BMSquared

Officially no, but they are moving east. With the human population density here, if there were any, I doubt they'd go undetected for very long. Never say never, but right now, very unlikely. About a year ago, a few workers at the Fe Ex facility in Mahwah reported seeing a mountain lion lounging near the pond next door. Wildlife officials look and didn't find anything definitive. But by all accounts, they consistenly described a mountain lion. Hey... happy hiking folks.

They are very well known for their PIPO events. Poop In Poop Out

OK, my work black listed this forum and the one day I break the rules, this is the best message to repond to? That's pathetic. I would never take part in a childish game of number fluffing like you are advocating. Maybe Team Bam Bam would.

I, for one, am more upset at the stupidity of the State Agencies. What I mean is if the NYDEC (Department of Environmental Conservation) who is in charge of deciding how to best protect the state's environment decides that Geocaching is an activity with such minimal impact that it can approve it with no permits in ALL NYDEC parks, who is NY Parks and Recreation to overturn that decision. Aren't they the see-saw and merry go round experts?

Perhaps Avroair ran into a problem because of his speech impediment? Good Luck JMBella! Let us know how receptive and cooperative they are.

My apologies if I sound like I am bickering. I was really only trying to emphasiize how INEPT and LAZY most of the government workers are who make these decisions. I commend Jonboy for the work he does with the parks. I agree the .25 mile rule is fine. The permit idea is OK also, but I don't love it. The problem is that each individual in the department has the opportunity to decide on their own how to handle caches. Who runs the parks? Are they run by the people for the people or by the ranger for the ranger? The 20 foot rule is ludicrus. If the only parts of Harriman or the Adirondack parks worth visiting are within 20 feet of a trail, sell the rest of the land off and give me an affordable place to live. Or is there something possible 50 feet off a trail that might be worth while seeing?

You see Jonboy, there is no such thing as a malignant bureaucrat. To be truly ineffective, bureaucrats have to work as part of a larger group with the decisions being made by the ones with the least input from the public. Bureaucrats especially ineffective when they have no personal interaction with those they affect. As a demonstration, call into any town hall and ask for some information about a park in town, or a building code, or a health code, or whatever. On the phone, you willspeak to everyone in the town who does not have jurisdiction on the matter before being told that the one guy who does is out on sick leave for the next 6 months. You will never get your answer. Now, in contrast, walk into the same town hall with a smile on and ask the same question. Within 10 minutes you are back on the road with your question answered and connections you can work with. I deal with it on an almost daily basis. Nobody wants to make a decision because they never had to do it in the past. It is probably not their job to make that decision, they never had to do it in the past, so it must be someone elses decision to make. Without seeing and understanding the whole situation, it is too easy for a state employee to reject an idea such as geocaching if it changes their status quo. Government agencies are enormous slow moving beasts whose sole desire is to avoid changes to the way things were done in the past. If the system worked for their predecessors, it will work for them. Case in point. The Salem Witch Trials of 1692. Up through the end of the witch trials, it was perfectly acceptable to burn someone as a witch. The government said so. That is the way it was always done. Who was the government to change the rules? (I borrowed clips from this website ) See, the governor finally got the message that the decisions were bogus. He re-evaluated the way things were being done and (contratry to today's government agents) changed the way the system worked. Intangible evidence was no longer considered admissible as proof. Phantom spur trails (which they know they saw somewhere but can not find again), in my opinion are just as admissible as "witchmarks". Thank you State Parks for knocking back the legal system 313 years. (Yes Avroair, I know it was actually the Brittish government at that point, but I am trying to make a point)

This was almost in my back yard. I was in the process of buying a house right there. I have decided I just can't live that close to Brian.

No, there does not seem to be an active North Jersey group per se, but we have sort of taken over this forum.

DEP, PASSAIC COUNTY, WANAQUE BOROUGH PRESERVE HIGHLANDS PROPERTY (05/12) TRENTON -- Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell today announced the preservation of a 125-acre property located within the Highlands preservation area in Bloomingdale and Wanaque boroughs. "DEP's preservation of this environmentally sensitive watershed land is a step forward for the protection of water resources for future generations of New Jersey residents," said Acting Governor Richard J. Codey. The property, which is comprised of woodlands and forested wetlands, is adjacent to Norvin Green State Forest and Wanaque Reservoir. The DEP Division of Parks and Forestry will manage the newly acquired property as an addition to the 4,365-acre Norvin Green State Forest. It will be open to the public for passive recreation. "This preservation area acquisition complements DEP's regulatory work and the Highlands Council's planning efforts," said Commissioner Campbell. "The project demonstrates the importance of forming partnerships with private landowners and county, municipal and nonprofit groups to conserve Highlands water resources." The preservation of this property will protect water resources and endangered species habitat. The property is located within 1,000 feet of the Wanaque Reservoir. It protects portions of the watersheds of three tributaries of the reservoir, including the trout-producing West Brook. This Highlands parcel provides habitat to a variety of threatened and endangered species. Endangered species found at the site include the red shouldered hawk, northern goshawk, and timber rattlesnake. Threatened species found at the site include the barred owl, cooper's hawk and wood turtle. "We are continuing our efforts to acquire open space in Passaic County and we are delighted with this latest preservation effort," said Lois Cuccinello, Passaic County Freeholder and liaison to the Passaic County Open Space Committee. DEP purchased the property from a private owner in partnership with the Passaic County Open Space Trust Fund and Wanaque Borough. The DEP Green Acres Program contributed $1,061,000 in state acquisition funds. Passaic County and Wanaque Borough jointly contributed $200,000 in Passaic County Open Space funds. "This is an outstanding acquisition," said Wanaque Mayor Warren Hagstrom. "I want to thank the DEP Green Acres Program and Passaic County. This fits in perfectly with Norvin Green State Forest and the Wanaque Reservoir." The DEP Green Acres Program purchases land to protect environmentally sensitive open space, water resources and other significant natural and historical open space. Land acquired becomes part of the statewide system of parks and forest, wildlife management areas and natural areas. In 2004, the Green Acres Program acquired 23,237 acres of open space. To date, Green Acres has protected 686,745 acres of open space and provided funding to develop hundreds of parks statewide. The statewide system of preserved open space and farmland totals almost 1.3 million acres. ### Related Link: NJDEP Green Acres Program http://www.nj.gov/dep/greenacres

Don't freak out. Although it is becoming more common, the process is the same as used in designing a web page (which you are). The tips you are receiving are probably coming from individuals who have designed a page or two in their time. It is not uncommon to not get it. Keep on practicing and it will be come second nature. Not that it is actually easy for me. I am just trying to make you feel better.

You can try This One. It is in a New Jersey Turnpike rest area on the south bound side just south of the George Washington Bridge.

I just like to hear him say that. Anyway, Bam Bam is not thinking clearly. With a moderate freeze, this could be done pretty easily, thereby avoiding the boating requirement.

I hate to plug someone elses cache, but since he kept whining about getting it approved, and I had to cart his big butt around in a hurricane to getthe stages right, I would recommend Team Bam Bam's One Particular Harbor. Avroair's Africa loop was also great. I haven't done too much hiking up there in recent years, but the Kanawake and Tom Jones region is a great place. I had a lot of fun here over the years.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Erin Phalon January 19, 2005 (609) 984-1795 DELAWARE AND RARITAN CANAL PRESERVATION ADVANCES DEP Acquires Princeton Nurseries Property Princeton University Donates More Than 125 Acres (05/03) TRENTON - Highlighting the importance of saving open space in central New Jersey, Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell today announced the preservation of 187 acres in Plainsboro and South Brunswick townships in Middlesex County. The property is located within the State Princeton Nurseries Historic District and is adjacent to the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park. "The preservation of this property represents a true public-private partnership," said Acting Governor Richard J. Codey. "By coming together to protect this open space, we are preserving the quality of life New Jersey residents enjoy. The Princeton Nurseries property is especially important, given the contributions it made to our state's and our nation's nursery industry over the past nine decades." Commissioner Campbell announced the acquisition at the former headquarters of Princeton Nurseries, which began operating in 1911 and once was the largest commercial nursery business in the United States. In its 93 years of operation, Princeton Nurseries created plant varieties including the Princeton Elm and the Snow Queen Hydrangea. "Today's announcement signifies the realization of a vision shared by the DEP Green Acres Program, Princeton University, South Brunswick and Plainsboro," said Commissioner Campbell. "The protection of this parcel will provide recreation opportunities, protect the nursery's historic buildings and open fields and prevent future development at this site, which is located in a densely populated area." The property was preserved through a partnership between the DEP Green Acres Program, Princeton University and South Brunswick Township. As part of the preservation project, DEP purchased approximately 60 acres of land at a cost of $2,794,565. DEP will manage a seven-acre portion of the Princeton Nurseries property as an addition to the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park. The headquarters building, which is located on this parcel, will serve as an interpretive center to be used by visitors to the park. The remaining 53 acres are co-owned by DEP and South Brunswick and will be managed by South Brunswick as a park to be used for passive recreation. This parcel includes warehouse buildings, the historic propagation house and eight greenhouses. Using a $300,000 endowment provided by the former landowner and additional funding from Princeton University, DEP and South Brunswick will develop a preservation plan that will include the rehabilitation of these buildings for public education and recreation purposes. "After five years of negotiation, I am pleased that this beautiful preserve will remain as open space," said South Brunswick Mayor Frank Gambatese. "I am excited that this acreage will be transformed into an interpretive educational, horticultural and historic preservation center as well as a historic landscape greenway." DEP also secured State Historic Preservation Easements to protect the facades of historic homes located on the property. These homes, which once housed employees of Princeton Nurseries, were built in the early 1900s. The historic preservation easements were developed in conjunction with and will be enforced by the State Historic Preservation Office. Princeton University donated to the State of New Jersey and South Brunswick a 127-acre parcel of land adjacent to the Princeton Nurseries property. The land is part of property the University purchased 19 years ago from Princeton Nurseries. Princeton University also retained several historic residences from the same era as the headquarters building and will place Historic Preservation façade easements on these residences at no cost to the State. "Princeton University is proud to be a partner in this important preservation effort," said Princeton University President Shirley M. Tilghman. "This project reflects goals that we established for Princeton Forrestal Center when it began in the 1970s, and for the land that we acquired from Princeton Nurseries in 1986. These goals can be described as a commitment to both the economic vitality and the quality of life in Central New Jersey. With this project, Princeton University will have contributed to the preservation of 650 acres of permanent open space in the region." "All parties are to be congratulated for the cooperation and effort that resulted in this significant addition in preserved open space," said Plainsboro Mayor Peter Cantu. "It represents an important accomplishment, not only for the communities involved, but for the entire Central Jersey region." The DEP Green Acres Program purchases land to protect environmentally sensitive open space, water resources and other significant natural and historical open space. Land acquired becomes part of the statewide system of parks and forest, wildlife management areas and natural areas. In 2004, the Green Acres Program acquired 23,237 acres of open space. To date, Green Acres has protected 686,745 acres of open space and provided funding to develop hundreds of parks statewide. The statewide system of preserved open space and farmland totals almost 1.3 million acres. ### Related Link: NJDEP Green Acres Program Green Acres Program Website

Congratulations Colnel Mustard!!!. Uh, I mean Mr. Air. But lets not forget what's really important. Thank you Rose for always letting him go out and play!

Your wrong Bassoon Pilot. TRUE North Jersey begins on the northern bank of the Raritan River. South Jersey is somewhere down south, and Central Jersey is that area that the south thinks is the north and the north thinks is the south. The true dividing line is in mentality. Living in the north, I know there is only one "The City". Having lived in the metro Philly region for a few years, I suspect that the south may have their own opinion of the what "The City" is. I happen to live in Mahwah now, and have lived the vast majority of my life in Bergen County, but I may be living in Passaic County before the summer hits.

Congratulations!

Hi, I am BMSquared. My goals in life are to stay ahead of Team Bam Bam in the numbers race, if that is temprarily nto possible, then I enjoy annoying the heck out of them. My new goal is apparently to move out of Team DEMPs home radius. Brian is killing me!!! Also part of the team are my wife and 2 dogs. Their goal in life is to avoid me on weekends and week nights when the sun is still up. I don't think Avroair has an accent... it's more of a speech impediment.

I live ont he border of NY and NJ. I don't know of any areas which would be convenient for both locations. You may want to consider a seperate hotel for the Cooperstown run. Living in Jersey, I would have to recommend staying near the Meadowlands for the NYC part of your trip. It should be cheaper and the public transportation is pretty good from the Jersey side also. PS- wouldn't you really prefer to go see the Mets?

I apologize for not responding to these posts today. My corporate IT department does not like my time on the forums apparently and so have locked me out of them. Just to clarify a few points 1. I do not work for a government agency. I work for a private consulting/engineering agency who does work for both the government and large private commercial clients. As far as the government officials go, I have seen both good and bad. There are many hard working and conscientious individuals in the government. Then there are some real losers. 2. Drinking water standards and groundwater standards are not always the same thing. Yes, there are wells in the area. For that reason, there will be a great deal of attention paid to the subsurface conditions. Despite what Jonboy seems to be alluding to, there are methods for extracting and treating groundwater, as well as some methods for treating it in place. Contamination in the reservoir would be bad, but again, it could be treated. 3. Avroair went and did the research on PCBs he has published the EPA numbers. That is terrific. I would just like to see the numbers that the lab reported. I would like to compare the numbers and see if they are comparable. The NJDEP set the Impact to Groundwater Standard for PCBs at 50 parts per million in soil. That means that in order for the PCBs to have a negative impact on the groundwater below the contaminated soils, NJDEP has found that concentrations of 50 or greater are needed. PCBs by nature are extremely sticky and hard to get out of the soil, therefore a high concentration is needed before they leach out. The article fails to mention if the PCBs were detected in the water or soils. As you can see, it makes a huge difference. The levels for residential soils are 0.49 parts per million and the non-residential soils are 2 parts per million. These levels are based on various studies such as those done by the national institute of occupational safety and health, the centers for disease control, the EPA, and the department of health. The levels are set based on case studies and Arsenic levels are set at 20 parts per million in both residential and non-residential properties. No Impact to groundwater standard has been set. DEP’s position is that each situation will be evaluated on a case by case basis. Lead is similarly evaluated on a case by case basis for impact to groundwater. Residential soil standards are 400 parts per million and non residential is 600 parts per million. 4. Yes, Ford probably did plan on using the mine shafts for disposal. Since their stuff is there, it is probably equally likely that they had a hand in getting it there. Did they break the law? Who cares? The fact of the matter is that it is there. As far as a NJDEP cover-up, I would love to think that DEP was smart enough to pull that one off. Having talked with enough of them to form an opinion, I think that most likely the whole process was overlooked. Again, that is if they even broke laws. Environmental regulation is relatively new. The US environmental protection act wasn’t enacted until 1969. Did the dumping occur before or after that date? RCRA (the resource conservation and recovery act) was enacted later and covers most of the actual waste disposal regulations. If the dumping occurred prior to the laws to stop it, then they really did everything right according to the mind-set at the time. 5. I agree with Jonboy. it could have happened. It could still happen. 6.

Have faith in us environmental folks Jonboy. Even though NJDEP is starting the investigation, it won 't be long before it is handed over to professional engineers. The EPA and Ford (well, Fords consultants really) had said the area was clean. Both of those groups will be back pretty darn quick I bet. They will not be permitted to conduct a surficial cleaning. This will be a long and complicated investigation. But, they will find and cleanup the contaminants. By the way, that's what they are lead and arsenic are naturally occuring elements that frequently are found in the rocks of the area. Toxin is a little harsh for natural mineral deposits don't you think? It works great if you want publicity and repeat readers. PCBs could be called toxins but they were only found at TRACE levels. Trace levels are actually below regulatory thresholds for activity. (I.E. nothing needs to be done about them) We environmental workers have cleaned them up before, and we will do it again. Yes it is sad, but it is a reality of our industrial past. We have dumped on our land. We have destroyed areas we can't even remember. We will continue to run into our past for a long long long time. I happen to be in the process of buying a house in Ringwood. We have a well at the house. This won't stop us. I am not scared, because I have done my research and the house is not near the affected areas of town. Regarding the story: "lead readings nearly 100 times greater than levels considered safe" is this referring to soil or graoundwater samples? 100 times the limit is soil is not that big a deal if the soil isn't washing or leaching to a drinking water supply "Arsenic readings were also well above safe levels," NJDEP used the EPA limit of 20 Parts per million for the arsenic soil standard. Geologic survey's of NJ have shown natural background levels of arsenic exceeding 20 PPM in all but the shore counties. "and a trace of cancer-causing PCBs was found in the bank of a stream that feeds into the Wanaque Reservoir about a mile away." Yes, this would be cause for concern if it was anything but trace. Trace means that it was below NJDEP limits, but greater than 0. I notice the complete lack standards or data from the story. I have seen this before from reporters looking for a story. (I know because I have been questioned about cleanup project I have been working on). This is highly inflamatory reporting designed to keep us reading. I am not saying that there is no threat. I am saying that we don't need to over react just yet. I would like to see the reporter publish the actual data side by side with the NJDEP cleanup criteria and water quality standards. Show the people the whole truth and let us make an informed decision. The Ramapough indians have been trying to get attention for a long time. If they can get publicity that they live on toxic land then they are one step closer to getting their own land... lets call it a "reservation". Then, they can just open up the Stag Hill casino and everyone is happy right?

This little maltese is Boston (. He comes on a lot of the shorter hikes with me. He will actually jump some boulders but does not like to get wet. River and stream crossign require a lift. This lovely girl is Mookie (M) who does a much larger number of caches with me. She is a sheperd mix. Don't know what she is mixed with. We rescued her from somewhere. She loves the cold weather and water. Both together are also good for her. She does not like water above her knees though. And this thing is the rarely seen Mac (M Squared) who does not cache. He apparently does our dishes.

Just a quick word for the north jersey folks, I stopped in at Prozy's on Route 46 west a few months ago. They had ammo cans for about 6 bucks each. I wiped them out. They said they never see much demand, but if you tell them to get a pallet or so, they can be pretty cheap.

Congratulations!!!!