The NJDEP is beginning a process to collect stakeholder input on the usage of Wharton State forest and plans to introduce a permit system.  The details of the current plan can be found here:  https://nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/wharton/

The DEP has opened an online survey to collect inputs for only 30 days and it will close on October 28th.  According to their own metrics, there are 800,000 visitors to Wharton State forest each year, however, only 250 people attended their first virtual meeting on the topic.  There were widespread reports of technical access issues and many were not aware the meeting even occurred

The Timeline is Inadequate

• Considering the stated timeline for this effort is through mid 2023, 30 days is not sufficient for the most important part of this process, which is collection of input from the people of NJ
• The DEP must keep the survey open for at least 90 days to make sure that everyone is aware of the process and has time to prepare and submit their input

Meetings Need to Be In Person

• An in-person meeting with public comment must be part of the process.
• Many had technical issues with the first meeting and there was no ability to ask questions about any subjects other than the mechanics of the survey
• There are many users who are not “tech savvy” and will be unable to participate in the process online

Why Roads are Important

• The roads in Wharton State forest have been important to the citizens of NJ dating back to the Revolution.
• Wharton is a 120,000 acres and any sort of recreation in the interior of Wharton requires road access
• This is especially important for those with children, the elderly, and the handicapped
• We have experienced the beauty of Wharton State forest and we want our children and  grandchildren to be able to have the same experiences we have had
• The current survey only allows submission of “areas” as opposed to “roads”.
• The pre-1997 USGS Topographical maps are widely recognized as the most comprehensive baseline of roads that exists for Wharton State Forest and we are against the DEP establishing an additional map, even using public input.  

No Permits

• The DEP has stated the intent to implement a permit system in Wharton State forest which will be modeled after Island Beach State Park.  This permit system is both extremely expensive and limiting and not appropriate for our state forests
• Therefore, we are against the idea of motor vehicle permits for entering and using established roadways in our state parks and forests.
• The costs and impacts far outweigh any potential benefits by putting and additional fiscal burden on families and potentially restricts their ability to enjoy and appreciate this natural resource

Volunteer Opportunities Need to be Leveraged

• We believe there is a great untapped capacity for volunteer resource protection projects that the DEP has not really taken advantage of.
• These projects could include blocking off sensitive areas of the forest but don’t impact the roads that provide access to these locations.  
• The DEP needs to take advantage of these eager volunteers to help achieve their goals rather than considering any draconian measures which impinge on responsible motorized access.

Full Transparency is Necessary

• All results from the upcoming survey and stakeholder activity must be made public so the community can feel confident that the process is being handled fairly and transparently.

We feel these positions are reasonable and in line with the beliefs of all NJ citizens who make responsible use of our beautiful parks and forests.