Wharton State Forest Visitor Use Map

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Every significant expanse of public land in this country bears scars and triumphs from conservation battles. These stories are often defined by the tug-of-war between differing visions of what public lands are and should be. The status of Wharton State Forest in recent years has been competition between those who want the area to be in its natural state—a haven for wildlife and for low-impact, responsible recreation—and those who want to see the State Forest look more like an off-road vehicle park. This contest ended on November 25th, with the release of the updated Wharton State Forest Vehicle Use Map. This revision will help to enforce existing regulations that protect wildlife habitat and recreational and historic areas in New Jersey’s largest State Forest. In many ways, the story of Wharton echoes that of America’s first National Park: Yellowstone National Park.

Established in 1872, Yellowstone quickly became overrun by profit-seekers and individual private interests. The park devolved while ineffective political appointees in charge of the park lacked the drive to intervene. The U.S. Department of the Interior, still grappling with its new role, did not have the experience to manage over two million acres of wilderness effectively. Private camp developers set up shop along the Yellowstone River, felling trees and polluting the landscape with makeshift laundromats in between the hot springs. Poachers targeted bison, elk, and other wildlife for profit. Open dumps proliferated; the situation even became so bleak that visitors would pay to watch the spectacle of bears rummaging through trash. The scene was chaotic, a far cry from the pristine wilderness envisioned by the park’s founders.(1)

Conservationists witnessing the degradation pushed Congress and the Department of the Interior to act. The U.S. Army, under Captain Moses Harris, was eventually deployed to enforce order, establish rules, and patrol Yellowstone’s boundaries. By the time the National Park Service was created in 1916, the Army had set the foundation for park management, with many of its soldiers becoming some of the first park rangers. (1)

Yellowstone’s early history reverberates through the stories of other parks, including Wharton. While just a fraction of Yellowstone’s size, Wharton’s 124,000 acres hold unique significance. Nestled in the Pinelands National Reserve, the forest is within a two-hour drive of over 50 million people in the northeast corridor, making it a crucial refuge for wildlife and people who enjoy nature-based recreation. (1)

The forest takes its name from Joseph Wharton, a 19th-century industrialist who coveted its aquifer. His plan was to siphon millions of gallons of water to Philadelphia, where industrial pollution was rampant.  These machinations were thwarted by the New Jersey Legislature in 1884, which passed a law prohibiting the export of water out of state. This left the vast lands that Wharton acquired to an unknown fate.

In 1955, early New Jersey conservationists pushed for the Wharton Estate to be incorporated into New Jersey’s fledgling State Park Service, eventually forming the heart of the Pinelands National Reserve. Over the decades, the State established campsites, trails, and visitor centers to promote access while preserving its natural beauty. The 53-mile Batona Trail, blazed in 1961, remains a beloved destination for hikers.

However, by the 1980s, the rise of off-road vehicles (ORVs) introduced a new challenge. Manufacturers marketed these vehicles with brand slogans like “mad for mud”, and” tougher than any terrain” with model names of some ATVs like, “Outlaw”, “Warrior”, “Terminator”, and “Blaster”. These corporations pushed an agenda to set these machines against the land that deeply conflicts with the conservationist vision of conserving nature, while still allowing for responsible and sustainable use. The corporate ad campaigns fostered a destructive culture of thrill-seeking. This encouraged ORV enthusiasts to seek out remote areas with minimal law enforcement presence. Sensitive wetlands, dunes, and ancient forest soils bore the brunt of the damage.

Recognizing the early threat, the Pinelands Commission incorporated ORV regulation into its management plan for the reserve. Pinelands advocates had alerted them to the circumstances of increasing off-road vehicle damage in Wharton. To respond to these concerns, in 2017 the commission took a crucial step: empowering the State Park Service to define and enforce certain vehicle-use rules. This was to be done by establishing which routes had existed historically and could potentially be legal under their rules. The State Park Service’s Wharton map—last updated in 1966—failed to account for the proliferation of ORVs, so the Commission urged the Park Service to revisit it.

For years, conservationists and volunteers have worked tirelessly to protect vulnerable habitats like Jemima Mount, Apple Pie Hill, and wetland savannahs from illegal ORV activity. They advocated for an updated map to reflect modern challenges and promote responsible, nature-based recreation. In 2022, under the leadership of the Murphy Administration’s Department of Environmental Protection, this effort gained momentum.

The new map of Wharton State Forest, released on November 25, 2024, marks a turning point. Developed with input from park visitors, wildlife experts, historians, and GIS specialists, the map balances recreational access with environmental stewardship. It designates specific areas for vehicles, ensuring that sensitive ecosystems remain undisturbed.

One key compromise allows licensed hunters limited vehicle access to certain areas. While this decision has sparked debate, its success hinges on rigorous enforcement to prevent abuse. Overall, the map represents a critical step toward preserving Wharton’s unique landscapes, while inviting the public to enjoy them responsibly.

The story of Wharton State Forest is a testament to the enduring importance of conservation. Just as Yellowstone’s early struggles shaped the National Park Service, Wharton’s evolution highlights the need for vigilance in the face of new challenges. Its proximity to urban centers underscores its value as a sanctuary for people and wildlife alike.

In an era of growing technological absorption, spaces like Wharton offer a vital escape. They allow us to reconnect with nature, to hear the rustling of leaves, bird songs, and the wind through the pines and the cedars.  Such experiences are increasingly rare—and increasingly essential.

The new map is more than a tool for navigation; it is a symbol of the balance we strive to achieve between recreation and preservation. It reflects the hard work of the Park Service, the Pinelands Commission, and countless advocates who have fought to protect the Pines.

While Yellowstone remains 3,500 miles away, Wharton is in the backyard of millions. What we do here matters—not just for us, but for future generations. Let this map be the start of a broader strategy to invite people into nature responsibly, preserving its wonders for years to come.

To learn more about how to use the map or get a copy click here.

Citations:
(1) Hampton, H. Duane. How the U.S. Cavalry Saved Our National Parks. Indiana University Press, 2017.