BUSHKILL, PA — Superintendent John J. Donahue of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area announced that motorists can expect River Road in Smithfield Township between park headquarters and Hialeah Picnic Area to be closed on several evenings over the next few weeks to protect breeding amphibians. The closures are contingent on the weather, especially when forecasts call for evening rain with mild temperatures in the 50s. The road will be closed from approximately 6 p.m. to approximately 6:30 a.m.

In the past, disproportionately high numbers of animals have been killed by motor vehicles near ‘hot spots’ like River Road at park headquarters as wood frogs, spotted salamanders, spring peepers and other spring-breeding amphibians are on the move in search of prospective mates and wetland breeding areas.

The park’s recently completed McDade Recreational Trail boardwalk, which is elevated above a large wetland near park headquarters, provides an ideal location for visitors to hear the surrounding chorus of spring peepers, wood frogs and others.

Parking is available at park headquarters. Visitors are encouraged to wear light colored, reflective clothing and to bring a flashlight. For updated information about the road closures, visit www.nps.gov/dewa, or follow the park on Facebook and Twitter.