Now that the heat of summer is breaking, we plan to get back out to Jemima Mount to complete the project we started there. We will finish filling the trenches with deadfall to prevent further erosion. We will also be extending one of the railings to prevent go arounds. The first part of the project that we completed in the spring has been a great success so far, proving that we can create solutions to problems without mass road closures. Let’s keep up the good work! Please join us!

Event Details:

You can meet us at Atsion Ranger Station and 9:00 AM 10/2. If your vehicle is not able to make the trip, we can carpool. Alternatively, you can meet directly at Jemima around 9:30AM. Any questions, please post in the comments.

-We will be dragging nearby deadfall into the trenches so it is recommended you wear a good pair of work gloves.
-Wear long long pants and bring plenty of bug spray to prevent chiggers and ticks
-This is a family friendly event but all minors must be accompanied by an adult
-If you are attending, please RSVP to this event so we can get a rough headcount.

One of the lightning rod issues in the battle over the MAP was the damage that has been done at Jemima Mount. It was used an example and pictured in nearly every newspaper article about the MAP. Ironically, Jemima Mount had already been closed to motor vehicles for well over a decade. However, no other actions were taken and damage continued unabaited. Open Trails NJ was founded on the premise of creating practical solutions that will actually SOLVE these issues. Open Trails has proposed a protection project to the DEP and this project was accepted. We will once and for all protect Jemima and remove it as a talking point for those who want to eliminate recreational access in the forest. To accomplish this goal we will be sponsoring a volunteer event on June 5th. We will only be able to accept a limited number of volunteers for this activity so we will take volunteers on a first come, first serve basis. If you are interested in attending, please email us at info@opentrailsnj.org Additional information will be forthcoming.

Just a reminder of the November 5th public meeting on the MAP program. The meeting will be held on 11/5 at 6:30 PM at Hammonton High School. We are told you are still able to register by calling 609-704-1964 or by emailing whartonmapcomments@dep.nj.gov.

Tell the DEP that you support their new commitment to engaging the public in their decision making around access to the forest. We are told each speaker will be limited to 3 mins. If you are coming in a group, please coordinate who will say what to maximize your speaking time.

Please emphasize the following points:

• The public trust has been damaged and stakeholders must be engaged going forward
• All USGS defined roads should remain open unless they meet objective, agreed upon, criteria to be closed
• Enforcement of existing laws is paramount to solving problems in the forest
• There is a need for community engagement- education, transparency, clean up, volunteer labor/material

Correction: Southampton’s next meeting is the 15th.

We have another series of town meetings this week and we need your help!  Here is the schedule:

Shamong – Tues., September 1st, 7:30pm. 105 Willow Grove Rd., Shamong.

Southampton – Tues., September 15th, 7:30pm. 5 Retreat Road, Southampton.

Washington Twp/Green Bank – Tues., Sept 1st, Special presentation on the MAP at 6:30.  2436 Rt. 563, Green Bank

If this issue is important to you, please make the time to attend one of these meetings and tell them how you feel.  When you get up to speak, say whatever you have to say, but then conclude by asking that the council pass a resolution in opposition THAT NIGHT.  Please see the Tips for Public Comment During Municipal Government Meetings for tips on speaking at the town meetings.