Middlesex Lawmakers Sponsor Bill To Rename Edison’s Dismal Swamp

EDISON, NJ — Assemblymembers from Middlesex County, Robert Karabinchak, Sterley Stanley and Craig J. Coughlin recently sponsored legislation to rename Dismal Swamp to Peter J. Barnes III Wildlife Preserve.

Senator Patrick J. Diegnan Jr. sponsored the bill in the Senate.

The lawmakers proposed to rename Dismal Swamp to honor late Senator Peter J. Barnes III, who died on Feb. 22 this year.

Barnes, who lived in Edison, served as a member of the New Jersey General Assembly (NJ-18) from 2007 until 2014. He was a State Senator from 2014 to 2016.

He then went on to serve as a Superior Court Judge where he remained from 2016 until his death.

“When Peter Barnes was in the Assembly, he was instrumental in preserving the Dismal Swamp,” Karabinchak said in a statement.

“Renaming the largest natural area remaining in northern Middlesex is a merited tribute to his effort and dedication toward protecting the land.”

“Renaming the largest natural area remaining in northern Middlesex is a merited tribute to his effort and dedication toward protecting the land.”

In 2008, then-Assemblyman Barnes sponsored the Dismal Swamp Preservation Act which established the commission to provide planning and regulations that focused on protecting and preserving the ecological, historical, and recreational values of the area.

“He was very passionate about preserving this area and through his actions, Peter was able to protect hundreds of birds and dozens of endangered species,” Stanley said in a statement.

“Naming the conservation area after Peter is a wonderful way to honor and recognize his dedication to Middlesex.”

Coughlin said that Barnes “fought hard” to ensure that Dismal Swamp, also known as the ‘Everglades of Central Jersey’ were protected, and that wildlife was able to thrive.

“He would often go door to door to spread awareness about the State park. Dedicating the conservation to Peter is a way to honor his advocacy and dedication toward safeguarding such a spectacular place in New Jersey,” Coughlin said.

Dismal Swamp is the largest natural area in Middlesex County, and it spans portions of Edison, Metuchen and South Plainfield.

According to Diegnan, the area is home to more than 175 different bird species, including the threatened and endangered grasshopper sparrow and yellow-crowned night heron.

Around 25 mammals and more than a dozen reptile and amphibian species have been sighted in Dismal Swamp.

“The Dismal Swamp preservation area would not be the wonderful place it is except for Pete’s dedication and focus,” Diegnan said.

“Every time someone celebrates the beauty of nature by walking the preserve, they will be celebrating what Pete Barnes was all about. "

Thank you for reading. Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com

Get breaking news alerts on your phone with our app. Download here. Sign up to get Patch emails so you don't miss out on local and statewide news.