Dear Hiker,
The National Park Service is about to open the Kittatinny Ridge in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area to mountain biking, threatening the Appalachian Trail, Buttermilk Falls Trail, Rattlesnake Swamp Trail, and others. Bicycles have been allowed on trails in Waywayanda, Ramapo Moutnain State Forest, and Allamuchy, even in natural areas, where they are prohibited by law! In the New Jersey state parks, the trail use signing program is in disarray. A year after the first signs went up, they are restricted to Ringwood, and have been ineffective.
I am asking concerned hikers to join me in stopping the damage and restoring the peace. Please read the enclosed policy statement and action plan. Then complete and return the reverse side of this letter. Your signature will help stop the damage and restore the peace. If you know of anyone else who might be interested, ask them to sign the enclosed statement of support. Finally, write to:
William G. Laitner, Superintendent
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Bushkill, PA 18324
with a copy to:
Helen Mahan Forester, Community Planner
National Park Service RTCA
US Customs House
200 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Tell him that, even though only woods roads would be opened to bicycles, many of these are used by hikers to form loops, and are used extensively by less serious walkers. The area is presently a haven of peace and serenity. If the proposed plan is implemented, the solitude will be replaced by whizzing bicycles. Many riders, bored by the woods roads, will venture onto the nearby hiking trails. There is no need for more bicycle routes in the Kittatinnies. Bicyclists can ride on extensive woods roads systems all over northern New Jersey (see enclosed diagram).
For more details and to discuss your ideas on these issues, free to call me.
Thanks!
Bob
Please write to these folks and show your support for responsible MOUNTAIN BIKING!!!!!