Pine Mud

synopsis

In the vast Pinelands National Reserve of southern New Jersey, powerful vehicles trample protected sand dunes and drive circles through ancient ponds. Like in many wild places, “off-roading” has grown more popular here. Some of the off-roading activity is perfectly legal - provided it stays on established trails - but ignoring the rules is widespread. As a gritty local conservationist works to protect habitat for threatened species, tensions flare with off-roading enthusiasts who fear their access to the forest will be restricted. Pine Mud is the first feature documentary to explore the controversial and intensifying problem of off-road vehicle damage on public lands.