OVERVIEW
Millions of people prize Wharton State Forest for its vast wilderness areas, protected rare species habitat, historic sites, and recreational opportunities, including paddling, hiking, and horseback riding across 125,000 acres. Wharton is the largest state park in New Jersey and the keystone of the Pinelands National Reserve.
Wharton State Forest has seen increasing rates of issues like illegal dumping, vehicle break-ins, illegal off-road vehicle use, and vandalism. The public has been pressing the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to find a solution for many years.
In 2022 the DEP announced a process to improve the visitor experience in Wharton State Forest that would also protect culturally and ecologically sensitive areas. They gathered public input through stakeholder meetings and conducted a web-based survey that leveraged mapping tools. Over 1,600 people submitted feedback through this process. Survey results were then compared to the known location of wetlands, threatened and endangered plant and animal species of conservation concern, historic/cultural resources, and other critical conservation information. All of these factors were considered to create a visitor use plan and map for Wharton that balances conservation needs while optimizing recreational opportunities.
In February 2023 the DEP shared survey results with the public and prepared a Wharton State Forest Visiting Vehicle Use Map. The map was released on January 24th and clearly delineated safe, legal routes through Wharton State Forest, on which a licensed driver can drive their street-legal, registered, and insured vehicle. Preexisting motor vehicle regulations will remain unchanged with ATVs, side-by-sides, non-street-legal enduros, and other illegal off-road vehicles restricted from all areas of the forest.
CURRENT STATUS
After accepting public comment in 2024 on the proposed Visitor Use Map, the NJDEP has released a final map to clearly delineate legal roads for driving vehicles within Wharton State Forest. This map will enhance the visitor experience and public safety by supporting State Park Police patrols and allowing for routine maintenance and improved access for emergency response personnel. This map also protects wildlife and rare plant species’ habitats from illegal ORV use. The NJDEP is listing additional signs to make it clear what roads are to be used.
There is a very complete FAQ section at the bottom of their webpage which we recommend you review.
learn more
Listen to The Pine Barrens Podcast
The January 9, 2024 episode is called Wharton State Forest – Navigating the New Visitor Use Map with Russell Juleg of the New Jersey Conservation Foundation.
Read our blog post “Why do we want a Visitor Map for Wharton State Forest.“