Take Action Today! The state recently released “Outside, Together”, the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP).  This effort is separate from the survey that was releases last fall and the plan to develop a new map or a permit system.  That being said the state is asking for feedback and we should take this opportunity to voice our values on responsible motorized recreation.  Please follow the link to review the document and submit your comment.  We have read the document and included some suggested talking points that you can use.   Please take 5 minutes to click the link and copy and paste the test below or write your own feedback.  

Let’s get started!

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Step One- (Optional) Review the “Outside, Together” information

Review the Outside, Together Webpage:

https://dep.nj.gov/outside-together/

Step Two – Submit Your Concerns

1) Write your own comments or copy and paste the suggested comments below:

2) Click on the link to submit your comments:

https://dep.nj.gov/outside-together/comment/

Important! The State is planning on having its next meeting on February 8th. It is critically important that you participate and demand that no roads should be closed and permits are not acceptable.

https://nj.gov/dep/newsrel/2023/23_0006.htm?fbclid=IwAR3oUONzS72LQGxNYPuwEp0ETNl8k2b8UH5lN-ajeknEJzC89PXBtlQUPew

Concerned about new permits and roads being closed? So are we. Let’s ask our elected officials to help! We created this page to help you with finding and contacting your elected representatives. (Governor, State Senators, Mayors and the DEP) If we don’t ALL act, we shouldn’t be surprised by the results. Post below to let us know you contacted them. We have 6,000 followers, we need to see 6,000 comments!

Contact Your Representatives

The Wharton usage survey has been released! There are only 30 days to submit your input (Closes 10/28). PLEASE take your time and be as detailed as possible with your submission. Important Tips:

Mark as many locations as possible but DO NOT just “circle the whole map”

Do you record your tracks in a GPS app? Submit it with your survey!

Don’t want to use a computer or know someone who is not tech savvy? You can download a paper copy and mail in your survey (on the same page)

Tell everyone you know about this survey. Share this post, talk about it in your clubs. If you do not respond don’t be surprised by the results!

The survey closes 10/28!

Coming up next: OTNJ will begin a campaign and will release a web page with talking points and tools for contacting your representatives. It is time to get serious. Your legal access is at stake.

https://nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/wharton/

The recording of the stakeholder meeting has been released. If you have not seen this, you need to watch it and get ready to provide feedback within 30 days. In the coming days, OTNJ will provide some guidance and resources on how you can help. Keep an eye on our page for details. We also heard a lot of people had technical issues getting access to the meeting. If you had an issue getting into the meeting, let us know below.

As you enjoy this spring like day, remember that spring is right around the corner and will be bringing with it more volunteer opportunities with OTNJ. We need your help! If you haven’t already,
please sign up to volunteer with us. You can contribute as much or as little as you like! Please click here for details and sign up today!

Click here!

 

 

Date: January 23, 2016

Time: Tentatively 9:00 AM, temperature permitting.

Location: Double Trouble State Forest

The State Park Service asked OTNJ to pass along this important volunteer opportunity. Note: this is not the OTNJ activity we mentioned in an earlier post, more to follow on that as soon as it is approved.

There is a project in Double Trouble State Park to thin about 10 acres of forest. The purpose is to remove stunted Dog Hair Pine trees, which will allow the larger trees to flourish and to prevent the invasion of the Southern Pine Beetle in that area. About 100 volunteers are needed to cut down the small, pre identified, Dog Hair Pine trees with bow saws. What is cut down will be left in place and will be eventually burned in a prescribed fire rotation. With a 100 volunteers, at about 10 volunteers per acre, quick work could be made of this important project!

This is a great opportunity to show that this community wants to make a difference in helping our state forests!

We will post more specifics in this event as the date approaches. Feel free to share!

Note: exact time is TBD, 10:00 AM is an aproximation.

Op Ed article from the Hammonton Gazette:
Public input, compromise needed on forest access
http://www.hammontongazette.com/#!opinion1/cg8d