New Jersey State Parks - Proposed Regulation Change

[Battle_Wagon_NJ]

The Division of Parks and Forestry of New Jersey is proposing regulation changes regarding "off road vehicles." On its face it concerns Dirt Bikes, ATV's, and large military surplus vehicles, but the proposed regulation is worded poorly and vague. The proposal can be seen here:

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

Comments on the proposal can be made here: http://www.nj.gov/dep/rules/comments/ by September 14th.

The way this is written, you are guilty of a violation just for operating a vehicle that LOOKS like it could cause damage, regardless of whether you are driving responsibly or not:

"(e) Except in accordance with N.J.A.C. 7:2-3.4(d), a person shall not operate or permit the
operation on or over lands or in or on waters under the jurisdiction of the State Park
Service of a motorized vehicle likely to cause damage or injury to persons, wildlife, or
property within the jurisdiction of the State Park Service. Such vehicles include, but are
not limited to, a motor vehicle having more than two axles and capability of four-wheel
drive, an ATV, military-designed or surplus vehicle (whether or not modified for civilian
use), or an unlicensed or unregistered motor vehicle."

Are established unimproved roadways included in these "lands"? Who will be the judge of if your vehicle is "likely to cause damage"? A LEO who thinks all owners of lifted trucks, Jeeps, and dual sport bikes are outlaws? And if "such vehicles include but are not limited to" how long will it be before other vehicles (all vehicles?) are lumped in? This regulation needs to read "persons shall not operate a vehicle IN A MANNER that is likely to cause damage." Since when are we guilty of a violation only by our mere presence, without actually having done anything?

How about we have enforcement of the regulations that already exist?

Will M715's be banned because they are military surplus, even though there are civilian pickup trucks and SUV's with greater GVW?

[Battle_Wagon_NJ]

Outlaw!



For example, the owner of this Dodge would be in violation of the new regulation... for parking his truck at this State Park. He's on the grass too! Eek!

[Bill J]

I am still digging into this but I did find that regarding Island Beach State Park (IBSP), they are looking to limit 4 x 4 RV's like a Ford E350 Class B Motorhome's, and deuce and 1/2's, and Hummers, due to the environmental impact. I am not saying I necessarily agree with this. I will say that having been to IBSP, a lot of the campers are not actively fishing as the rules say and they are trying to limit this. In my limited experience at that park, the LEO's are usually OK, I was fishing with a 3 day permit (no bumper sticker, only a dash card) and the LEO asked where my permit was, I told him I had a 3 day, and asked if he wanted to see it, and he said, no and moved on. We were fishing and not causing a ruckus. Another time we walked on and my than 2 year old son was sleeping in the middle of the day and he was in a 3 sided shelter and the LEO almost made us take it down as tents (camping) is not allowed. I would say in most cases if you are doing the right thing they will be OK, but regardless of how carefully you drive a deuce is likely gonna cause some damage. I do wish they would be more clear on their intentions. Resources are limited and enforcement is hard.

[Headhoncho]

Tomorrow is the last day to submit comments. Even if you are not a New Jersey resident, but live near by and use the State parks and forests, please submit your opposition to this poorly worded regulation.

[Bill J]

Done. Don't want to lose what little access we do have.