The state Department of Environmental Protection, in partnership with the Trails Task Force of the New Jersey Geospatial Forum, has released the first phase of a statewide inventory of public trails. This pioneering dataset, which uses information provided by government agencies and nonprofits, will advance capabilities to improve, expand and better connect the state’s extensive network of trails, improving access for all.

“As the most densely populated state, we know the restorative value of connecting with nature by hiking or bicycling a…