N.J. Admin. Code § 7:5D-6.1 - Trails management

(a) Except as provided under (g) below and under 7:5D-7.1(g), all uses of a trail right-of-way that are inconsistent with the uses specified by the Department upon designation of the trail to the System are prohibited without prior approval by the Department.

(b) Upon designation of a trail to the System, the administering agency, in coordination with the Department and with the advice of the Council, shall prepare a management plan for the trail right-of-way.

(c) Management objectives to be addressed through preparation of a trail management plan include:

1. Management of scenic trails primarily to protect and enhance their natural and scenic qualities;

2. Protection of the natural vegetation of trail rights-of-way. Clearing of vegetation shall be permitted for public safety, trail construction, creation of occasional vistas, construction or maintenance of trail use facilities or other natural resource management that does not adversely affect the trail right-of-way or its designated uses and/or management objectives;

3. Development of multiple compatible trail uses which allow convenient exits and entrances. Special consideration shall be given to identifying trail segments and access points appropriate for the needs of disabled trail users and conducting planning to meet any applicable guidelines and/or requirements under the ADA;

4. Full consideration of and coordination with adjacent landowners and their operations in order to minimize potential adverse effects on these owners from trail use;

5. Identification of pre-existing trail uses that are inconsistent with the nature of the trail and its designated uses and/or management objectives, and evaluation of techniques to mitigate their impact;

6. Description of erosion control measures, if necessary, taking into account the designated uses of the trail and preservation of the natural environment; and

7. Identification of parking or other ancillary facilities necessary to support the classification and uses of the trail.

(d) The administering agency shall be responsible for the initial development and continued maintenance of a designated trail. The management techniques employed by the administering agency shall be compatible with the trail classification and the purposes for which the trail was designated. The administering agency may allow uses of the trail other than the designated uses only with the prior approval of the Department.

(e) In developing a trails management plan, the administering agency shall solicit the advice of the local unit(s) with jurisdiction over the area(s) through which the trail passes.

(f) The administering agency is encouraged to solicit advice on trail design and management, and assistance for routine trail maintenance, from volunteers and user groups.

(g) The administering agency shall cooperate to the fullest extent possible with the owner of the trail right-of-way in complying with the requirements of the ADA, as applicable.

(h) Emergency vehicles and authorized maintenance vehicles shall be permitted access to designated trails for emergency and management purposes.

(i) The Department shall provide administering agencies with standardized trail head signs for posting.

1. The administering agency shall place and maintain signs at trail entrances, exits, and other strategic points to indicate that a trail is a component of the System.

(j) The Department will inspect each designated trail at least every two years, with the cooperation and assistance of the administering agency. If the Department determines that the trail is not meeting one or more of its designated uses and/or management objectives, it may authorize the administering agency to undertake mitigation measures, including temporary prohibition of one or more trail uses. If the Department determines that mitigation measures are not available to bring the trail into conformance with its designated uses and/or management objectives, it may recommend repeal of the trail designation in accordance with the procedure at 7:5D-5.4.

Notes

N.J. Admin. Code § 7:5D-6.1