January 26, 2005

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of Fish and Wildlife will host a public forum on Saturday, February 26 to discuss freshwater fisheries research, management and recreational angling in New Jersey. The forum will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and be held at the Salem County Sportsmen’s Club on Route 40 in Carney’s Point.

Wildlife management area fishing tournament results, current research projects and potentially significant changes to the Division’s Trout Stocking Program will all be primary topics for discussion. A representative from Teen Anglers, a national non-profit organization dedicated to teaching teenagers life skills via fishing, will also be present to discuss this unique new program. Biologists from the Division’s Bureau of Freshwater Fisheries will be on hand to answer questions as well.

Through this and similar forum’s held throughout the state, the Division continues to improve communication with the angling public and gather input to help shape future freshwater fisheries programs. It is a perfect opportunity for freshwater anglers to learn about existing programs, and share their views and recommendations with the professional biologists who manage New Jersey’s freshwater fisheries resource.

Pre-registration is not required, but appreciated and will help ensure that all attendees can be accommodated. Interested individuals can pre-register by calling 856-629-4950 or by sending an email to Christopher.Smith@dep.state.nj.us. Be sure to include name, address, phone number and the number of people attending.

The Salem County Sportsmen’s Club is located on eastbound Rt. 40 (Harding Highway) in Carney’s Point. It is approximately three miles east of the Delaware Memorial Bridge.