See below for more information about Hurricane Ida in the park.
The unprecedented rain event associated with Hurricane Ida caused significant damage in the Palisades Interstate Park in New Jersey, especially in the park's riverfront areas. Large amounts of rock and mud were pushed downhill by the rain and spread across roadways and trails, as well as into picnic areas and parking areas. Several paved roads and retaining walls were also badly damaged.
As of the start of 2022, preliminary damage assessments for Dyckman Hill Road and all other damaged areas across the 12-mile, 2,500-acre span of the park have been completed and have been filed with FEMA, allowing the process for this federal assistance grant program to move forward.
Total preliminary estimates for repair of damages from Hurricane Ida in the park are almost $5 million overall, with $3.1 million for the Dyckman Hill repairs alone.
FEMA projects are divided into several categories, depending on the extent of work and associated costs entailed. Smaller projects, like cleanup and simple repairs, have already begun and remain ongoing. Larger projects require more documentation, and these will be able to proceed soon (an example would be repair of roadway and retaining walls on the Alpine Approach Road). Even as these “smaller” projects proceed, we are required to document our work using a wide range of criteria, ranging from archaeological concerns to impact on endangered species and stream encroachment, and many other factors.
Dyckman Hill Road qualifies as a major repair (over $1 million) and so is subject to an even higher level of documentation and oversight. By any reasonable estimate, actual construction work on this project will not commence for at least another year.
How can visitors and friends of the park assist during this time?
What if I want to do something more “hands-on”?
Conditions in the park are subject to change without notice. Signs or notices placed on-site, or instructions issued by employees of the Park Commission, supersede information posted here!
Boat basin tenants: Please contact the marina management for your respective boat basin (Englewood or Alpine) for information on access to your vessel during this time!