NJ Renames Dismal Swamp For Late Edison Lawmaker Peter J. Barnes

EDISON, NJ — Gov. Phil Murphy signed a law renaming Dismal Swamp as the Peter J. Barnes III Wildlife Preserve, on Tuesday. The Dismal Swamp Preservation Commission will now be known as the Peter J. Barnes III Wildlife Preservation Committee.

The Dismal Swamp spans Edison, Metuchen, and South Plainfield, and represents one of the last remaining wetland ecosystems in a densely developed region of the state.

Murphy signed the legislation during a ceremony on Tuesday in the Edison section of the swamp. Barnes, an Edison resident, was a lawmaker who also served as a Superior Court Judge. He died in February at the age of 64.

In a press statement, Murphy said Barnes had a “remarkable and dedicated” career of public service. “Through his positions on the Edison Township Council and Housing Authority, to the State Assembly and Senate, and the New Jersey Superior Court, Pete worked to make the lives of others safer, healthier, and better,” Murphy said.

Read More Here: Middlesex Lawmakers Sponsor Bill To Rename Edison's Dismal Swamp

“Pete was passionate about the preservation of these wetlands, as they are a place of wonder and beauty, a home to hundreds of species of animals, and a place where people come to reflect and find purpose. This is a wonderful way to honor Pete’s legacy and all of his contributions to New Jersey.”

Barnes played an instrumental role in preserving the swamp, which includes 660 acres of freshwater wetlands, forested uplands, and meadows that is home to over 175 bird species and dozens of other animal species.

The legislation to rename Dismal Swamp was sponsored by assembly members from Middlesex County, Robert Karabinchak, Sterley Stanley, and Craig J. Coughlin. Senator Patrick J. Diegnan Jr. sponsored the bill in the Senate.

“For the duration of his career, Pete Barnes was successful in so many areas, with his work to preserve open space and protect the Dismal Swamp being among his crowning achievements,” Diegnan said in a statement.

“He lived an incredible life that was lost too soon and he will continue to be dearly missed by his family, friends, and members of the State Legislature. By renaming the Dismal Swamp after Pete, we can ensure his legacy carries on alongside his tireless efforts to protect the area for generations to come.”

In a media statement, the Barnes family thanked the State Legislature for their work in renaming the swamp.

"Pete lived a remarkable life dedicated to his community, and one of his greatest accomplishments as a public servant was working to protect this natural treasure for future generations,” the family said.

“We can think of no greater tribute in recognition of his public service. Thank you to all who made this possible at the local, county, and state levels."

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