 2003, the National Park Service has taken steps to protect migrating amphibians by closing River Road in Middle Smithfield Township between park headquarters and the park boundary just north of Shawnee on several rainy spring nights. “The road closure also provides a unique opportunity for the public to come out and safely observe this natural spectacle, which takes place under the cover of darkness... Closing the road to vehicles during peak movement periods provides these animals, and their offspring, with the best chance we can give them at survival,”Donahue said.

Awakened from their winter homes beneath the muck, soil and leaf litter by the first spring rains, spotted salamanders, eastern newts, spring peepers, wood frogs and other spring breeding amphibians emerge and begin their journey toward water-filled breeding pools. River Road, a busy commuter route, lies between their forest homes and a large swamp with pools of water that are ideal for breeding.

The trigger for the road closures will be forecasts calling for evening rain with temperatures in the 40s or warmer. Because the amphibians are active principally at night and have completed their treks by dawn, the road will be closed between 5 p.m. and 6:30 a.m.

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