| DEP
Opens Parking Area at Splitrock Reservoir Nov. 21
(03/169) TRENTON - Department
of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Bradley M.
Campbell announces the opening of a new parking area at
Splitrock Reservoir in Rockaway Township, Morris County.
The parking area located on Splitrock Road at the southern
end of the reservoir opens for public use on Friday, Nov.
21.
"Governor McGreevey has made a priority
of increasing public access to our streams, lakes and shores,"
Campbell said. "This new parking area will provide
generations of anglers, hikers and wildlife watchers with
countless opportunities to explore all that Splitrock Reservoir
has to offer."
The new parking area provides reservoir
access for people who want to launch a cartop boat for fishing,
kayaking or canoeing. The parking area also provides a trailhead
for hiking the 13.8-mile loop trail. Visitors should look
for signs of white-tailed deer, black bear and wild turkey
along the trail, as well as waterfowl and neotropical birds
during the spring and fall migrations. Anglers can expect
good fishing for bass, crappie and chain pickerel in the
reservoir.
The 625-acre reservoir and surrounding
1,500 acres are owned by Jersey City, but are protected
by the DEP's Division of Fish and Wildlife under a conservation
easement purchased by the DEP's Green Acres Program.
The reservoir has some regulations specific
to the site that are in place to ensure the long-term protection
of wildlife and their habitats, water quality, and public
safety.
No gasoline-powered engines are permitted
on the reservoir. You may enjoy boating on Splitrock Reservoir
in a non-motorized boat (canoe, kayak, rowboat) or boat
with electric motor.
Stay on the trail as you hike around the
reservoir. Access to areas off the trail is prohibited.
Horseback riding, mountain biking and ATV
use is not permitted on Splitrock Reservoir property. Hiking
is permitted.
Special Lunker Bass regulations are in
effect for Splitrock Reservoir. The minimum size limit for
largemouth and smallmouth bass is 15 inches and the combined
daily creel and possession limit is 3 fish.
For a complete listing of fishing regulations,
refer to the Freshwater Fishing Issue of the New Jersey
Fish and Wildlife Digest.
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