| DEP Announces Improved Fishing Access at Corson’s Inlet State Park
(05/108) TRENTON -- Department of Environmental
Protection (DEP) Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell today announced
improved fishing access at Corson’s Inlet State Park in
Cape May County with the recent installation of a new boat launching
dock.
“This addition to the park provides much-needed access
for boaters and fishermen in an area where public fishing is
already very popular,” said Commissioner Campbell. “Whether
it be acquiring additional lands for fishing, installing public
boat ramps or increasing wheelchair access to fishing sites,
we will continue to improve opportunities for saltwater and freshwater
fishermen.”
The new boat launching dock was primarily funded through a
grant from the New Jersey Department of Transportation's (NJDOT)
Office of Maritime Resources. The new dock will provide added
convenience to boaters and fisherman launching their boats from
the existing boat ramp.
“I am pleased to have had the opportunity to work with
the DEP and Commissioner Campbell to help improve and preserve
our marine transportation system,” noted NJDOT Commissioner
Jack Lettiere.
“This is a perfect enhancement to the recreational opportunities
in Cape May County,” said Assemblyman Van Drew. “We
need to ensure that the State of New Jersey invests in South
Jersey in order to enhance our recreational fishing industry
and our tourism industry. I will continue to fight to bring these
dollars to South Jersey and I want to thank Bradley Campbell
for his commitment to our region.”
The boat launch is open year round, 24 hours a day, seven days
a week. The dock is accessible for people with disabilities.
A minimal fee is charged daily at Corson's Inlet between Memorial
Day weekend and Labor Day inclusive.
The inlet is also the gateway to the Cape May Marmora Wildlife
Management Area that contains ecologically sensitive tidal salt
meadows and marshes interspersed with shallow coves and bays.
The area is important for its breeding populations of osprey,
American oystercatcher, least tern, black skimmer and peregrine
falcons. The area is also a popular fishing ground for summer
and winter flounder and is home to a productive shellfishery.
Sin ce 2002, DEP has provided anglers with 45 new fishing access
areas across the state. Fishing contributes over $1.4 billion
annually to the state's economy and provides more than 12,000
jobs.
Corson’s Inlet State Park was established in 1969 to
help protect and preserve one of the last undeveloped tracts
of land along the state’s oceanfront. It provides an excellent
opportunity for many types of boating, ranging from canoes to
large motor boats, sailboats and jet skis.
Commissioner Campbell was joined today by Assemblyman Jeff Van
Drew, Assemblyman John Gibson, Ocean City Mayor Henry Knight
and Upper Township Mayor Richard Palombo.
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