Stafford Township opens accessible trail at Forecastle Basin after 350-tree reforestation

Stafford Township presented the finished accessible trail at Forecastle Basin, telling the Pinelands Commission’s Policy & Implementation Committee the project added a paved route that allows wheelchair access around the park and included extensive plantings and community-led stewardship.

"It was 2,600 linear feet of pathway," said Louise, Stafford Township administrator, describing the new asphalt path and a walking bridge installed to tie the route together. "We planted over 350 native trees." She said plantings followed a native‑tree list prepared with Rutgers Cooperative Extension and that fence protection was used during installation to prevent damage to young trees.

Louise credited partnerships and local funding for the project’s success. She singled out Access Nature for design and outreach support and said the mayor and township council allocated funds to complete the work. Township staff also described a green‑team cleanup program and cooperation with local churches and volunteers to sustain the park.

Commissioners asked technical questions about construction. A committee member asked, "Could you remind me what the width of the asphalt pad was and what the width of the bridge is?" Louise replied the paved corridor and bridge are 6 feet wide, designed so two wheelchair users can pass one another. Frank Little, who participated in the discussion, said the gravel edge consists of a 3‑foot‑wide strip and about 2 feet of angular stone.

To limit unauthorized ATV access, township staff said bollards were installed at trailheads to allow pedestrian and wheelchair passage but bar typical off‑road vehicle widths. The township is also using opioid‑settlement funding to support a park‑steward program that provides eyes on the property and outreach about opioid abuse and vandalism prevention.

Commissioners praised the project for its accessibility and community engagement. "This is a wonderful project," one commissioner said, noting volunteer participation and the likelihood the site will be maintained through continued local involvement.

Stafford’s presentation closed with the committee thanking township staff and Pinelands Commission staff for their work; no formal action was taken by the committee on this presentation.

The committee’s packet indicated the project followed the Commission’s 13‑step process; township representatives and commission staff said routine inspections and future stewardship events (quarterly cleanups and an Earth Day township cleanup) are planned to maintain the site.