Jack Ciattarelli Pledges to Expand Access to Wharton State Forest

Candidate for Governor makes it a ‘Day One’ priority to open the roads

HAMMONTON - Small business owner and candidate for Governor, Jack Ciattarelli vowed to tear down the newly erected road blocks in Wharton State Forest as one of his “Day One” priorities if elected.

Ciattarelli has taken time to meet with various South Jersey recreation groups, as well as local officials, to chart a future of expanded access and freedom in the forest.

“For more than a century, the people of New Jersey’s Pinelands have safely and responsibly enjoyed a free Wharton State Forest. Thousands of hunters, fishers, bike riders, horseback riders, off-roaders, hikers, and more, have experienced the beauty of the forest together; building wonderful memories with their families and friends. But just last year, Governor Phil Murphy and Trenton Democrats started shutting down the roads in the forest, blocking access to local taxpayers and residents,” Ciattarelli said. 

“That ends when I’m Governor. First, we’re going to reopen the roads on Day One. Then, we’re going to meet with stakeholders to develop a plan to expand access in Wharton State Forest while protecting its sensitive ecological areas - two things that can be done at once,” he continued. 

One of the local officials Ciattarelli has met with to forward that plan is Assemblyman Michael Torrissi Jr., a representative in the 8th Legislative District, which Wharton State Forest falls in.

“There’s no better advocate for freedom and the sanctity of our state lands than Jack Ciattarelli. Together, along with the nonprofit and recreation groups that call the forest home, we will set up a task force that will come up with a plan to bring access back to Wharton State Forest, protect its most sensitive areas, and celebrate those who visit the forest to experience both its peaceful qualities and its sense of adventure,” Torrissi Jr. said.  

Torrissi Jr. has been a strong local advocate for access in the forest, along with 8th District Senator Latham Tiver, and his running mate, former Assemblyman Brandon Umba. The three successfully fought a New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection plan that would’ve charged people a fee per vehicle to enter the forest, and have been extremely vocal against the State shutting down roads in the forest.

“People throughout South Jersey have spoken loud and clear, they want their freedom back in Wharton State Forest. They want their roads reopened, and they no longer want to be surveilled by rogue agents in the DEP. I will work hand-in-hand with Jack Ciattarelli to make sure that happens,” said Umba, who is running for State Assembly in this year’s election.