Although not all of it, you can still drive cars and off-road vehicles through one of the largest protected forests in the state. And now it will cost you to break the rules.
An new road map of the Wharton State Forest, which encompasses 124,000 acres of government-protected wilderness that spans parts of several South Jersey counties, was released by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection on Monday. Certain previously used regions are off-limits on the updated map.
In order to create a map that identifies permissible roads, state environmental officials started a procedure in 2022 to assess roads being utilized in the state forest. They held public hearings and collected feedback for almost two years.
According to John Cecil, assistant commissioner for State Parks, Forest & Historic Sites, “by clearly defining safe, legal vehicle roads, we’re improving access for responsible exploration while protecting Wharton’s diverse natural and cultural treasures, minimizing impacts on sensitive habitats, and supporting the integrity of our shared public lands.”
About 121 miles of roadways were cut during the study, and these ranged from hiking trails to property boundary lines. NJDEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette stated during hearings preceding the new map that the majority of the unapproved roads were probably created over time by visitor use.
Environmentalists claim that illicit off-road vehicles are still destroying New Jersey’s national parks, including Wharton State Forest. Thanks to Jason Howell for the photo.
At this point, Wharton will have roughly 261 miles of road suitable for cars and off-road vehicles. The majority of the courses consist of roughly 175 kilometers of unpaved roads. You can hunt an additional 28.3 miles during the season.
About 57 miles of paved roads that were not previously counted are also included in the total.
State officials employ designated authorized highways as a way to stop unlawful riding of dirt bikes, quads, and all-terrain vehicles—a problem that New Jersey has struggled with.
Beginning next year, state park police also want to enforce the road restrictions more strictly by issuing more summonses to drivers who are found operating a vehicle in a section of the forest that is not marked on the map.
Now, engaging in illegal off-road activities can result in a fine of at least $1,000 for a third or subsequent offense, up to $1,000 for a second offense, and $500 for a first offense. An extra fine of five times the amount of the damage may be imposed if a violation causes natural resources to be harmed or destroyed.
In an effort to limit traffic in places not shown on the map, gates and other barriers are also being put up.
Off-road bikers and environmentalists faced off throughout the map-rendering process. Proponents of the idea maintain that reducing the amount of space available for cars safeguards the Pine Barrens’ delicate plants and fauna. Attempts to restrict automobile access were deemed excessively restrictive by those opposed.
We are taking a significant step with the publication of this map to guarantee that tourists may continue to take use of everything the forest has to offer, but in a more conscientious manner that protects its historical and ecological values for coming generations, LaTourette stated.
Wharton is most famous for its picturesque trek between old Batsto Village and the Atsion Mansion, as well as its canoeing opportunities. Every year, about 800,000 people come here.
Stories by
Eric Conklin
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