NJCPA Summer Tour of the President's County - Warren County
Friday, June 5, 2026
Hackettstown, New Jersey
Warren County Planning Director and NJCPA Board President Ryan Conklin welcomed attendees and discussed the county’s ongoing update of its Open Space, Parks, and Recreation Plan. The effort is being led in partnership with consultants Brandstetter Carroll Inc. and the Land Preservation Department to help guide future preservation and recreational initiatives throughout Warren County.
Preservation Director Corey Tierney provided an overview of White Lake’s history, acquisition, and ecological significance within the region. The 585-acre property features the spring-fed 69-acre White Lake, which feeds into the Paulins Kill, a tributary of the Delaware River, and connects directly to the Paulinskill Valley Trail. Tierney also emphasized the importance of regional conservation partnerships with organizations including The Land Conservancy of New Jersey, New Jersey Conservation Foundation, Ridge and Valley Conservancy, and The Nature Conservancy. He noted the area serves as a critical wildlife corridor and important bobcat habitat commonly known as “Bobcat Alley.”
Elizabeth Roy, Principal Planner with the Preservation Department, discussed improvements made to enhance public access while protecting sensitive natural resources, including parking areas, trailheads, and boat launch facilities.
The group also heard from New Jersey Youth Corps of Phillipsburg Director Mike Muckle, who highlighted the organization’s partnership with Warren County in maintaining and stewarding preservation properties.
The visit concluded with a guided hike led by Warren County Park Naturalists Jennifer Correa-Kruegel and Olivia Stettler, who showcased the area’s diverse habitats and native species. The event highlighted both the natural beauty of White Lake Natural Resource Area and the collaborative efforts helping preserve Warren County’s landscapes for future generations.
Interested in learning more about the tour? Check out the agenda and flyer!
Preservation Director Corey Tierney provided an overview of White Lake’s history, acquisition, and ecological significance within the region. The 585-acre property features the spring-fed 69-acre White Lake, which feeds into the Paulins Kill, a tributary of the Delaware River, and connects directly to the Paulinskill Valley Trail. Tierney also emphasized the importance of regional conservation partnerships with organizations including The Land Conservancy of New Jersey, New Jersey Conservation Foundation, Ridge and Valley Conservancy, and The Nature Conservancy. He noted the area serves as a critical wildlife corridor and important bobcat habitat commonly known as “Bobcat Alley.”
Elizabeth Roy, Principal Planner with the Preservation Department, discussed improvements made to enhance public access while protecting sensitive natural resources, including parking areas, trailheads, and boat launch facilities.
The group also heard from New Jersey Youth Corps of Phillipsburg Director Mike Muckle, who highlighted the organization’s partnership with Warren County in maintaining and stewarding preservation properties.
The visit concluded with a guided hike led by Warren County Park Naturalists Jennifer Correa-Kruegel and Olivia Stettler, who showcased the area’s diverse habitats and native species. The event highlighted both the natural beauty of White Lake Natural Resource Area and the collaborative efforts helping preserve Warren County’s landscapes for future generations.
Interested in learning more about the tour? Check out the agenda and flyer!
Updated: September 17, 2026