SOUTH JERSEY (KYW Newsradio) — In an effort to crack down on partying, ATV riding, and illegal swimming, New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection is shutting down a few sections of Wildlife Management Areas for the summer.
"A lot of the problems that we see are swimming in unguarded areas, illegal drinking and drug use," said DEP Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Dave Golden.
"We're trying to button up the areas where we know it's a problem and we have fear about public safety, so they can spend more time looking at and patrolling other areas where there could be problems," he added.
Areas in South Jersey include a section of Cedar Lake in Gloucester County known as the "Sand Plant," the Clay Holes and Parker’s Pit areas of Greenwood Forrest, Ocean County, Menantico Ponds in Millville and the "Hot Mix" portion of the Winslow WMA in Camden County.
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Golden said these areas are also popular with anglers who will need to find a new place to fish. "There are a lot of other options locally," he assured.
According to Golden, the closures run until after Labor Day, in order to cut down on the peak season when dangerous activities occur.
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