Not to go off topic, but this weekend I visited a couple environmentally sensitive areas previously compromised by reckless vehicular damage. These areas had been addressed with barricades and signage by a joint effort by the DEP and volunteers. The Aesthetic component to the barricades were designed as best as could be presented. Much to my delight, years after their implementation, the areas remain unmolested. While these are only two areas, I have to acknowledge that I have some confidence that targeted remediation to especially sensitive areas can be successful.
This being case, it would seem logical to continue this methodology than to impose huge blanket restrictions on the general public.
I think it would be greatly beneficial for everyone if the DEP would conduct a true study of impact, severity, frequency, etc of this damage. If such a study has been conducted, I am unaware of it. Maybe I haven’t looked hard enough. I have noticed road closures in the state forest on numerous occasions that seem random. Having experience in both the ecology and history of the region, I have looked over these areas searching for justification of the closures and have been unable to identify the cause. I’m not saying there isn’t a reason, but it would seem there should be documented justification for closing public roads. Specific closures.
I understand that locations of endangered flora and especially fauna, potentially threatened by vehicular use, should not be made public ally available. However, a specific study of identifying the potential threat should be conducted before the closure. From what I have observed this has not been the protocol. If anyone has any information that I am incorrect in this assumption, I would love to see these documentions/reports.
www.opentrailsnj.org
