Russ (if you are watching),
I listened to the podcast you developed. I take issue with some of your statements on the podcast.
Standing at that first beach on the Mullica that has suffered gully erosion, you said there are ‘hundreds and hundreds of places like this”. That’s hyperbole. If you don’t have a map of these and a description of damage to each, then you are only riling up your base of road closing proponents with that kind of talk. Roads need maintenance, yes, but don’t talk like the sky is falling.
You mentioned Monster trucks as the one of the main culprits for damaging roads. But seriously Russ, I don’t see Monster trucks in the woods that much anymore. I can’t even remember when. I think that fad is kind of in the past or has moved to sanctioned areas, and nobody should be using that term to close roads.
You made these statements in the podcast:
“We want to see fewer roads to preserve wildlife species”
“We want a network of authorized roads…”
“We want to close roads that threaten endangered species”
I knew that this is what you are up to, and I hope people fight your plan vigorously. This is so wrong. Why do you preservation organizations think it’s up to you to fight for road closings? We have snakes, salamanders, tree frogs in the pines, yes, and we always have had them. Driving on the roads will in no way drive them out.
Later on in the podcast you point out a damaged area that is “off the normal” road, and say this is the problem. While you’re standing there 3 motorcycles go by on the road, and you point out that they are okay, since they are likely legal. So, which is it Russ, are you for stopping people from going off the road with their vehicles, which I support, or are you ALSO trying to close roads you feel are hurting wildlife? It’s NOT your call, and many of us resent it deeply.
You mentioned that roads are closing up from not being used. I noticed that starting 5 years ago. Let those roads close and be satisfied Russ, stop trying to expand closures of roads that are still drivable.