I got this E-Mail from the AMA and thought I would share it.
New Jersey Enduros need your help!
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Take action today!
Are you concerned about getting access to recreational trails for American Motorcyclist Association-sanctioned enduro events in New Jersey state forests?
A recent shift in policy by local forest managers has led to responsible users of the forest being denied access to existing trails. This policy threatens the survival of a sport that contributes to the economies of New Jersey’s small towns and communities. Left unchecked, these policies will end the long history of enduros in the state and prevent New Jersey from benefiting from the economic contributions that come as a result.
Now, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has started keeping track of the calls they receive regarding this issue. It is imperative that the NJDEP hears from motorized users who support access to existing single-track trails!
Motorized recreation faces access issues nationwide. Make sure New Jersey’s policies don’t set a precedent for your local riding areas. Support the AMA chartered
East Coast Enduro Association and help protect your right to ride!
You can take action in a number of ways. The AMA makes it easy using our tools. You can:
- Sign the AMA’s electronic petition to Gov. Chris Christie
- Send a pre-written letter to the governor’s office supporting enduros.
New Jersey residents
Out-of-state supporters
Use this link to be directed to Governor Christie's webpage. Select "environment" as the topic and "parks and forests" as the sub-topic. Then, cut and paste the text of the "out-of-state letter", below.
- Call Commissioner Martin’s office to be included in their call tally
- Trend on Twitter using the message “@NJDEP @GovChristie Restore access to single-track trails and save AMA-sanctioned enduro events in New Jersey! #ECEA #AMA_Rights”
- Share this alert on your Facebook and Twitter accounts using the icons above
- Sign up to receive free email alerts to keep you in the know
- Join the AMA
Encourage Gov. Chris Christie to urge the managers of New Jersey state forests to strike a balance between conservation and responsible motorized use. Please take a few moments to call Commissioner Bob Martin’s office and send a pre-written email directly to the governor.
It all starts with you!
Out-of-state letter:
I am writing to you about off-highway vehicle access to trails in New Jersey state parks. Specifically, I am contacting your office in regard to securing access to recreational trails for enduro events.
A recent shift in policy by local forest managers has led to responsible users of the forest being denied access to existing trails. This policy threatens the survival of a sport that contributes to the economies of New Jersey’s small towns and communities. Left unchecked, these policies will end the long history of enduros in the state and prevent New Jersey from benefiting from the economic contributions that come as a result.
An enduro event is not a race in the traditional sense. Rather, it is a timed trial. Participants are required to complete sections of a course within a certain time limit. Arriving too early or too late at checkpoints incurs penalties. This type of event requires narrow, twisting, difficult-to-maneuver trails that test the rider’s stamina, strength and technical abilities.
The lack of access to these types of trails will mean the end of the sport in New Jersey, negatively impact the state’s economy and deny families and friends the health benefits of this popular form of organized outdoor recreation.
The history of organized enduros in New Jersey dates back over 75 years, creating traditions that run deep in the state, region and even nation. Those traditions include strong family ties among participants, possibly best demonstrated by the Lafferty family of Millville, N.J. whose members include a multi-time national champion. While some N.J. enduros draw mostly local participants and spectators, most events attract people from neighboring states. Some New Jersey enduros are part of the American Motorcyclist Association National Championship series, providing even larger tourism benefits. Another important economic reality of all enduros aside from tourism dollars is the donations made to local community and civic organizations by the sponsoring clubs. Those donations are often financial, but clubs’ volunteer labor is usually just as well received.
Studies indicate that participation in responsible motorized recreation has steadily increased over the last decade with the most significant increases occurring for dirt bikes and ATVs. While the demand for access to public land is high, motorized access to existing trails in New Jersey is non-existent.
Currently, there are no state forests in New Jersey that provide access for OHVs to their existing trails. Some of these trails are well documented and known to have been authorized for motorized use in the past. I do not contend that all venues are appropriate for all users at all times. However, certainly there is room in New Jersey’s state forests’ trail systems to accommodate these limited, controlled, periodic events.
Motorized recreation has a substantial and growing economic impact on many small communities. The Outdoor Industry Association estimates that outdoor recreation in New Jersey generates $17.8 billion in consumer spending, contributing 158,000 direct jobs and that 52 per percent of New Jersey residents participate in outdoor recreation each year.
By stifling this sport, New Jersey is missing out on a valuable economic asset. Expenditures by motorized recreationists include gasoline, oil, restaurants, hotels, repairs and other related expenses. New Jersey state parks could be combatting funding shortfalls by permitting and encouraging revenue-generating events while encouraging larger economic growth and job creation.
As an enduro enthusiast, I urge your office to work with the local event organizers to find a sensible resolution; one that will allow this sport to remain in your state, contribute to your local economies and remain a relevant and important participant in the national series. Please consider the economic impact of barring enduro events and support the effort to save enduros, which have strong cultural and historical roots in New Jersey.
Thank you for your consideration of my comments.
. Damm I need a beer to calm my self down 