Just posted this announcement on their website related to updates on the Road Closures affecting Wharton State Forest.

We are making progress! Have you noticed that the M.A.P. now has DRAFT written on it? We are forcing the DEP to backpedal a little on their plans. However, we still need more help. The DEP is not planning on backing down and are beginning new tactics to try to force their plans on the public.   If you support this cause and want to stop them, PLEASE REGISTER with us at http://www.opentrailsnj.org.  If you are on mobile, the register link is at the bottom of the page. If you are on a PC/Mac, the link is in the black side bar at the bottom left of the page.  Or you can click here to go directly to the registration page.

It will take 30 seconds! Thank you for your continued support!

Ben Ruset of NJPineBarrens.com wrote an excellent rebuttal to the DEP’s FAQ about the Motorized Access Plan (M.A.P.). Please read and share!

Your Forest Under Attack: MAP Misinformation from the DEP

In the press release from the DEP, it was almost spun as if the Motorized Access Plan (M.A.P.) expanded access.  In the FAQ, it was claimed that “the majority of the roads are open”.  However, the DEP has been less than honest about the extent of the road closures.  An assessment was done by Open Trails NJ and we found that 58% or 274 miles of roads have been closed to motor vehicles.  Please see the attached for a visual.  A KMZ file could be provided upon request for independent review.

Restore Fair Access to Wharton State Forest
Petition by Ben Ruset

To be delivered to Bob Martin, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner, Mark Texel, Director of the State Park Servuce, The New Jersey State House, and The New Jersey State Senate

CLICK HERE TO SIGN THE PETITION

The sand roads in Wharton State Forest have been open to motorized traffic even before the state purchased the tract from the Joseph Wharton estate. While there are serious concerns about the damage that illegal off-road vehicle traffic causes, the blanket closing of over 50% of the roads in the forest is not the answer. This action will only serve to keep law-abiding people out while doing nothing to curb the abuse from the minority who drive destructively. By and large the effect will be felt by citizens who do not even drive vehicles capable of creating the kind of damage that this policy attempts to address.

Continue reading →

Following Medford Lakes’ lead, Medford became the second town to pass a resolution opposing the DEP’s Motorized Access Plan (M.A.P.) Township of Medford Resolution – Res 155-2015

In a first small victory, Medford Lakes passed a resolution in opposition to the DEP’s Motorized Access Plan.  They are sending copies of the resolution to all nearby municipalities.  83-15 Resolution