| DEP COMMISSIONER
ISSUES STATEMENT
REGARDING BLACK BEAR MANAGEMENT
(05/76) TRENTON -- In response to inquiries regarding
black bear management, Department of Environmental Protection
(DEP) Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell today issued the following
statement:
"In accordance with the New Jersey Supreme Court's decision
of December 2, 2004, the Fish and Game Council has submitted a
proposed comprehensive black bear management plan for my review
and consideration. The plan, which includes a number of management
measures including a hunt, is currently under review and will
be subject to a public hearing before any final decision is made.
Separately, the proposed 2005 Game Code, which authorizes a hunt
conditioned on the approval of the comprehensive plan, is currently
subject to comment period and a hearing is scheduled on June 21,
2005.
There are a number of issues that I would like to see addressed
prior to public review of the comprehensive plan. While no final
decision has been made, I do agree with the Council that sound
wildlife principles and public safety require that we consider
a bear hunt as part of New Jersey's black bear management strategy
in this and future years."
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