A public forum to discuss freshwater fisheries research, management and recreational angling in New Jersey, is scheduled for Saturday, February 21, at Batsto Village in Wharton State Forest in Burlington County. The forum will begin at 10:00 a.m.

The NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife holds forums to improve communication with the angling public and to solicit public input in shaping freshwater fisheries programs in the future. The forums are a perfect opportunity for all freshwater anglers to learn about existing programs and to share their views and recommendations.

Topics cover all aspects of freshwater management, including both warmwater and coldwater fisheries. This year two talks will be presented highlighting recent field sampling efforts including Lake Hopatcong Fisheries Inventory, Stream Temperature Monitoring, and Coolwater Species assessment (Muskellunge, Northern Pike, and Walleye) as well as a summary of ongoing management efforts.

The Hackettstown State Fish Hatchery also had one of their best years of fish production and a summary of warmwater/coolwater species stocked in 2014 will be provided to attendees.

As always, there will be ample time for open discussion with professional staff to answer any questions or address concerns of anglers during the extended question and answer period.

Pre-registration is not required but is appreciated, and will help ensure that all attendees can be accommodated. Individuals can pre-register by calling 908-236-2118 or by sending an e-mail to njfwfish@earthlink.net. Be sure to include name, address, phone number and the number of people attending.

Come and be an integral part in the development of future programs and regulations related to New Jersey's freshwater fisheries resources.

DIRECTIONS

Historic Batsto Village is located on Route 542 in Wharton State Forest, Washington Township, Burlington County. It is about 45 miles southeast of Philadelphia and approximately 25 miles northwest of Atlantic City. The nearest town is Hammonton, NJ 08037, which is about 8 miles to the west.

Directions via MapQuest.

Parkway Directions from South Jersey
Take the Garden State Parkway North to Exit #50 (New Gretna), exit to Route 9 North to a Citgo Gas Station. Turn left onto Route 542, continue for 12 miles; Batsto Village is on the right.

Parkway Directions from North Jersey
Take the Garden State Parkway South to Exit #52 (New Gretna). Turn right at stop sign onto E. Greenbush Road. Make left at next stop sign. Go over two small wooden bridges. Pilgrim Lake Campground will be on the right. Make left onto Leektown Road. Continue 2 miles to a stop sign. Stay straight on Leektown Road. Continue 3 miles to stop sign. Turn right onto Route 542 West. Stay on 542 for approximately 9 miles. Batsto Village is on the right.