Greenwood Public Launch On It's Way to Becoming Reality!UPDATE

[muskynut]

Hey Everyone:


Hope all of you and your families are ok/healthy with the increase in the delta variant.

We are, at present up to 1860 SIGNATURES on our online petition for Public Boat Launches on Greenwood Lake. During June, very minimal launching was available to those with legal fishing licenses. NJ fisherman seeking access had to travel to the NY portion of the lake for the privilege of forking over $40-50 to launch their boats. Many EMPTY parking lots were passed during weekdays as well as having said lots blocked by large earth moving machines blocking access with signs: NO DAY LAUNCHING.

The Lakes Bill A5778/S3618 will allocate 10 million in federal funds made available in the form of grants to "IMPROVE WATER QUALITY AND PROVIDE ENHANCED ACCESS TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC". We had NJ Federated Sportsmen county reps contact the primary sponsors of this bill and included our petition, which, at that time had 1500 signatures. A reporter for the Star Ledger also presented an excellent article ON THE FRONT COVER of the newspaper detailing the issue at hand "The One That Got Away NJ Fishermen Angry Over Loss of Access to Favorite Lake". We received a copy of a letter from Dick Strobel, Sussex county rep. signed by the primary sponsors of the Lakes Bill: Assemblymen F. Parker Space and Harold J. Wirths, and State Senator Steven V. Oroho stating: " We have recently been contacted by several local residents and recreational fishing organizations concerned about the lack of public launch areas along the NJ side of Greenwood Lake"....." We strongly agree that there should be public access to all of our public lakes and hope that the Department will use this new development as an opportunity to explore all available options to create a boat launch on Greenwood Lake ". (letter addressed to Shawn LaTourette NJ DEP Commisssioner.)

Two weeks later, Lisa Barno, Assistant Director of NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife, presented the Fish and Game Council with a slide program outlining possible solutions to making a public boat launch ramp a reality. Her presentation and advocacy on behalf of fishermen was well received. After discussion, Frank Virgillio, Chairman of the Council entertained a motion made by Rob Pollack to support the building of a Public Boat Launch Ramp at Brown's Point on Greenwood Lake. This was voted on and passed unanimously.

After another two weeks, at the July meeting of the Greenwood Lake Commission, Lisa Barno, West Milford residents, and anglers attended this meeting. Eric Paine, Parks Supervisor, on that very day of the meeting, disclosed that the Township of West Milford gave up their lease on Brown's Point....allowing the land to revert back to the State. Assistant Director Barno has assessed the practical location for the launch to be this area although attendees at the meeting also made it known that the NY side should also have a public launch.

We would like to thank NJFSC, it's president Wade Stein, and F & G C Chairman Frank Virgillio who made the 2.5 hour trip to check out the suitability of Brown's Point and to meet with GLC personnel. Of course, extreme thanks to Lisa Barno for her tireless efforts and expertise. One by one, things are coming together.

This is where we are at right now....we also ask that, if you can...please attend the next Fish and Game Council meeting and if possible, physically attend the next GLC meeting and let your voices be known....we are moving in the correct direction but STILL need as much support, comment, and input if you want to see this concept of a Public Boat Launch ramp on Greenwood Lake become a reality for ALL the public to enjoy.

Be well....keep you posted.

UFANJ

[NJSquatch]

this is great news. Chief Barno is a class act. thanks Dave for all your efforts.

[pickerelpete]

Very positive GLC meeting. That commission appears very motivated to make this happen. Good to see in these times.