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Belmar speaker flags NJDEP proposal to limit tidal-water access to protect endangered species; comments due Feb. 13, 2025
Summary
A resident urged the borough to review a Dec. 16 NJDEP notice proposing procedures to restrict public access to tidal waters and adjacent shorelines to protect endangered species; the proposal would define critical habitat, signage and civil penalties and is open for comments through Feb. 13, 2025.
A resident summarized a New Jersey Register notice that the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) published Dec. 16 proposing procedures to establish access restrictions to tidal waters and adjacent shorelines to protect species on the state's endangered list.
The speaker described how the proposal would define criteria for identifying critical habitat used for breeding, resting or foraging, set procedures for public notice and signage, and establish civil penalties for violations. He said the proposals may target dune areas along the Belmar boardwalk north of Fourth Avenue and recommended municipal review and potential comment.
"The Department is proposing regulations and the comments are due back on February 13, 2025," the speaker said, urging the borough to examine the notice. Town officials acknowledged the state controls much of the waterfront and said the borough would take a look.
What happens next: The NJDEP comment period remains open through Feb. 13, 2025; the borough may submit comments or coordinate with state and federal agencies about potential postings and seasonal access restrictions.
