05-17-2005, 07:51 PM
New jersey- DEP Increases Public Access to Fishing Waters Through Acquisition of Belvidere Property
Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell today announced the acquisition of a 4.6-acre property in Belvidere, Warren County that provides fishing access for New Jersey residents and visitors. The property, which is located in the Highlands Planning Area, was purchased through the DEP Green Acres Program at a cost of $174,900. The purchase reflects the State's commitment to expand access to fishing waters by purchasing property and easements.
"This is a victory for anyone who has spent time fishing along the banks of the Delaware or Pequest Rivers," said Acting Governor Richard J. Codey. "By acquiring this property, the State of New Jersey is providing anglers with an additional fishing location and protecting the water quality for those who enjoy fish caught elsewhere along these rivers."
This acquisition provides approximately 750 feet of fishing access on each side of the Pequest River and approximately 300 feet along the Delaware River. It is adjacent to DEP's Belvidere Fishing Access area and boat ramp.
"This acquisition will greatly enhance access in an area where public fishing sites are rare," said Commissioner Campbell. "In addition, preserving this site will protect vulnerable stream and river corridors."
The confluence of the Pequest and Delaware Rivers is a productive fishing spot. DEP stocks the Pequest River with trout, which also enter the Delaware River in the spring, fall and winter as the water is cold. Striped bass, American shad, Walleye, smallmouth bass, channel catfish and muskellunge also inhabit the Delaware and lower Pequest River.
On April 13, 2002- Earth Day -Commissioner Campbell committed to use Green Acres funds to purchase permanent easements for access rights along productive fishing streams.
Since 2002, DEP has provided anglers with 45 new fishing access areas including six sites along the Paulinskill and Pequest Rivers in Warren County. These properties, which comprise over 4,000 acres of permanently protected open space, were purchased through the DEP Green Acres Program. These newly acquired areas allow anglers to wade and walk along the streambed and banks in fishing areas throughout the state.
New Jersey's popularity as a fishing destination provides nearly 11 million recreation days for both residents of the state and non-residents. Fishing contributes over $1.4 billion to the state's economy and provides more than 12,000 jobs.
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Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell today announced the acquisition of a 4.6-acre property in Belvidere, Warren County that provides fishing access for New Jersey residents and visitors. The property, which is located in the Highlands Planning Area, was purchased through the DEP Green Acres Program at a cost of $174,900. The purchase reflects the State's commitment to expand access to fishing waters by purchasing property and easements.
"This is a victory for anyone who has spent time fishing along the banks of the Delaware or Pequest Rivers," said Acting Governor Richard J. Codey. "By acquiring this property, the State of New Jersey is providing anglers with an additional fishing location and protecting the water quality for those who enjoy fish caught elsewhere along these rivers."
This acquisition provides approximately 750 feet of fishing access on each side of the Pequest River and approximately 300 feet along the Delaware River. It is adjacent to DEP's Belvidere Fishing Access area and boat ramp.
"This acquisition will greatly enhance access in an area where public fishing sites are rare," said Commissioner Campbell. "In addition, preserving this site will protect vulnerable stream and river corridors."
The confluence of the Pequest and Delaware Rivers is a productive fishing spot. DEP stocks the Pequest River with trout, which also enter the Delaware River in the spring, fall and winter as the water is cold. Striped bass, American shad, Walleye, smallmouth bass, channel catfish and muskellunge also inhabit the Delaware and lower Pequest River.
On April 13, 2002- Earth Day -Commissioner Campbell committed to use Green Acres funds to purchase permanent easements for access rights along productive fishing streams.
Since 2002, DEP has provided anglers with 45 new fishing access areas including six sites along the Paulinskill and Pequest Rivers in Warren County. These properties, which comprise over 4,000 acres of permanently protected open space, were purchased through the DEP Green Acres Program. These newly acquired areas allow anglers to wade and walk along the streambed and banks in fishing areas throughout the state.
New Jersey's popularity as a fishing destination provides nearly 11 million recreation days for both residents of the state and non-residents. Fishing contributes over $1.4 billion to the state's economy and provides more than 12,000 jobs.
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