Amphibians such as this spotted salamander soon will be on the move at Delaware Water Gap NRA, necessitating the nighttime closure of River Road/NPS.
You could call it the "Rise of the Amphibians," but at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in Pennsylvania it's simply a seasonal event: the rise of spotted salamanders, newts, and other critters that are in an amorous mood and on the move.
NRA Superintendent John J. Donahue says motorists can expect River Road to be closed for several nights during the next few weeks to protect the breeding amphibians. Since 2003, the National Park Service has taken steps to protect migrating amphibians by closing River Road in Middle Smithfield Township in Pennsylvania 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,' Superintendent 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. In this case though, River Road, a busy commuter route, lies between their forest homes and a large swamp with pools of water that are ideal for breeding.
'Thirteen years ago it was brought to our attention by a local naturalist that hundreds of amphibians were being killed by vehicles on warm, rainy, early spring nights while attempting to cross River Road to get to the swamp where they breed,' explained Superintendent Donahue. '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.'
The trigger for these road closures will be forecasts calling for evening rain with temperatures in the 40s or warmer. Since 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.
Gates at the Hialeah picnic area on the southern end of River Road within the park and at headquarters near the intersection of Hidden Lake Road and River Road to the north will be closed and locked. Drivers are reminded that skirting these gates will result in fines of $50 to $150, at a minimum, and that the potential injury to members of the public from that action will be a criminal offense.
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