cwen Posted February 23, 2011 Posted February 23, 2011 I live in Northern NJ where our biggest lake is 2600 sq. acres. The second biggest body of freshwater we have is a reservoir that is off limits to the public. Yiu used to be able to go fish there if you knew a guy who new a guy kind of thing. I have been there twice legally and it is an amazing fishery. But even then, it was still closed to the public.Now it is closed because of our post 9/11 society. It is silly becasue one of the most fished reservoirs in N NJ is right above the closed reservoir and if one wanted to poison the drinking water, all you had to do was start poring in the public reservoir right into the falls that go down into the private reservoir. I'll cut to the chase. How does one go about enacting legislation to openeing this place up for fishing? I figure you could make the argument for 9.9 HP engines only because it would keep out the jet skiers and pleasure boaters. I really want to spearhead this thing. It is not like its a small reservoir in SC. In NJ everything is small and everything is private or just closed in general. How should I get started? Quote
Bassnajr Posted February 23, 2011 Posted February 23, 2011 The Scituate Reservoir in Scituate, Rhode Island where I am from falls under the same type of restrictions. The owners of the reservoir (which in this case happens to be the city of Providence, R.I.) calls the shots...closed to the public. Nothing we can do. Probably the same in your situation. The thing about the Scituate reservoir is it is a PRISTINE body of water. Never been fished by ANYONE except those who sneek in. Never a boat on it motorized or otherwise except workers. And to boot, rumor has it that the Rhode Island State record largemouth (10 lb 6 oz) came from this body of water although the "recordee" says it came from another pond which adds to its mystique!! Quote
Taylor Fishin 4 life Posted February 23, 2011 Posted February 23, 2011 What I do on private lakes is go find a elder and exchange house work with boat entrance Quote
cwen Posted February 23, 2011 Author Posted February 23, 2011 This reservoir is owned by the city Quote
Bassnajr Posted February 23, 2011 Posted February 23, 2011 What I do on private lakes is go find a elder and exchange house work with boat entrance That is the smart thing to do..but a state owned reservoir is a little different situation. We also have private ponds where only the residents have water access and deals are made every day!! lol Quote
cwen Posted February 23, 2011 Author Posted February 23, 2011 This is not a private lake either where a buddy can get you a day pass. Quote
Super User Lund Explorer Posted February 23, 2011 Super User Posted February 23, 2011 I live in Northern NJ where our biggest lake is 2600 sq. acres. The second biggest body of freshwater we have is a reservoir that is off limits to the public. Yiu used to be able to go fish there if you knew a guy who new a guy kind of thing. I have been there twice legally and it is an amazing fishery. But even then, it was still closed to the public.Now it is closed because of our post 9/11 society. It is silly becasue one of the most fished reservoirs in N NJ is right above the closed reservoir and if one wanted to poison the drinking water, all you had to do was start poring in the public reservoir right into the falls that go down into the private reservoir. I'll cut to the chase. How does one go about enacting legislation to openeing this place up for fishing? I figure you could make the argument for 9.9 HP engines only because it would keep out the jet skiers and pleasure boaters. I really want to spearhead this thing. It is not like its a small reservoir in SC. In NJ everything is small and everything is private or just closed in general. How should I get started? I hope this doesn't break any of the rules for this forum, but perhaps you could start here: http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/lawsconstitution/consearch.asp The proper way to change how government works is through the voters. Either by electing officials who share your views, or by specific legislation supported by the majority of the people. Of course the idea of restricting access to these waters to anyone who owns a jetski, pleasure boat, or any other boat with a motor larger than 9.9hp is going to make it harder to reach a consensus. Probably since your new legislation to lift the current restrictions, simply keeps those restrictions on almost everyone but you. Quote
ROCbass Posted February 23, 2011 Posted February 23, 2011 Go around to all the local fishing clubs and get the members to write their congressman or other applicable governing body (city council etc.). Quote
Super User Jig Man Posted February 23, 2011 Super User Posted February 23, 2011 cwen, my suggestion is to do your research first and be sure who owns and controls this body of water. Once you find that out for positive then you can proceed. I would then start a petition and get as many interested parties as possible to sign it. If it is city then get permission to speak before the city council. Take your petition with you and as many of the intrested parties as you can get and go on to the meeting. Present your position and give them copies of the petition. Then you can listen to their reasons and go on from there. If it should happen to be the state then do the same with the petition, get an appointment with your representative or senator and take several interested parties with you. I have been in situations with both city and state and you always want to be formal and not argue. My dealings with city took 5 years of going to council meetings and reminding them of the situation, but my side finally won. My dealings with the state got heard then dropped as soon as I walked out of the capitol building. Good luck bud. BTW: Where are those lates kid pics. Quote
Taylor Fishin 4 life Posted February 23, 2011 Posted February 23, 2011 Well if it is owned by the city...get a kayak and sneak in :-X Quote
Super User Grey Wolf Posted February 23, 2011 Super User Posted February 23, 2011 Well if it is owned by the city...get a kayak and sneak in :-X What a childish statement. Quote
Super User WRB Posted February 23, 2011 Super User Posted February 23, 2011 Government owned water ways can be restricted from entry to protect the public from injury or from contaminating the drinking water. You need to convince the city government that installing public restrooms, picnic and family use areas will generate revenue. If you can't make that argument, then the only other avenue you may have is to propose a fund raiser or charity event like a fishing contest that will get public support to allow fishing. Good luck! Quote
Babelfish42 Posted February 24, 2011 Posted February 24, 2011 I could be wrong but I think you are talking about Wanaque and Monksville. Monks is always open of course. You were able to fish the Wanaque Res with a day permit that was issued by the town. Last time I was there was 15 years ago. Contact them and see if they still do that. I know the Oradell Res you are able to get seasonal passes and permits for, but of course it can be closed at any time. Quote
the lone fisherman Posted February 24, 2011 Posted February 24, 2011 if u find a way let me know cause theres a lake here called blues springs lake it was the best bass fishing around it is nothing but cypress stump lake every year 10 pound plus bass came out from the lake but years ago they close it cause someone got hurt there and sued the owner so it closed and now it sit in the wood and no one can fish the lake even game warden goes there once a day still to make sure no one is there Quote
BassThumb Posted February 24, 2011 Posted February 24, 2011 Was it ever open to public access? How long has it been off limits? Quote
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