| DEP Increases
Public Access to Fishing Waters
Through Acquisition of Belvidere Property
(05/61) TRENTON -- 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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