N.J. State Forest Rule Changes.

[MuckSavage]

See the bottom of my post for an excerpt. The wording is so vague, it could mean trouble.

NJ DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION NATURAL AND HISTORIC RESOURCES Division of Parks and Forestry, State Park Service

Notice of Rule Proposal
State Park Service Code, N.J.A.C. 7:2

Public Notice

Take notice that the NJ Department of Environmental Protection is proposing amendments to N.J.A.C. 7:2, the State Park Service Code. The State Park Service Code, N.J.A.C. 7:2, governs the administration, operation, management and use of State parks, forest, recreation areas, historic sites, natural areas, marinas, golf courses, botanical gardens and other lands, waters and facilities under the jurisdiction of the Department and assigned to the State Park Service in the Division of Parks and Forestry.

The Department proposes to amend its rules to address visitor safety and environmental stewardship throughout the State’s parks through amendments relating to the use of fires, stoves and lanterns, firearms and fireworks and motor vehicles (including over-sized and extra heavy vehicles).

The Department proposes to repeal existing Subchapter 10, Golf Courses as the Department no longer operates golf courses. The Department proposes to amend Subchapter 17, Fees for Services and Facilities Provided by the State Park Service.

The proposal is scheduled to be published in the New Jersey Register dated July 16, 2012. A copy of the proposal is available from: The NJ Department of Environmental Protection’s website, http://www.nj.gov/dep/rules/proposals/20120716a.pdf; and LexisNexis Customer Service at (800)223-1944 or www.lexisnexis.com/bookstore. Be advised that there may be a fee for obtaining a copy of the proposal from some sources.

Written comments may be submitted electronically by September 14, 2012 athttp://www.nj.gov/dep/rules/comments; or In hard copy to:

Alice A. Previte, Esq.
ATTN: 01-12-06
NJ Department of Environmental Protection Office of Legal Affairs Mail Code 401-04L; PO Box 402
401 East State Street, 4th Floor
Trenton, NJ 08625-0402


SUBCHAPTER 3. MOTORIZED VEHICLES
N.J.A.C. 7:2-3.2 Unauthorized motor vehicle use
N.J.A.C. 7:2-3.2, Unauthorized motor vehicle use, prohibits the use of certain vehicles
and vehicle-related activities on the lands and waters under the jurisdiction of the State Park
Service. In order to prevent damage to the natural areas within the jurisdiction of the State Park
Service, the Department proposes to prohibit the use of motor vehicles likely to cause damage to
natural areas. Although existing N.J.A.C. 7:2-3.4 already prohibits the operation of motor
vehicles on natural areas and in areas other than established public roads and in designated
parking areas, proposed new N.J.A.C. 7:2-3.2(e) will prohibit the use of damaging vehicles
anywhere within the jurisdiction of the State Park Service. The Department has found that once
the vehicles are allowed into the parks, their owners often do not limit their use to authorized
areas, thereby damaging fragile State resources. The Department intends by the proposed
restriction to enable the State Park Service to reduce damage to its roads and paved surfaces,
better control the illegal riding that is occurring on many roads and trails within State Parks and
Forests, and stop the continuing damage and destruction of the natural resources along these
trails and roads. Certain large vehicles, such as military surplus vehicles, damage trails and offroad
areas, and are too heavy for paved roadways in the State Parks. Similarly, ATVs operated
on trails and in off-road areas cause damage. To the extent that an otherwise-prohibited vehicle
falls within the definition of off-road vehicle, it may be operated in a designated area, on a preestablished
course under prescribed conditions, in accordance with a permit issued for a special
event, under N.J.A.C. 7:2-3.4(d).

[4x4x4doors]

Corrected direct link: http://www.nj.gov/dep/rules/proposals/20120716a.pdf

[njjeepthing]

So vague, leaves a lot to be interpreted.

[AA1PR]

you are gonna lose your trails like here in VT

[Hoagie27]

There has been such an ongoing issue with "mudders" as they have become to be known, that this was inevitable. However, it seems to be more targeted at the mud trucks then general off roading, and doesn't appear that it would change anything in the aspect of overlanding. But NJ likes it vague laws... it keeps in tune with the "throw what ever charges you can, and hopefully a few will stick" theory

[Stumpalump]

How can you hurt sand?

[Hoagie27]

How can you hurt sand?

The states standpoint is that the deep ruts cause deforestation due to undermining.... that and the littering. In fact, I can recall a particular trip through the pine barrens when we found a boat about 4 miles off the beaten path, which was set on fire and was still smoldering when we found it.

[farley27]

How can you hurt sand?

The Pinebarrens has one of the largest freshwater aquifers in the US, not to mention countless endangered plant and animal species....its a special place that needs to be preserved, not used as a dumpster/a place to free wheel and tear up........I take it you have never been there.