Hello: This is the first time I am posting here about this issue, but I have been following it for some time now.
FYI, I am an enduro club official and also have organized a motorcycle adventure ride, for the last 10 years, called the Pine Barrens 500, a mostly off pavement tour of the state parks and wildlife management areas. I was also an original member of the NJ Trail Lovers Assoc.
These closures affect my sport and I have been working with some of the groups fighting the trail closings and now the roads in the State Forest.
The enduro guys were the first group affected by these closings and we fought back with everything that is being said and done now, by the new groups affected, to no avail, for the last 5 or so years.
I have expressed my concern to the enduro groups, that we need legal representation, and a lobbyist to work on the politicians.
But cost concerns have made them decide against it.
I feel we have been, and the new groups are dealing with this the same way as
"going to court without a lawyer."
The DEP, the PPA and the Park and Forest directors are all paid employees, they go to work and get paid to do what they are doing.
On the other hand, we have volunteers. working in their spare time, but not getting anywhere.
Plus they are well funded by wealthy conservationists.
I feel we need money to fight this. I think I have an idea that will help.
A Fund Raiser, a party, dinner, concert or something to get us all together and raise money.
The Kerri Brooke Caterers in Hammonton, can hold appx 1000 people, I spoke to the owner today and he is on board.
I am also a former caterer and rock club manager, I could organize the venue and entertainment.
The Pine Barrens 500 has a dinner this Nov 14th, maybe we could use that date and the event to kick it off.
What do you think?
Regards
Jack
FYI, I am an enduro club official and also have organized a motorcycle adventure ride, for the last 10 years, called the Pine Barrens 500, a mostly off pavement tour of the state parks and wildlife management areas. I was also an original member of the NJ Trail Lovers Assoc.
These closures affect my sport and I have been working with some of the groups fighting the trail closings and now the roads in the State Forest.
The enduro guys were the first group affected by these closings and we fought back with everything that is being said and done now, by the new groups affected, to no avail, for the last 5 or so years.
I have expressed my concern to the enduro groups, that we need legal representation, and a lobbyist to work on the politicians.
But cost concerns have made them decide against it.
I feel we have been, and the new groups are dealing with this the same way as
"going to court without a lawyer."
The DEP, the PPA and the Park and Forest directors are all paid employees, they go to work and get paid to do what they are doing.
On the other hand, we have volunteers. working in their spare time, but not getting anywhere.
Plus they are well funded by wealthy conservationists.
I feel we need money to fight this. I think I have an idea that will help.
A Fund Raiser, a party, dinner, concert or something to get us all together and raise money.
The Kerri Brooke Caterers in Hammonton, can hold appx 1000 people, I spoke to the owner today and he is on board.
I am also a former caterer and rock club manager, I could organize the venue and entertainment.
The Pine Barrens 500 has a dinner this Nov 14th, maybe we could use that date and the event to kick it off.
What do you think?
Regards
Jack
.
