This is a version of the flier that Ben has, but I know he had some revision suggestions. I'm hoping we can get a direct link to a easily printable format of this page. If I play with font size it will all fit on one page. Feel free to play around with it and add pictures or graphics.
I was simply trying to get a summary and call to action out to affected parties ASAP.
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STOP WHARTON STATE FOREST ROAD CLOSURES NOW!!
Have you noticed brown fiberglass posts labeled 'No Motorized Vehicles' spring up around our public lands in Wharton State Forest? These closures are part of the State Park Service's new Motorized Access Plan which was forged in secrecy and is reported to be closing 55% of the roads in Wharton State Forest. Visual inspection of the recently released map suggests the closure may affect as much as 70-90% of the roads in Wharton, but it is also unlikely State Park administration is fully aware of how many roads actually exist. They only know and care about what they will be 'kind enough' to ALLOW to remain open on the "State's Land!"
This plan represents a blanket closure of virtually ALL narrow interior woods roads and non-through roads that lead to points of interest, while citing motorized damage for the closures. Don't believe the hype, irresponsible damage is already illegal and is quite simply an enforcement issue. Additionally, the explanations being given by the administration are NOT consistent with the types of roads being closed.
The remainder of the still open major roads will be 'rehabilitated' into wide, graded orange clay/gravel roads which will likely be dusty and heavily washboarded in short time with all traffic focused on so few roads. These wide graded roads, made of non-natural earth, represent a HUGE environmental impact themselves and will forever change the inherent charm of Wharton. This closed-door shift in policy is the largest and most negative change in the management of Wharton State Forest since it was purchased in 1957.
What can you do?
Contact your local pine barren's municipality.
Contact your local representatives for Trenton
Call Governor Christie: 609-292-6000
Call Lt. Gov. Guadagno: 609-777-2581
Call Director Bob Martin DEP: 609-292-2885
Call Mark Texel, Head of the State Park Service: 609-292-2773
Tell them:
* You are concerned by the lack of transparency and public involvement in reaching this decision.
* You are concerned this closure is not consistent with the plan of conservation under which the Wharton Tract was originally bought and paid for, by tax payers.
* You are concerned the closure of many of these 100+ year old roads will negatively impact accessibility of cultural and historic sites, which will in time be lost to NJ.
* You feel this closure unfairly affects veterans, the very old, the very young, and the disabled.
* You are concerned about the severe negative effects these closures will have on Hunting, Fishing, Canoeing/Kayaking, and many, MANY other forms of recreation.
* You are concerned about the State Park Service's close relationship with special-interest groups, such as the Pinelands Preservations Alliance, and you are wonder if these closures may more closely represent the interests of these groups than the publicly stated purposes of the closures.
Be polite, be honest, but BE FIRM. This land BELONGS TO THE PEOPLE and motorized access should remain open for ALL to enjoy EVERYTHING it has to offer!
And the rest are just sand pits. I doubt anybody here would have a problem closing them off. Those pictures only work on people who don't go out in the pines.
" to fill in all of the puddles.