Plumsted seeking ‘Pathfinders’

Volunteers would help identify, mark and map trails and roads for recreation purposes.

By: Scott Morgan
   PLUMSTED — Mayor Ron Dancer and the township Environmental Commission are looking into establishing a Plumsted "Pathfinders" commission.
   Mayor Dancer said the Pathfinders, which he expects to model on an existing club in neighboring Jackson Township, will consist of volunteers who will identify, mark and map trails and roads for horseback riding, cycling, running, hiking and walking.
   The township, which has many rural and wooded areas, is an ideal place to create such trails, the mayor said. Also, according to the state’s prescriptive easement rights, roads and trails that remain open to the public for a period of 20 years cannot be blocked from public use. The mayor said part of the Pathfinders’ job would be to locate such areas that can be permanently designated for public use.
   The idea for a Pathfinders commission stemmed from a suggestion made by a township resident, Mayor Dancer said. As part of his monthly public listening sessions at the Plumsted Branch of the Ocean County Library, Mayor Dancer said he found a suggestion card recommending Plumsted join Jackson Township in its quest to preserve public space.
   The mayor said he forwarded the suggestion to the Environmental Commission, which welcomed it with enthusiasm. He said he is now looking to gauge public interest in the creation of the Pathfinders.
   "I anticipate a good response," the mayor said.