Somerset County Parks Close Trails After Bird Deaths

Authorities coordinate with state agency to investigate avian fatalities across New Jersey.

Mar. 1, 2026 at 3:47pm

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The Somerset County Park Commission has temporarily closed trails at the Environmental Education Center and portions of Duke Island Park after recent reports of wild bird deaths in the area. Park officials are working with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, which is overseeing a statewide investigation into the incidents. Residents are advised to avoid contact with sick or deceased wildlife and to report any sightings outside of county parks through the NJDEP's reporting system.

Why it matters

The closure of popular trails is a precautionary measure to protect public safety while authorities work to determine the cause of the bird deaths, which appear to be part of a broader issue affecting wildlife across New Jersey. Understanding the source of the problem is crucial to preventing further loss of life and potential risks to human health.

The details

Park officials said signage will be posted to mark affected areas as closed to the public, while the remainder of SCPC facilities remain open. Residents who encounter sick or deceased wild birds outside of county park properties are urged to report them through the NJDEP Wild Bird Disease Reporting Form. Birds found within SCPC parks do not need to be reported by the public, as park staff are submitting daily reports to the state agency.

  • The trail closures were announced on February 20, 2026.

The players

Somerset County Park Commission

The government agency responsible for managing and maintaining the county's park system, including the Environmental Education Center and Duke Island Park.

New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection

The state agency overseeing the investigation into the recent wild bird deaths reported across New Jersey.

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What’s next

The Park Commission is encouraging residents to monitor its website and social media platforms for updates on park access and developments related to the incident.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of public-private cooperation in addressing environmental issues that can impact both wildlife and human communities. The coordinated response between the county park system and state environmental agency aims to protect public safety while getting to the root of the problem.