Open Trails NJ

Solving issues while maintaining responsible recreation

Author: jdruding

  • Erosion Prevention at Jemima Mount

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    Now that the heat of summer is breaking, we plan to get back out to Jemima Mount to complete the project we started there. We will finish filling the trenches with deadfall to prevent further erosion. We will also be extending one of the railings to prevent go arounds. The first part of the project…

  • Protecting Jemima Mount- An OTNJ Sponsored Volunteer Project

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    One of the lightning rod issues in the battle over the MAP was the damage that has been done at Jemima Mount. It was used an example and pictured in nearly every newspaper article about the MAP. Ironically, Jemima Mount had already been closed to motor vehicles for well over a decade. However, no other…

  • Update on Road Closures in Wharton State Forest

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    John Druding of Open Trails had a conference call with the Director of Parks and Forestry, Mr. Mark Texel, regarding the DEP’s plans for Wharton State Forest.  Mr. Texel shared that the DEP has identified several “Environmentally Sensitive Areas” or ESAs, in which motorized vehicles are not allowed. The ESAs are mostly bogs, but do…

  • DEP Releases New Plan for Wharton State Forest

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    The DEP released their new plan at the stakeholder meeting last night, which OTNJ and other stakeholder groups were a part of. The plan consists of stepping up enforcement and protecting environmentally sensitive areas. Technology and equipment, including cameras, helicopters, drones and new vehicles will be brought to bear to enforce rules that already exist…

  • OTNJ has teamed up with Tread Lightly!

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    Tread Lightly! is a national organization that promotes responsible recreation through stewardship, communication and education. Recently, some of the OTNJ staff attended a Tread Lightly! “train the trainer” course and our own Pola Galie will be giving a Tread Lightly! talk on Sunday, 4/17/16 at the Lighthouse Center for Natural Resource Education, Waretown, NJ at…

  • Update on Pinelands Commission Meeting / OTNJ Membership!

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    The Pinelands Commission meeting this past Friday was well attended. Due to our rapid response we were able to head off any immediate resolutions regarding the invalid 2014 topographical map, but the battle continues. The Pinelands Commission has resolved to look at areas within Wharton that require protection. Open Trails will follow this process every…

  • We need your help! Take action today! 

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    The Pinelands Commission is going to discuss the MAP on Friday, March 11th and they need to hear from you. Click here to provide your feedback. It will take less than one minute of your time. It is critically important that they hear from you! Click here to submit your comment!

  • Get Involved with OTNJ!

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    As you enjoy this spring like day, remember that spring is right around the corner and will be bringing with it more volunteer opportunities with OTNJ. We need your help! If you haven’t already, please sign up to volunteer with us. You can contribute as much or as little as you like! Please click here…

  • Update on Pinelands Commission Meeting

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    The meeting went extremely well. Thanks to all who came out to support and especially those who spoke. Everyone made thoughtful, intelligent, and reasonable comments and it was clear the Commission was listening to us. The MAP opposition significantly, and visibly, outnumbered the MAP supporters. There was no action taken today and the Commission committed…

  • Volunteer with Open Trails NJ!

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    We are often asked “How can I help?”  Effective today, Open Trails NJ is launching our committees,  activity representatives  and volunteer program.  You can participate as little or as much as you would like. Please click here for details.  Please sign up today!