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Presentation: Ms. Randazzo, DEP / Motorized Access Plan for Wharton State Forest:
Mayor stated after
the Presentation Township Committee will open this meeting to public comment first for Mullica Township
residents. Mayor stated Ms. Randazzo, Director Local Government Services and Mr. Robert Auernmuller,
Superintendent Wharton State Forest will also answer questions after the presentation. Ms. Randazzo stated a
representative from the Governor’s Office was present as well to answer questions after. Ms. Randazzo,
introduced Mr. Robert Auernmuller who will be giving the presentation.
Mr. Auernmuller provided a power point presentation which depicted the Draft Motorized Access Plan, aerial
photographs and the draft map. He stated they are currently requesting feedback from the stakeholders and
visitors. Mr. Auernmuller indicated information can be found at
http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/docs/wsf_motorzed_access_plan_FAQ.pdf
and the map could
be found at
http://www.njparksandforests.org/parks/maps/wsf_motorized_access_plan.pdf
. Mr. Auernmuller
explained the loss in staffing, primitive road infrastructure, storm damage, beaver damage, damage from all-
terrain vehicles and trucks, as well as safety issues. Mr. Auernmuller contended the reason for this access plan
is to promote safety, to protect our natural resources and to enjoy the forest responsibly.
Mayor opened to Committee: Ms. Rheault questioned the 700,000 yearly visitors, how attendance was
monitored how the Management Plan was formulated, has ticketing increased, will harvesting be affected.
Mr. Auernmuller clarified the visitors include Batsto Village, campers, and Atison Lake and stated attendance is
monitored by staff in the forest the best they can and cameras to count vehicles. DEP has internal policies
regarding the Management Plan which is revised by Land Management, Natural Lands Management, Division
of Fish and Wildlife, Forestry Office, Forest Fire and Historic Preservation. He stated he does not have
ticketing information, but it can be obtained. He stated the Harvest Department will determine the area for
harvesting which will be approved by the Pinelands and will have road access. Mr. Silva asked if the plan has
been implemented and have roads been closed and how many miles are proposed to be closed. Mr. Auernmuller
referenced the map showing areas that were seasonally closed because of Threatened and Endangered Species,
areas posted to no motor vehicles which were not roadways, adding roadways have been closed for safety
reasons, but none due to the draft plan. Mr. Silva expressed his concern with the State alleviating their problem
and how it will affect our municipality. Ms. Rheault noted the County is promoting outdoor activities and this
plan will deter that. Mr. Auernmuller stated this new map will encourage visitors. Mayor Brown asked how
many access roads are located in Mullica. Mr. Auernmuller stated one and it is closed to vehicles because the
bridge is closed. Mayor Brown expressed his concern with more control and to protect the people who respect
the forest.
Mayor Brown opened to the public (Mullica Residents first): The following spoke in favor of the Motorized
Access Plan: Ms. Joy Ramer, Elm Street urged everyone to follow the rules; Ms. Ann Cavage, Sweetwater,
stated this is long over-due.
The following spoke in opposition: Mr. Andy Demarco, White Oak Circle, stated Mr. Auernmuller story
changes every time asked for cooperation from his office; Mr. William Janiszewski, Elwood Road, member of
gunning club in Weekstown for the past 50 years and have been utilizing roads for hunting which now cannot
access which will create safety hazard for hunters; Mr. Tom Petrella, Nesco Road, intent is good, but penalizing
everyone is not fair and that enforcement is much more critical; Mr. Kenneth Held, Vice-President East Coast
Enduro, stated this plan takes away the 275 miles of trails they have utilized since 1940, and this presentation is
misleading; Mr. Tom Turlish, New Gretna, expressed his concern regarding enforcement. Ms. Randazzo
agreed enforcement is lacking and they are working towards more.
The following commented: Charles Dodimead, Old Egg Harbor Road, requested a designated area for ATV
Riders. Jerry Gleason, 4
th
Avenue, asked if Deer Management was studied and considered.
Mayor Brown
closed the public portion and Committee took a five minute recess.
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