The NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife will hold a public forum to discuss freshwater fisheries culture, research, management and recreational angling in New Jersey on Saturday, December 4 at the Hackettstown State Fish Hatchery in Warren County. The forum will begin at 10:00 a.m. Another forum will be held in south Jersey on February 26 at the Batsto Village Visitors Center in Wharton State Forest.

Anglers are invited to share their views and recommendations for the future of freshwater fisheries research and management in New Jersey with staff biologists. This forum is of particular importance as fisheries staff will soon be developing recommendations for regulations changes for the 2012 Fish Code.

There are two areas on the agenda which biologists would like input on. One is the types of waterbodies that anglers believe should be stocked as part of the Division's Winter Trout Stocking Program. Waterbody size, access type, ice fishing restrictions, etc., are areas open to discussion.

The other is to hear from the public which characteristics biologists should consider for a stream to have a Wild Trout Stream designation. This would include type of fishery, access, etc.

Anglers are invited to ask questions and comment on any aspect of the division's fisheries management programs. By providing input, the public can help guide the development of all New Jersey's freshwater programs and the regulations which govern them.