Deployment of the 65-foot crew boat, NY Harbor Charlie, has been rescheduled for Tuesday, August 9, on the Axel Carlson Reef. The site is located 4.4 nautical miles southeast of Manasquan Inlet. This vessel is being sunk as part of the DFW's Artificial Reef Program and should continue to serve recreational anglers and divers for at least 70 years as an enhancement to the existing reef system.

Coordinates for the target deployment location are:
40 03.800' 73 59.400'

...

The vessel is being sunk on a portion of the reef set aside for recreational fishing only. It will provide a new home for 150 species of fish and marine life, fishing grounds for anglers and an underwater attraction for scuba divers.

Anglers should stay a safe distance away while the vessel is being anchored in place and scuttled.

This deployment is subject to weather and sea conditions. For further information regarding the deployment of the vessel contact Peter Clarke at 609-748-2020.

More information on DFW's Artificial Reef Program can be found here: www.njfishandwildlife.com/artreef.htm

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Wild OUTDOOR Expo!
Save the date! - September 10 & 11, 2016

Mark your calendars! The NJDEP's 7th annual NJ WILD Outdoor Expo is Saturday and Sunday, September 10-11, at the Colliers Mills Wildlife Management Area in Jackson Township, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. - Rain or Shine.

...

Admission and parking are FREE.

Discover new ways to enjoy New Jersey's great outdoors at this fun-filled family event. Participants can try outdoor activities available within the state's forests, parks and wildlife management areas such as fishing, kayaking, shooting sports, hiking, rock climbing, camping skills, compass navigation and wildlife watching. Enjoy programs on fish and wildlife conservation, reptiles and raptors, sporting and tracking dogs, historical re-enactments, SCUBA dives, nature photography and much more.

‪#‎NJWildOUTDOORExpo‬

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A new home for 150 species of fish and marine life, fishing ground for anglers and an underwater attraction for scuba divers. This is the nature of an artificial reef over time.

The 65-foot crew boat, NY Harbor Charlie, is slated for deployment on Monday, August 8 on the Axel Carlson Reef. The site is located 4.4 nautical miles southeast of Manasquan Inlet. This vessel is being sunk as part of the DFW's Artificial Reef Program and should continue to serve recreational anglers... and divers for at least 70 years as an enhancement to the existing reef system.

The vessel is being sunk on a portion of the reef set aside for recreational fishing only.

Coordinates for the target deployment location are:
40 03.800' 73 59.400'

Anglers should stay a safe distance away while the vessel is being anchored in place and scuttled.

This deployment is subject to weather and sea conditions. For further information regarding the deployment of the vessel contact Peter Clarke at 609-748-2020.

More information on DFW's Artificial Reef Program can be found here: www.njfishandwildlife.com/artreef.htm

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More Endangered than Dangerous

Although you may never come across one, the timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) is the only rattlesnake species living in our state. Well-camouflaged and quiet, they prefer to stay hidden within their territories’ forests along the rugged mountainous terrain of the Appalachian region of New Jersey and our Pine Barrens of the Coastal Plain. The tail's rattle on these snakes usually goes unnoticed unless the snake feels threatened.

Although th...ese snakes are venomous, humans pose a much greater threat to their survival than they do to ours. Timber rattlesnakes are among the most endangered species in our state having long suffered deliberate killings, human collection, vehicle strikes on roadways along with habitat loss and fragmentation.

Research efforts are underway to help protect this endangered species. Within the Pinelands in particular, these efforts rely on sightings from the public to help focus conservation strategies. If you encounter a timber rattlesnake, DO NOT attempt to handle it! Make note of the location, the snake's description and if it can be done from a safe distance, take a photograph of the snake. Submit your observation through the Endangered and Nonage Species Program’s Sighting Report Form: www.njfishandwildlife.com/ensp/pdf/rptform.pdf

If you believe the snake is in an unsafe area (for the snake or people nearby), please notify the Division of Fish and Wildlife immediately by calling 1-877-WARN DEP.

‪#‎CHANJiscoming‬

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This weekend, the Pequest Trout Hatchery in Warren County will be hosting two guided hikes along our wilderness trail system. Join Wildlife Conservation Corps volunteer and member of the NJ Woodland Stewards Program, John Hooven, on a trek through fields, woodlands and more. Search for signs of wildlife living nearby and learn about the habitats you are hiking through and learn about the forests on the property.

For program information please visit www.njfishandwildlife.com/budding.htm.
Register now at (908) 637-4125 ext. 0

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Clinton Wildlife Management Area shotgun range closure:

Work was delayed due to bad weather last week and the range is expected to reopen Sunday, August 7. The closest alternate shotgun range is at the Black River WMA. We apologize for any inconvenience while improvements are being made.

For range information visit: www.njfishandwildlife.com/ranges.htm

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From 1991-2016, nearly 4 million mosquitofish were stocked from the DFW's Hackettstown Hatchery, in addition to the nearly 1 million gambusia and fathead/killifish mix of mosquito larvae-eating fish.

Mosquitos are breeding outside right now.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites. Follow the three D's: Drain, Dress and Defend.

...

– Drain all standing water around your house. Hundreds of mosquitos can breed in even the smallest container. Some mosquitos can mature from egg to adult in 5 days, so drain once a week or after every rain!

• Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers.

• Clear roof gutters of debris.

• Clean pet water dishes regularly.

• Check and empty children’s toys.

• Repair leaky outdoor faucets.

• Change bird bath water at least once a week.

• Turn over canoes and other boats.

• Avoid water collecting on pool covers.

• Empty water collected in tarps around the yard or on woodpiles.

• Dispose of tires; they can breed thousands of mosquitoes.

– Dress properly. Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Some mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors and will bite through tight-fitting clothes. When practical, wear long sleeves and pants.

– Defend using a known and approved mosquito repellent. Mosquitos can feed on any area of exposed skin. Some approved and recommended repellent ingredients include:

• DEET (examples: Off!, Cutter, Sawyer and Ultrathon)

• Picaridin (examples: Cutter Advanced and Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus)

• Oil of lemon eucalyptus—but not the essential oil of the same name—is a natural repellent (examples: Repel and Off! Botanicals)

• IR3535 (examples: Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus Expedition and SkinSmart)

When using repellents, read the directions on the label carefully before applying. More information can be found here: www.cdc.gov/chikungunya/…/fs_mosquito_bite_prevention_us.pdf

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Sunday, July 31, 11:00 a.m.
Woodland Animal Tracks - Ages 5-7

At Pequest this Sunday: Amy Mayer will read one of her favorite animal tracks books and help you identify deer, bear, raccoon, and rabbit tracks. Participants will be able to put together a short Animal Tracks book and/or make a special treat.

...

Amy is a certified teacher in NJ, a published author of children's books, and an outdoor enthusiast. She lives in a rural corner of NJ with her husband, spirited 3yr. old son, and a 4yr old Lab/German Short-Haired Pointer mix, named Colt. She lost her pup, Trigger, the inspiration to her children's books, in May of 2015.

Open to kids ages 5-7. Register Now - (908) 637-4125 ext. 0

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The core message of the "Hooked On Fishing - Not On Drugs" program is that you don't need to use tobacco, alcohol or drugs to have fun. It's the type of program that not only will help reduce drug and alcohol use by youth, but will also bring families closer together by giving them an inexpensive outdoor activity they can all participate in.

For more information call 908-637-4125 ext. 122
or e-mail Liz.Jackson@dep.nj.gov.

Posted by Liz Patchouli Jackson
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Liz Patchouli Jackson to NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife
July 26 at 7:45am

Hooked on Fishing- Not on Drugs partners with Jersey Devil Sportfishing.

Saturday, July 30 - 1:00 p.m.
One Earth - So Green and Round

Singer-Songwriters Lydia Adams Davis and Kathy Byers collaborated on an excellent, beautifully honed and much welcomed album of original songs about nature, recycling, animal habitats, global warming, conservation and environmental awareness. Kathy will be performing highlights from the album on her acoustic guitar.

...

We will be treated to tales of the decidedly un-limbed "I Am Snake," the busy "Be a Bumble Bee," and the complexity of ecosystems in "Think About the Ocean." Other favorites include "We Study Frogs" and the pressing question of "Why Do Turtles Cross the Road," answered in the song of the same name.

Weather permitting, the program will be held outdoors, but if the weather doesn't cooperate, the program will be held indoors. Please bring a picnic blanket, lunch and or snacks to enjoy while listening to the songs.

Register Now - (908) 637-4125 ext. 0

Albums will be available for sale. For album information, please visit www.parents-choice.org/product.cfm?product_id=31108.

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New Hunting Digest!

The 2016-17 Hunting Digest is now available in PDF format on our website. Keep an eye out for the print version, available at DFW offices and license agents on or about August 10.

Check it out: www.njfishandwildlife.com/dighnt16.htm

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Wild OUTDOOR Expo!
Save the date! - September 10 & 11, 2016

Mark your calendars! The NJDEP's 7th annual NJ WILD Outdoor Expo is Saturday and Sunday, September 10 -11, at the Colliers Mills Wildlife Management Area in Jackson Township, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. - Rain or Shine.

...

Admission and parking are FREE.

Discover new ways to enjoy New Jersey's great outdoors at this fun-filled family event. Participants can try outdoor activities available within the state's forests, parks and wildlife management areas such as fishing, kayaking, shooting sports, hiking, rock climbing, camping skills, compass navigation and wildlife watching. Enjoy programs on fish and wildlife conservation, reptiles and raptors, sporting and tracking dogs, historical re-enactments, SCUBA dives, nature photography and much more.

‪#‎NJWildOUTDOORExpo‬

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Piping Plovers at Island Beach State Park represent additional habitat occupancy, an important step towards recovery in NJ.

Get updated on the nesting pair on Conserve Wildlife Foundation of NJ's blog.

Beachnester Buzz: Piping Plovers Return to Island Beach State Park
NEW, WEEKLY UPDATES FROM NEW JERSEY’S BEACH NESTING BIRD PROJECT TEAM by Todd Pover, Beach Nesting Bird Project Manager So far our weekly beach nesting bird updates have focused on statewide trends…
conservewildlifenj.org

World of Amphibians

Saturday, July 23 - 2:00 p.m.

Join us as at the Pequest Trout Hatchery and Education Center as we learn about the world of amphibians. In this FREE program for ages 10 and up, we will discover where amphibians came from, how they grow, and their importance in the ecosystem. Amphibians were some of the first animals in history to move onto land, but they still rely on water for major parts of their life cycle. They are key species in their environments not ...only because they eat bugs and are eaten by top predators, but they also tell us how healthy their environment is.

Afterward, we'll go meet some amphibians in person at Pequest's own muck pond! Please bring nets if you have them and boots that can get wet.

Presented by Allegra Mitchell, Wildlife Conservation Corps volunteer. Allegra Mitchell completed a Bachelor's degree in Conservation Biology and a Master's degree in Biology at Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Register Now: 908-637-4125 ext. 0
Ages 10 and up. Bring water boots and nets if you have them!

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The pair of piping plovers nesting on the beach at Island Beach State Park successfully incubated their nest with four chicks hatching on July 2 and 3. As is frequently the case with plovers, one chick was quickly lost to an unknown cause (most likely predation). As of Thursday, another chick had not been observed for three days but hope remains that it is still alive.

IBSP staff, DFW Endangered and Nongame Species Program biologists and volunteers have worked together to mo...nitor the brood on a daily basis, in order to provide the most comprehensive data possible.

More info can be found here: www.njfishandwildlife.com/news/2016/ploverupdate7-16.htm

For more on Piping Plovers and other beach nesting birds, including annual management reports, visit:
www.njfishandwildlife.com/ensp/beachnester_info.htm

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Register now for a FREE Saturday program at 908-637-4125 ext. 0

Beginner or advanced anglers can learn more about fishing at Pequest!

Fly Fishing with Dry Flies - 10:00 a.m....
In this course, Wildlife Conservation Corps volunteers Pierre Benoist and Jim Flatley will discuss reading a trout stream, basic knots, fishing dry flies and a review of dry fly patterns. After the morning discussion, students will get to test their new knowledge on the Education Pond. This program is the fourth in a series of seven fly fishing/tying classes. Students completing all seven classes will receive a course completion certificate. Those unable to attend all sessions or not wishing to earn a certificate may pick and choose the classes to attend. Students should bring their own equipment if available. Open to anyone 10 years old and above.

Family Fishing Basics - 10:30 a.m.
Learn the basics of fishing in this hands-on session. Topics will include fish biology and identification, casting techniques, equipment, knot tying and more. Discussions will be followed by an actual trout fishing experience in our Education Pond. This program is geared for ages 8 years and above. Younger children are welcome to participate with direct adult assistance. All equipment is provided for the program. You supply the nightcrawlers. We recommend that at least one adult per family has a fishing license, so come a few minutes early and buy yours at the front desk when you sign in.

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DFW fisheries seasonal technician Scott Catton holds a 21-inch smallmouth bass from an electrofishing survey of the Paulins Kill River in Warren County last week.

The Paulins Kill is one of New Jersey's largest rivers and holds a high number of smallmouth bass. This fish was captured during an electrofishing survey done as part of the Paulins Kill Restoration Assessment work done by DFW's Freshwater Fisheries Staff. A total of 15 smallmouth bass were collected in their 150 meter sample length of the stream.

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SEP10
Wild Outdoor Expo
Sep 10 - Sep 11New Egypt, NJ, United States
409 people interested · 95 people going

DFW Zoologist, Bill Pitts releases an adult female kestrel at her nest site near the Assunpink Wildlife Management Area.

DFW's Endangered and Nongame Species Program staff captured the bird from her nest and quickly collected important measurements on the kestrel for the annual nest box program survey before this release.

The American kestrel is the smallest and most widely distributed falcon in North America. However, this historically common little falcon has become a rare... sight in many regions of North America where populations have been declining for several decades, particularly in the northeastern and Mid-Atlantic states. While it is difficult to completely understand why these long-term, wide-spread population declines are occurring, there are several factors at play including: habitat fragmentation, lack of suitable nesting cavities, competition with European starlings for nesting cavities, environmental contaminants, disease, and depredation by other birds of prey.

Find out more on our website: www.njfishandwildlife.com/ensp/raptor_info.htm#kestrel

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