Parts Of Greenwood Forest To Close For The Summer

OCEAN COUNTY, NJ — New Jersey will close parts of Greenwood Forest WMA from May 21, 2026, through Sept. 7, 2026, as NJDEP Fish & Wildlife again moves to restrict access in places that have drawn large crowds and unauthorized activity.

It's one of five WMAs that will be closed for the summer.

According to NJDEP Fish & Wildlife, the seasonal closures are meant to protect public safety and natural resources. The agency reported that the affected areas have attracted large crowds and unauthorized activities, including swimming and off-road vehicle use, creating what it described as an unsafe environment. It also said some areas that were seasonally closed in previous years will remain open this year, with zero tolerance for illegal swimming, illegal parking, and other violations of Wildlife Management Area regulations.

The closures are pursuant to N.J.S.A. 23:7-9 and N.J.A.C. 7:25-2.26, according to the agency. NJDEP Fish & Wildlife said signs will be posted in the closed areas and New Jersey Conservation Police Officers will be enforcing the closures.

The areas listed for closure are Cedar Lake WMA, Sand Plant Area; Greenwood Forest WMA, Parkers Pit Area and Clay Holes Area; Menantico Ponds WMA, Area 1, Area 2, and Area 3; Wildcat Ridge WMA, the area in Splitrock Reservoir known as "The Cliffs"; and Winslow WMA, Winslow East, also called the Hot Mix Area.

NJDEP Fish & Wildlife noted that the closed areas for Menantico Ponds WMA have changed from previous years and directed visitors to the newest closure maps. Closure area maps are available through the Wildlife Management Area Explorer App, according to the announcement.

In the notice, NJDEP Fish & Wildlife said it "regrets having to close these areas and understands the frustration of law-abiding users of the Wildlife Management Area system and has worked hard to address these concerns and adapted this year's seasonal closures accordingly."

The agency also warned that "If illegal activities and unsafe situations occur at any Wildlife Management Area, NJDEP Fish & Wildlife Conservation Police reserve the right to close all or part of any WMA to ensure public safety and resource protection."

The closures remain in effect through Sept. 7, 2026. These areas will reopen on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026, according to NJDEP Fish & Wildlife.