Search results

If you read some of the scientific literature on the impacts of roads and motorized traffic on wildlife habitats, you'll see why I'm worked up. And I've seen with my own eyes that over the last 10 years or so, the situation is getting steadily worse. You're out there all the time. You're well...

Not sure where you're trying to go with this, Joe. I certainly don't have any dictatorial powers. If I did, I would dictate to the law enforcement agencies to start effectively enforcing the regulations and laws. The only power I have is the same as the one you have, which is to state my opinion...

It's legal to own an ATV and ride it on your own property or on a property where someone has given you permission. It's not legal to ride one on state lands. The fact that legal opportunities to ride them is limited sounds like a good reason to not buy one unless you can take advantage of those...

Seems like most of us keep coming to the same question. Why in the hell is the state not doing effective enforcement?

Joe, we're probably gonna agree on some things and disagree on others. You say what you think, and I say what I think. That's just the nature of debate.

Although I can't agree that they "need" an outlet, I think your concept is good. I also think that there may be a case for a carefully regulated program for certain kinds of ATVs. I guess there's a class of vehicle that might be better called a utility vehicle that is used at moderate speeds...

Well, yes, my first sentence is telling. "...ecological integrity of public lands is an overriding concern..." I do understand that a lot of my friends and neighbors disagree with that. And, for those who disagree with that principle, I think you're right. There's no sense in discussing this any...

So, the one to focus on is #3, because #FixOurParks is based on the principle that ecological integrity of public lands is an overriding concern, so we wouldn't want to see regulations revised to allow more degradation of habitat. If you have any reason to believe it is possible to contain the...

This resurrects an old debate. Three big impediments are (1) state land regulations would have to be revised; (2) it's probably almost impossible, in the Pinelands, to satisfy the regulations; and (3) there would be vehement public opposition, due to the fact nobody thinks it's possible to...

Pretty sure that was a joke.

Good stuff!

Yeah, that's a good point. But I guess it raises the question of what is meant by "closing." I can think of three ways to "close" a road or illegal avenue. (1) put up a physical barricade (which, in most cases, could be destroyed or circumvented); (2) put up signage (which could be ignored...

Yes, the permitting system would have to be enforced, otherwise it will be pointless. Our DEP Commissioner, Shawn LaTourette has been saying that law enforcement is on his agenda. So, those of us who agree that the current regulations and laws should be enforced should encourage him to do that...

Good points! They are definitely understaffed, and that's one of the main issues being taken up in #FixOurParks. At the same time, records show that they only wrote two tickets specific to illegal ORV activity in WSF in all of 2021. I have also seen with my own eyes that both state police and...

I'm a strong supporter of our law enforcement folks, and I think we owe them our deepest respect and appreciation. At the same time, they are public servants--our employees, so if they're going down a wrong track, we have a right to point it out. I don't want anyone ratted out, or punished, or...

Notice how often this comes back to law enforcement? If we had effective law enforcement, there would be very little need to close any roads or areas. If all the law-abiding users would send a clear and emphatic message to the state that we want effective law enforcement, and keep insisting on...

To the best of my knowledge, we're very much in a brainstorming stage. I don't know if public lands can be sold to NGO's. If so, it may be an option in some cases. The concept, as far as I know, is that the nonprofit org would raise money for specific actions that it believes are priority...

Thank you! Sounds like an excellent model for NJ to follow!

State authorities need to first address the issue of complicity. Cops, or their friends or family are themselves engaged in illegal riding. They need to clean that up.

I'll have to double-check, but I think this bill has a fatal flaw, which is that all the people on the board of directors are supposed to be DEP officials or members of the public appointed by DEP officials. It's a bit of a stretch to believe that the DEP, which has steadfastly failed to take...