Category: State News
New developments!! Burlington County has released a new report on findings of proposed new trail systems to expand its network of accessible trails . The county envisions 50 miles of new recreational trails network through 8 towns.
The 251-page Southern Regional Trails Feasibility Report details potential routes, construction costs and expected benefits for trail development.
The trail would span Mount Laurel, Moorestown, Maple Shade, Evesham, Medford, Tabernacle, Southampton and Shamong.
The full report is available online on the County’s website at https://www.co.burlington.nj.us/DocumentCenter/View/23227/Southern-Regional-Trails-Feasibility-Report—January-23-2026.
Rails to Trails Conservancy partnered with the American Hiking Society, American Trails, the League of American Bicyclists, People for Bikes and the Safe Routes to School Partnership —representing national, state and local advocacy organizations, local elected officials, and businesses—for a federal letter supporting trails, walking and biking. The letter calls on Congress to include a fortified Transportation Alternatives program. It also asks Congress to maintain broad eligibility for trails, walking and bicycling across transportation programs, as well as existing provisions for safe walking and bicycling, in the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization.
The coalition is encouraging individuals, public and private organizations to share the final version of this letter with local members of Congress to increase visibility and showcase the nationwide demand for programs and policies that support walking, biking and trail infrastructure. You can find the letter and more information about how to engage Congress here.
Ocean Positive and Pinelands Alliance have teamed together to provide training for your staff and volunteers on safety protocols, emergency response, and respectful interactions with participants who have physical disabilities.
Almost 500,000 NJ residents have a Spinal Cord Injury/Disorder or Movement Challenge, yet there is currently no systematic training available for outdoor recreational and community locations on how to provide services appropriate to the needs of these residents.
The free “Safe & Positive For All” training sessions taught by the team from Ocean Positive are designed for land management leaders, guides, support staff and coordinators for agencies and other providers of outdoor recreation opportunities that may include those with special physical needs or movement challenges.
Elements of the sessions and larger support services may include:
• Training in building disability planning into your safety and emergency procedures
• Support in assessing a trail or scenic location for inclusive programming
• Training in customizing program details to meet the needs of people with mobility challenges, developmental disabilities, or other disability concerns.
• Support in building connections with other providers and potential participants involved in the inclusive outdoor arena
If you have any questions regarding organizing or logistics for offering a workshop, please reach out to Nature Disability Advocate, Sean Kane Holland at sean@pinelandsalliance.org or call 609-859-8860 ext. 117.
Blue Journey Unified’s Fall Pool Sessions Are Back, Thursdays, 7-8 PM.
Wed September 24 – Thu November 20, 2025 join Blue Journey Unified at Ocean City Aquatics and Fitness Center Ocean City, NJ 08244 US
Use the link to register – https://www.ticketsignup.io/TicketEvent/BlueJourneyUnifiedPoolFall2025?rsus=200-500-98adaaa8-a1c7-41eb-b77e-e999c81ae3e3
The South Jersey Transportation Planning Organization (SJTPO) has announced the launch and development of a Regional Active Transportation Plan (ATP) for Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, and Salem Counties. The plan aims to enhance mobility, accessibility, and safety for all residents and visitors by connecting key regional destinations, promoting economic growth, and integrating with larger trails networks in the future. The plan focuses on undeserved communities and incorporates analyses of demographic, safety, and traffic stress factors to develop a comprehensive, interconnected network of active transportation infrastructure. Prioritized improvements and implementation steps are scheduled to begin in 2026. As part of this effort, the SJTPO invites the public to share input on current transportation experiences, travel patterns, challenges, and desired transportation improvements. Your voice is vital in guiding strategies and improvements for a better transportation network for everyone. The survey will be open until November 31, 2025.
• English – https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SJTPOATP
• Spanish – https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SJTPOATPesp
The Passaic County Highlands Rail Trail is a proposed contiguous recreational trail that will provide a pedestrian and bicycle-friendly pathway through the adaptive reuse of the former New York & Greenwood Lake Railway right-of-way in the Highlands communities of northern Passaic County.
The project will offer pedestrians and cyclists an alternative route to access local businesses and recreational areas along the constrained Ringwood Avenue/ Greenwood Lake Turnpike corridor. Additionally, it will make use of interpretative elements to help bring local history alive for residents and visitors alike. The availability of alternative forms of transportation and the preservation of area history are goals of paramount importance to Passaic County.
The final Highlands Rail Trail Feasibility Study outlines the vision for this passive recreational trail that will guide future trail development. The final report was developed during the Spring and Summer of 2017 through a series of public meetings and refinement of trail concepts with planning and engineering staff.
On Oct. 1, Passaic County and NJDOT officials opened the Highlands Rail Trail, a paved 2-mile multi-use path, converted from a stretch of disused New York & Greenwood Lake Railway tracks.