3 Outdoor Spaces Attracting Illegal Activity In South Jersey Will Close For The Season

SOUTH JERSEY — Three outdoor spaces in South Jersey that have attracted harmful activity will soon close for the summer, officials said.

From May 23 through Sept. 2, the public will be banned from the following state-protected lands:

• Cedar Lake Wildlife Management Area (WMA) — Sand Plant Area
• Menantico Ponds WMA — Area 1, Area 2 and Area 3
• Winslow WMA — Winslow East (Hot Mix) Area

Each area has attracted large crowds and unauthorized activities, such as swimming, off-road vehicle use and illegal parking, says the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. The NJDEP has closed each location during past summers, as well.

"NJDEP Fish & Wildlife regrets having to close these areas and understands the frustration of law-abiding users of the Wildlife Management Area system and has worked hard to address these concerns and adapted this year's seasonal closures accordingly," the agency said. "If illegal activities and unsafe situations occur at any Wildlife Management Area, NJDEP Fish & Wildlife Conservation Police reserve the right to close all or part of any WMA to ensure public safety and resource protection."

The areas will reopen Sept. 3.

Winslow WMA is in Camden and Gloucester counties. Cedar Lake WMA includes portions of Buena Vista and Monroe Township. Menantico Ponds WMA is based in Millville and Maurice River Township.