May 9 2025
Hey everyone, hope all is well. It has been some time and most have probably forgotten/dismissed our fight for a Public Boat Launch Ramp on Greenwood Lake. To update: the original bills have been given new numbers along with a change in text from $1million to $2 million (S-3887, A4504). Given that our governor is essentially a lame duck governor at this point, we would have to wait for the next administration to continue to move forward. Recently, however, we received an email from NJOA, the administration and F&G Council:
This email contains both Departmental and Legislative information, with an update on Greenwood Lake. New Jersey DEP and NJ Fish and Wildlife, along with our Council, are pushing hard to build a ramp for recreational opportunities on Greenland Lake.
Greenwood Lake Boat Ramp Access
Progress:
Continued collaboration with Parks, Forests & Historic Sites and the Office of Resource Development
RFP for design and construction is in preparation
Addition of a
floating dock for easier boat launching is now included
Target Timeline:
Ramp construction potentially begins by
2026 summer, if design and permitting stay on track
Funding: Secured
Management Question:
Ongoing discussions about long-term site management
Currently under Parks, Fish & Wildlife, pushing for oversight due to its mission alignment
Concerns raised about maintenance history at other Parks-run sites
Public Access Context:
Private marinas on Greenwood Lake no longer allow day use
Public access ramp is seen as essential to serve local recreational users
Land Use Regulation Program Update
Topic: Ramp and Parking Design in the Highlands Region
The Land Use Regulation Program is developing a ramp and parking design that complies with permitting requirements for the Highlands Region.
The proposed design includes:
19 trailer parking spots
17 standard parking spots
The design has been incorporated into a
scope of work that will be sent out for bidding.
The scope of work is currently with
Treasury for finalization; once completed, it will be released for bidding.
The Fish and Game Council will be provided with the final design for review once available.
Timeline Estimate: The best-case scenario for completion is one year after start-up.
Projected Cost: Approximately $1 million for full construction.
NJ Legislation:
There are a few key legislative efforts related to Greenwood Lake in New Jersey:
Funding for Lake Maintenance: A bill (S-3618) was advanced to provide
$10 million for lake management activities, including
water quality improvements and recreational access. Greenwood Lake and Lake Hopatcong are guaranteed a
minimum grant award of $750,000.
Greenwood Lake Fund: Another bill (S-2167) proposed
$500,000 annually from vessel registration fees to support
lake preservation, maintenance, and environmental protection. This fund aims to address issues like
toxic algae blooms, which have previously led to lake closures.
Ongoing Conservation Efforts: The Greenwood Lake Commission is actively working on
weed harvesting, invasive species control, dredging studies, and stormwater management to maintain lake health.
Although its seems that things move at a snail's pace concerning NJ politics (the process) we are nevertheless moving forward. We ask that you all reach out (write/call)(only takes a couple of minutes) your representative/ entities discussed here to voice your support for our ongoing fight for access. Remember, you are all stakeholders that have purchased fishing licenses that allow you to enjoy (if you so desire) and access Greenwood Lake.....which is stocked by monies allocated from the sale of fishing license fees. Throwing up your hands and giving up ensures Greenwood Lake will become privatized with the select few enjoying its fisheries that have been created FOR YOU by Fish and Wildlife.
We will continue to keep everyone updated ....remember Greenwood today....your lake tomorrow....and YOU know it's beginning to happen elsewhere....it is just a matter of time.
Respectfully,
UFANJ
