The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife has closed six areas in its Wildlife Management Area System, including five in South Jersey, for the summer due to unprecedented unauthorized use.
The emergency closures include targeted areas located within Cedar Lake in Monroe Township (Gloucester County); two separate areas in Greenwood Forest in Lacey Township, Menantico Ponds in Millville, Wildcat Ridge in Rockaway Township, and the Winslow Wildlife Management Area.
Officials said the areas have drawn large crowds, and include former quarry pits where illegal swimming takes place. Swimming is prohibited and extremely dangerous due to the depth and low temperature of the water which can threaten life and safety, the Division of Fish and Wildlife in a statement.