(07/31) TRENTON -Visitors to New Jersey’s parks, forests, and historic sites can help to shape the future of recreational areas by participating in a new survey now available online and at area offices, Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Lisa P. Jackson announced today.

“New Jersey’s recreational areas contribute immeasurably to our quality of life,” Commissioner Jackson said. “We want to know what matters most to our visitors as we begin making improvements to existing facilities and developing new amenities.”

The DEP will be conducting the visitor surveys throughout the summer to better understand the public’s top priorities for park improvements including campsites, trails, swimming areas, historic restoration and boating and fishing access.

New Jersey voters last November made these improvements possible by approving a constitutional amendment that provides funding - $15 million a year until 2015 and $32 million annually beginning in 2016 - for maintenance and capital improvements at state parks, historic sites and wildlife areas.

The public can participate by completing a survey at any park, forest or historic site office or online at www.njparksandforests.org.