Post by oswego on Sept 29, 2011 19:44:47 GMT -5
This is a valid point, Oswego, and one we have discussed. The main concern is that almost any attention or special marking for a specific area creates a "target" in the minds of some folks. It's hard for the responsibly-minded among us to fathom that kind of thinking but the fear is that the kind of map you're describing could be used for less-than honorable intentions.
Since we're not in the map making business anyway, the NJTLC's plan is to simply work with the groups we represent and try to get the word out about what is and what is not acceptable. This case shows exactly how this can work to the best effect. Members of this group reached out to the FJ gang and they changed their plans accordingly; no involvement of the authorities, no signage, no controversy. Just a suggestion to some responsible folks with the appropriate results.
Thanks to everyone here for reaching out and thanks to the FJ group for understanding and "doing the right thing". As Hamilton LJ said, "We don't want to alienate anyone". To my mind, this is exactly what we're trying to accomplish.
Dishonorable people are not going to abide by the laws. We all know this. Signs and maps will always only keep honorable people out, same as gates and blockades. The current system, if you could call it that, leaves the law abiding citizen taking a simple trail ride in the dark. It leaves them in a precarious situation and open to issues with law enforcement as well as destruction of sed protected areas.
If a small minority believes that providing maps to the public will allow the enthusiasts to find and destroy the protected areas then their minority opinion of the enthusiasts using the trails is already slanted and we can't change that. We shouldn't sway to any minority opinion especially one that isn't correct or happy until the forest is closed to all users.
For the majority of the people traveling the trails, detailed maps with trail ratings would help stem the abuse and destruction of the trails. This is a fact. Ive been on trails from Main to South Carolina and our current system of playing coy is the worst of any state I have seen. Any other state would examine the trails and provide maps showing what areas are closed as well as rate the trails that are open based on their difficulty. Common sense dictates that a vehicle that is not equipped properly will damage a difficult trail worse then one that is properly equipped. Our problem is no one has any clue whats around the next bend in NJ until you come upon an issue and by then it's usually to late and the trail has been dug up and damaged. A mapped and rated system lets people plan out safe expeditions based on their driving ability as well as their vehicles ability while avoiding the closed areas.
If our current system was working then why is it up to forum lurkers to spot meets and warn them that certain trails or spots are off limits? From what I have recently read 1/4 mile has been closed for at least 10 years.......so why does no one know this? I have been driving in Wharton for over 10 years and I was never aware of this or Jemima Hill being closed or ready to be closed. If the FJ meet wasn't spotted you would of had 30 trucks going through there and no one is to blame but the minority group of people keeping the closed areas secretive.
We all know the current system is broken. It has been for a long time. It's time to get with the times and make a change if people want to preserve the land. In this day and age a simple internet search should show what is off limits. Once the information is made public trespassers have absolutely no excuse to be there and should be reprimanded accordingly.
I understand NJTLC isn't in the map making business, but a recommendation to the proper authority's might get something done. To fund an endeavor like this and keep the trails clean and safe most states require park attendees to pay for a pass be it a day pass or season pass. I would have no issues paying to play as long as the rate wasn't astronomical and the funds were properly used to maintain and preserve the park. Sadly we all know that will never happen, but I can hope NJ comes out of the dark ages one day.