NJ Closing 5 Wildlife Area Spots To Curb Illegal Swimming, ATVs

NEW JERSEY - The state is slated to close six areas in New Jersey wildlife management areas that have “attracted large crowds and unauthorized activities” like illegal swimming and off-roading, officials said.

The ban will be temporary, according to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Fish & Wildlife. The sites will close on May 25 and reopen on Sept. 6.

“NJDEP Fish and Wildlife regrets having to close these areas and understands the frustration of law-abiding users of the Wildlife Management Area system,” the agency said. “Illegal activities at these locations have created unsafe situations for the public, and public safety is the utmost importance to Fish and Wildlife Conservation Police Officers and staff.”

The closure affects the following sites:

• Calendar Lake WMA (Monroe Township, Gloucester)
• Greenwood Forest WMA (Ocean County, two locations)
• Menantico Ponds WMA (Millville, Cumberland)
• Wildcat Ridge (Rockaway Township, Morris)
• Winslow WMA (Winslow, Camden)

Signs will be posted in the closed-off areas and New Jersey Conservation Police Officers will be enforcing the restrictions.

Violators can incur fines between $50 and $1,500 for a first offense, according to the state statute cited by NJ.com, with additional violations costing thousands of dollars and possible ATV impoundment and liability for forest damage.