Participate in the 2006 New Jersey Trail Plan

New Jersey State is going through the process of revising their State Trails Plan, which means that it is time for all of us to help make sure that the hiking trails are not given short shrift in this process.

Ten years ago, during the public part of the process to approve the current version it was noted that relatively few from the hiking community participated while a large number of other user groups (some friendly and some not) made their voices heard very clearly.  Hikers need to reverse those results this time.

There are a number of issues on which the hiking community needs to be heard.

• The deteriorating recreational experience and environmental damage caused by motorized Off-Road-Vehicles (ORVs).
• The need to retain single-use trail systems to avoid user conflicts and encourage variety rather than a one-size-fits-all trail system.
• Better access including parking and road signage indicating trail head locations.
• Greater connectivity between state and regional trail systems and community trails/open space.
• The maintenance of the growing trail system and stewardship of surrounding conservation lands.

There are two things which you can do to help them hear our voice:
First, complete the survey found at their site:  http://www.njtrailsplan.org/.  Since tourism is a major justification for creating a great trail system hearing from those outside New Jersey is very important. Non-residents of New Jersey are welcome to complete the survey.

Second, attend one of the “Open Houses” where “the public is invited to learn about the Trails Plan and share perspectives on trail issues and the future of trails in NJ.”
    
Tuesday, September 19, 2006 (3:30 to 7:30 pm)
At the Frelinghuysen Arboretum
53 Hanover Avenue, Whippany, NJ

If you are closer to Trenton:
Tuesday, September 26, 2006 (3:30 to 7:30)
At the Ellarslie Museum
Cadwalader Park, Trenton, NJ

Workshops

Help us to craft a comprehensive vision of NJ trails in the future!
Join trail advocates, developers, managers and policy makers in sharing ideas and developing recommendations.

Each 3-hour Workshop will include an overview of findings from surveys, focus groups and interviews, as well as interactive exercises and group discussion. Together we will create a common vision and brainstorm strategies and recommendations to make the vision a reality.

Workshops will be held at the following times and locations:

Monday, October 16
6:00 to 9:00
Frelinghuysen Arboretum,
East Hanover Avenue,
Whippany, NJ
www.morrisparks.net
RSVP (by October 12)
rsvp.whippany@rbagroup.com

Tuesday, October 24
6:00 to 9:00
YMCA Camp Ockanickon,
1303 Stokes Road,
Medford, NJ
www.ycamp.org
(Use Stokes Road Entrance)
RSVP (by October 19)
rsvp.medford@rbagroup.com

Thursday, October 26
6:00 to 9:00
Red Hill Activity Center,
Tatum Park,
251 Red Hill Road,
Middletown, NJ
www.monmouthcountyparks.com
RSVP (by October 23)
rsvp.middletown@rbagroup.com

Interested in Participating?

Please RSVP by e-mail (above) for the location you would like to attend, or call The RBA Group at 973.898.0300. Be sure to provide your name, organization (if
applicable) and contact information (e-mail and phone). Although we will try to accommodate everyone who sends an RSVP, attendance will be limited based on room capacity.

Thank you,

NJ Trails Plan Update Team

Stay tuned for more information on this process as it moves forward.

Larry Wheelock
Trials Director
New York-New Jersey Trail Conference

V3 Last updated: October 6, 2006   Copyright © 1996-2006  New York-New Jersey Trail Conference Privacy Statement.