Army Corps completes Barnegat Inlet jetty project; state reopens area for fishing

     Fishermen cast from Island Beach State Park's Barnegat Inlet jetty in 2010. (Photo: Jennifer Husar/JMA Creations)

    Fishermen cast from Island Beach State Park's Barnegat Inlet jetty in 2010. (Photo: Jennifer Husar/JMA Creations)

    Crews have completed a major jetty repair project in Island Beach State Park, state officials said.

    Mobile sportfishing permit holders may access the Barnegat Inlet jetty beginning this afternoon, according to a release from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

    Crews have installed a line of dune fencing parallel to the jetty and situated about 35 feet north of the rocks, with access openings every 50 feet to allow for “easy and equitable access for all visitors,” the release said. 

    No vehicles may drive around the east end of the fence. The release said the prohibition is for the following reasons: 

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    Safety – There are jetty stones under the beach are approximately 30 feet through length. Sand will shift and may cause sink holes. Trucks will exacerbate that and cause hazards for vehicles and people.

    Structural integrity – The jetty is primarily a navigation structure and an enormous investment.

    Enhance equitable public access – Parking 35 feet away from the jetty affords all users the ability to access and move freely throughout the length of the jetty. Historically, users would park on or immediately adjacent to the jetty which restricted other users ability to move about.

    Anyone with questions is asked to contact the Island Beach State Park office at (732) 793-0506.

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