Author: jdruding
-
In the Pines: A debate on access, preservation, and sustainability
—
The New Jersey Libertarian Party hosted a debate at their convention between John Druding of Open Trails NJ and Jason Howell of the Pinelands Preservation Alliance. OTNJ would like to thank the NJ Libertarian Party for the invitation to help raise awareness of this issue. We would also like to thank Jason Howell for participating…
-
Live Stream with South Jersey Forward: Protecting Wharton State Forest for Future Generations
—
Wharton State Forest, which spans Atlantic, Burlington, and Camden counties, is the largest forest in New Jersey. Ever year, hundreds of thousands of people come to Wharton to enjoy its pristine nature and appreciate its history. In November, the Department of Environmental Protection announced it would be closing more than half of the roads in…
-
Open Trails NJ Presents:
—
Fact vs Fiction The DEP is not being honest about their map and how it will impact you. In this series of videos, OTNJ will review the real truth using real facts and real documentation. Links to sources will be posted in the comments. Episode I Fiction: The new map does not close roads. Episode…
-
DEP Dismisses All Citizen Input and Closes over 50% of Wharton Roads
—
After 2 years of taking public input, resolutions from 11 municipalities, and 6,000+ petition signatures, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has chosen ignore you all and close 2/3 of the roads in Wharton State Forest. OTNJ will not lay down and accept this outcome. We will continue to fight back!
-
Brendan T Byrne Clean Up
—
Wow! What a great day today, spent cleaning up and beautifying Brendan T Byrne State Forest. Great people and a great showing. We had support from Ocean County Competition Riders, SJ Enduro Riders, South Jersey Libertarian Party, New Jersey Jeep Association and more. Special thanks to BFGoodrich Tires and Tread Lightly! for funding this event.…
-
Clean Up at Bass River State Forest
—
Thank you to all who participated in the clean up of Bass River State Forest in cooperation with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. Over 20 yards of trash, construction debris, tires, and TVs were removed. This project was funded by a grant from Tread Lightly! without a single tax payer dollar. Please consider…
-
OTNJ Launches Petition Against New Road Closures
—
Please sign our petition! As promised, our petition is now available. The results will be delivered to the Governor, DEP leadership, legislators and municipality leadership. Note: please include your town so that the results can be delivered to the right district and municipality. Sign the Petition!
-
The 2024 Map IS the 2015 MAP.
—
The 2024 Map IS the 2015 MAP. The DEP received 1,610 surveys. The illustration indicates which roads were open on the two maps. Did the DEP take even ONE of those surveys into consideration? Doesn’t seem like it, does it?
-
DEP Map Open House 1/24 12-7:00 PM Batsto Visitor Center
—
On January 24th, from 12-7:00 PM, the DEP is holding an open house at the Batsto Visitor Center to review a proposed map that will restrict access to Wharton State Forest. If you care about your access to Wharton State Forest, you need to attend this meeting and provide your input. This is a link…
-
Take Action: Comment on “Outside, Together”
—
Take Action Today! The state recently released “Outside, Together”, the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP). This effort is separate from the survey that was releases last fall and the plan to develop a new map or a permit system. That being said the state is asking for feedback and we should take this opportunity…