For two years, Quality Parks requested access to the Pine Barrens Trail Center by filing permits two weeks prior to our events. For 2018, there's three of us requesting key access instead. It's a more efficient stop gap measure until such time as there are more resources to keep the building regularly open by SC Park Staff or by contract.

Why this key request? Let me give you an example. Quality Parks is working on an invasive species removal project in a nearby Suffolk County Park. While we're out in the field, the building gets closed. Before and after the event, we pick up tools, use the bathroom, plan next events, and have lunch. Why spend money on SC staff to babysit the building while we are out in the field? We can also work with the community to show them the trail center as opportunities arise.

The formal permit application fails us, as each of us face similar issues.  Event planning has risks (no shows), takes time, and priorities shift depending on volunteer availability and weather conditions, not easy to predict two weeks in advance.

Please provide three dedicated folks, well known in the community, to have key access to the Pine Barrens Trail Center, as a stop gap measure, for improved public access for the 2018 season. The PB Trail Center is open. Now we need key access to do a better job, as folks dedicated to public lands stewardship. Thanking you in advance for your support.

Read More: Pine Barrens Trail Center Advocacy Timeline