Tuesday, November 28, 2023

Water Gap Trails Closed by Increased Bear Activity Reopen

Trails were reopened in the Delaware Water Gap after being closed briefly because of increased bear activity. Photo by Joe Phalon, 2023.
Hikers along popular trails in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area were ordered off popular trails in late July because of increased bear activity. Photo by Joe Phalon, 7/2023
Don’t climb a tree to escape a black bear. They are better at it. A lot better. Photo by Joe Phalon, 7/2023.
Joe Phalon
Joe Phalon, Contributing Writer
Contributing Writer

Joe was lured out of retirement by the opportunity to be a part of the Ridge View Echo. During a decades-long career in publishing and journalism, he has covered government on many levels from local school boards to the United States Supreme Court.

Along the way, Joe has worked at American Lawyer Magazine, The National Law Journal and The Record among other publications, and as the Press Officer of Columbia Law School. His work has been recognized with several first place awards from the Society of Professional Journalists and the New Jersey Press Association.

Being part of the Ridge View Echo brings Joe back to his roots and the kind of news coverage he loves: Telling the stories of people and local communities as well as keeping an eye on how their money is spent by their government officials.

Joe lives in Blairstown with his wife Rose, the founder of Quilting for a Cause, and their two wiener dogs. He is an artist in his spare time.