[HISTORY: Adopted by the Mayor and Council of the Borough
of Atlantic Highlands as indicated in article histories. Amendments
noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Parks and recreation areas — See Ch. 249.
[4-22-2015 by Ord. No.
03-2015]
The title of this article is "Authorized Camping in the Lenape
Woods."
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
The list of submission requirements adopted by ordinance
and provided by the Municipal Clerk to any eligible group seeking
permission to camp overnight in the Lenape Woods.
The Borough of Atlantic Highlands as a municipal entity,
any elected official, officer, employee, agent, department, board
or commission of the Borough of Atlantic Highlands.
The occupation of the campsite by members of an eligible
group for the purpose of engaging in approved outdoor recreational
activity over a period not to exceed 24 hours.
A place to be designated within Lenape Woods where tents
or other temporary shelters may be erected.
Members of any nationally chartered youth group with a demonstrated
culture of environmental awareness and conservation.
An adult member of an eligible group that is registered with
the group's chartering organization and has the appropriate level
of training that the chartering organization requires to supervise
outdoor activities.
Any eligible group camping must insure that at least three adult
leaders, including at least one registered adult leader is present
at all times while the campers are present. The registered adult leader
must, at all times, have a properly working cell phone with them while
in the park, and the number must be included in the application submitted
to the Municipal Clerk. The adult leaders must also sleep at the campsite,
in the immediate vicinity of all other campers, and be available to
them at all times during the camping excursion.
A.
Campfires and open flames of any type are prohibited.
B.
Cooking on permitted devices is permitted.
C.
Permitted devices include Underwriters Laboratories certified appliances
such as a propane cook stove or commercially prepared charcoal in
an aboveground charcoal grill or brazier.
D.
At least one ten-pound fire extinguisher (rated ABC) will be on hand
for each permitted device/grill/brazier in use.
A.
Each application by an eligible group for a permit shall include
at the minimum:
(1)
The approximate number, and age of all youth participants (not to
exceed 12 youths).
(2)
Telephone number(s), home of record, driver's license number
and name of at least one emergency contact for each adult leader,
including at least one registered adult leader and one additional
adult leader for every four youth campers.
(3)
Contact information for the eligible groups chartering organization.
(4)
Certification that at least one adult is a registered adult leader
within the meaning of this article.
(5)
Certification by the registered leader that a final list of all participants
will be provided to the Police Department when the group checks in.
(6)
Certification by the registered leader that the group is properly
equipped, including a first aid kit and at least one adult leader
currently certified in CPR.
(7)
Proof of $1,000,000 liability insurance on file with the Municipal
Clerk.
(8)
Such additional information as may be deemed appropriate by the Borough
Administrator, Chief of Police and/or Fire Marshal.
(9)
Confirmation that the registered adult leader is familiar with municipal
noise ordinances and agrees that the eligible group will abide by
same and respect the private property rights of the neighbors adjoining
the Lenape Woods.
(10)
Confirmation that the registered adult leader understands that
the cutting of live plants or collecting of firewood is not a permitted
activity and that campers will adhere to established trails and use
only previously cleared areas for the placement of tents and other
shelters.
(11)
Immediately prior to the beginning of their camping excursion,
each eligible group's registered adult leader will present themselves
at the Atlantic Highlands Police Department and notify the Department
that members of the eligible group have arrived or will shortly arrive
at the campsite, and provide the Police Department with a current
list containing the names of the overnight campers, make, model and
license plate number of all the eligible groups' vehicles, and
cell phone numbers for each adult leader and the registered adult
leader participant. In addition, the eligible groups' vehicles
will be issued an overnight parking permit that will be dated and
placed on the dashboard of each vehicle that will be parked overnight.
(12)
Upon completion of the camping excursion, an adult leader will
also contact the Atlantic Highlands Police Department and notify them
that the eligible group has completed their camping excursion and
that all campers are accounted for. The adult leader will also confirm
that the campsite has been left in the condition specified in the
application checklist.
(13)
The eligible group's adult leader must agree to have an
"all night" fire/safety watch. A person or rotating shift of persons,
awake and alert throughout the night to protect the health, safety
and well-being of the entire group of campers.
B.
All groups camping in the Lenape Woods, pursuant to a permit issued
under this article shall be responsible for policing of the campsite
area and the removal of all debris and materials brought in to the
campsite by the group. The registered adult leader shall be responsible
for compliance with this requirement.