(06/69) TRENTON - Delivering on her commitment to offer New Jersey residents and visitors first-rate recreational opportunities, Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Lisa P. Jackson today announced the opening of a new public boat ramp at Assunpink Lake in Upper Freehold Township, Monmouth County.

"This new facility greatly improves public access to Assunpink Lake and will enable more people to enjoy fishing and boating in New Jersey," Commissioner Jackson said.

Funded through the New Jersey Green Acres Program, the $458,000 facility replaces a small, gravel ramp and parking area at the end of Imlaystown-Hightstown Road, on the grounds of the Assunpink Wildlife Management Area.

The new recreational facility at the 225-acre lake is concrete and features a 50-foot-long fixed dock and paved parking area to accommodate more than 40 vehicles with boat trailers. The site is fully accessible for people with disabilities, and portable restrooms also are available.

The DEP's Division of Fish and Wildlife oversees the operation of the boat ramp and manages the 6,300-acre Assunpink Wildlife Management Area.

For more information about fishing access, public boat ramps and wildlife management areas in New Jersey, visit www.njfishandwildlife.com.