Wharton state forest public road closures.

[boomsox24]

Hey all. Just read on another site that the state is closing roads to motor vehicle access in Wharton State Forest. They are supposedly doing this to stop illegal offroad vehicles. The signs and road closures were without a known public forum and without any notice to the public. These roads are used for hunting, fishing, picnics, and launch points into various streams and rivers for kayaks and boats. I can see this easily going to all state lands throughout the state if a precedent is set. Lets see if we can get support to have these bans lifted before we end up having all roads closed to no access.

[LittleM]

Unfortunately, too many people are assholes who have no respect for anything.  I am all for road closures on public lands as just part of the fix.  You want access - walk.  I have already contacted all the folks I know to express my support for this.

[BowhunterNJ]

Wow, they are closing MILES of roads, all of them?

[Haskell_Hunter]

As much as I like ATVs, there aren't any places in NJ to ride them without either trespassing or driving through state lands.  I'm all for fines and confiscations to help address the problem.  I would even go as far as suspending driver's licenses and delaying any underage drivers from getting theirs.  The most frustrating thing I've seen is a parent trespassing on state land with their kids in tow thinking nothing about it.  However, the department doesn't have enough money for enforcement, and it's one of the lower priorities they have to deal with.

[CJ3a]

After years of no enforcement of laws the superintendent of wharton must feel that restricting law abiding residents of NJ access to a state forest will make things better.

[Potts]

Does anyone have a map of the road closures?

 

 

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[Haskell_Hunter]

http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/docs/WSF_MotorizedAccessPlan_Draft.pdf

 

And

 

http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/wharton.html

[Potts]

Thank you kindly.

 

 

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Edited August 28, 2015 by Potts

[Potts]

I'm not familiar with this name, but in the below are they taking about the boat launch right off 206 just below Atsion lake? Permits will be required?

 

We are pleased to announce that the Crowley's Landing Boat Launch, Mullica River, Wharton State Forest, will reopen on Saturday, July 25, 2015. The ramp was closed due to structural damage. Boat Launch Permits will not be required for the remainder of the season but permits will be required beginning Memorial Day weekend, 2016.

 

 

 

 

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[Haskell_Hunter]

I'm not familiar with this name, but in the below are they taking about the boat launch right off 206 just below Atsion lake? Permits will be required?

 

We are pleased to announce that the Crowley's Landing Boat Launch, Mullica River, Wharton State Forest, will reopen on Saturday, July 25, 2015. The ramp was closed due to structural damage. Boat Launch Permits will not be required for the remainder of the season but permits will be required beginning Memorial Day weekend, 2016.

 

 

 

 

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Southern part of the map, right next to the key.  Off of 542.

[Potts]

Ahh okay, that makes sense. Thanks.

 

 

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[BowhunterNJ]

I saw an njoa email that the state was revising what roads would be opened.

 

 

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[CJ3a]

Should make things interesting with a few different maps floating around on what is legal or not.

[BowhunterNJ]

Yeah really. Definitely going to be a mess this year trying to enforce stuff but I guess the correct roads will be open and others will be closed by dirt mounds or locked gates.

 

 

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[boomsox24]

The dep is back pedaling a little bit as towns that are a part of the pine Barrens are passing resolutions opposing the closures. There is a Facebook page and website opentrailsnj. Also you can read more on a non offroading non hunting website njpinebarrens.com. This is one non profit and the state pushing this and a lot of people are frustrated that the public was not asked for feedback