Protect NJ Public Lands from Off-Road Vehicle Abuse

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has not protected New Jersey's Public Lands from off-road vehicles. The DEP must strongly enforce the existing laws to prevent ecological damage. Lawless off-road vehicle users continue to damage sensitive habitat, public access, and scenic views in our parks and the DEP has not fulfilled its duty to protect the public’s land.  I ask you to immediately implement the Pinelands Commission’s road map for Wharton State Forest and direct Park Police to prioritize off-trail vehicle enforcement.

I ask the Department of Environmental Protection to immediately:

1. Install off-road vehicle barriers at all sensitive areas being damaged by off-road vehicle use.

2. Create enforceable routes by implementing the Pinelands Commission's Road Map For Wharton State Forest ( based on the USGS Topographic Maps circa 1954-1997)

3. Direct Park Police and Conservation Officers to prioritize off-trail vehicle enforcement and to cite the maximum possible fine under state code 13:1L-23/B

“A person who knowingly violates, or who solicits or employs any other person to violate, the provisions of subsection a. of section 10 of P.L.1983, c.324 (C.13:1L-10) shall be subject to the following penalties: a fine of not less than $750 nor more than $1,500 for the first offense; a fine of not less than $1,500 nor more than $3,000 for the second offense; and a fine of not less than $3,000 nor more than $5,000 for any subsequent offense."