Boating Regulations:
In order to protect the
natural beauty of the Merrill Creek Reservoir and assure that all visitors have
a safe and enjoyable visit, the following rules have been
established:
-
All New
Jersey State fishing and boating regulations apply, including fishing licenses,
boat registration and numbering, power boat operator licenses, and Coast Guard
approved personal flotation devices (PFD's).
- Fishing boats, sailboats,
row boats, canoes and kayaks are permitted for use under the following
guidelines:
- All
Boats must be a minimum of 11 feet, 6" in length
with the following exceptions:
Kayaks must be at least 9
feet in length and contain some type of factory-installed
flotation. Inflatables must
be a minimum of 10 feet in length, have at least 3 air chambers, and be
equipped with a permanent, factory-installed transom if a motor is
used.
- All Boats, excluding
canoes or kayaks, must display a U.S. Coast Guard metal capacity
plate.
- Electric motors
only.
- All boats, canoes and
kayaks must be launched from the boat ramp, which is located on the east side
of the reservoir. Launching is not permitted from the shoreline.
- The boat ramp is open
during hours of full daylight, as posted.
- Fishing is permitted from
boats; shoreline fishing is permitted except from the shoreline of the
Environmental Preserve, the boat ramp docks, and other "Restricted Areas." For
the enjoyment of physically challenged anglers, a barrier-free fishing dock is
located off Fox Farm Road near the Inlet/Outlet Tower. Physically challenged
anglers are to be given preference in the use of this dock.
- The following are
prohibited:
- Photographing any
building or dam structure
- Swimming, diving,
wading, scuba diving, water skiing, jet skiing
- Board sailing, tubing,
or other water flotation devices
- Any ice
activity
- Possession or
consumption of alcoholic beverages or illegal substances
- Radio-controlled model
boats
- Glass
containers
- Firearms, weapons, or
fireworks
- Feeding of
wildlife
- Strong winds and cold
water can be dangerous. Check weather conditions and forecasts before starting
out. PFD's should be worn at all times.
- We have installed a Wind
Advisory System, which is advisory in nature only. Two sets of
lights are situated atop the Inlet/Outlet Tower and at the boat ramp. They are
not visible from all areas of the Reservoir. They will start to flash when
winds are sustained at 25 mph for 5 seconds. If the lights are
flashing, you are advised to go to the nearest shoreline. Wind speed
may differ on different parts of the Reservoir.
- All litter must be
deposited in appropriate trash containers. Please recycle!
- Restricted areas:
- All parts of the main
dam, its instrument access stairway, and the three dikes. Walking on the
roadway at the top is permitted.
- Stoned areas at the
bottom of the outside slope of the main dam and the dikes
- Inlet/Outlet Tower and
its bridge
- Fenced areas posted
"Restricted Area"
- All General Rules and
Regulations of the Merrill Creek Reservoir apply.
Permitted activites or use
of the facilities are undertaken at the user's own risk. The Merrill Creek
Owners Group and its agents reserve the right to deny access to the reservoir,
the land, and associated facilities, at its discretion.
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