The Pond Creek Marsh Restoration Project is a 290-acre site fully encompassed by the Higbee Beach WMA in Lower Township and the Borough of West Cape May, Cape May County. The project site consists of the former Harbison-Walker magnesite facility and associated landfill, Davey’s Lake, and the majority of Pond Creek marsh.

The principal project goal is to reestablish tidal inundation to a large portion of Pond Creek Marsh without increasing the flood risk to the upper watershed or inundating the eastern freshwater marsh area, and allowing for habitat management of the northern marsh area. Achieving these goals will require modification of the inlet channel to allow sufficient tidal flushing, developing a network of secondary and tertiary channels to assist tidal flow into the interior of the marsh, excavating deep flood pools for fish habitat, and creating upland islands for shorebirds. An earthern berm will be constructed around much of the perimeter of the marsh, which will provide access to wildlife observation blinds and contribute to a trail system encircling the marsh.

February 23 – Public Feedback: Special Regulation Set Proposal for Pond Creek Marsh Area

As part of the Pond Creek Marsh Restoration Project, NJDEP Fish and Wildlife is proposing a set of special regulations to support the exceptional recreational and habitat values of the Pond Creek Marsh Area. These regulations seek to balance the timing and extent of various wildlife-related recreational activities—such as hunting, trapping, and wildlife watching—to maximize recreational quality and opportunity, while also supporting the habitat needs of species that utilize this tract.

The draft proposal was developed through a robust stakeholder engagement process, incorporating input from conservation organizations representing the full spectrum of wildlife-related recreation activities, as well as guidance from the New Jersey Fish and Game Council.

We are now seeking public feedback to help ensure these regulations appropriately align with wildlife-related recreational interests while supporting the conservation goals of the restoration project. Please review the proposed regulations and share feedback by March 9^th, 2026 11:59pm to NJLandManagement@deptest.nj.gov.

Pond Creek Marsh Area Special Regulation Set

The Pond Creek Marsh Area of Higbee Beach WMA is managed under a special set of regulations to support its exceptional value for wildlife habitat and wildlife-related recreation. These rules help support safe, balanced, and enjoyable access for all users.

Management Periods

• September 1 –Monday after the Six-Day Firearm Season (Period A):
  Closed to hunting. Open to wildlife viewing.
• Monday after the Six-Day Firearm Season – February 28 (Period B):
  Open to hunting except Sundays. Wildlife viewing is permitted only on Sundays.
• March 1 – August 31 (Period C):
  Closed to hunting. Open to wildlife viewing.

Special Regulations

• No person shall engage in hunting or trapping activities in, on, or under any blind, boardwalk, or the Heron Canopy located within the Pond Creek Marsh Area; or within a radius of 150 feet from the outermost edge of any blind, boardwalk, or the Heron Canopy.
• Sunday bow hunting is prohibited.
• Falconry trapping is prohibited.
• Fishing and crabbing activities are prohibited within the Pond Creek Marsh Area. These activities are permitted west of Pond Creek bridge.
• Furbearer trapping is open in the Pond Creek Marsh Area during Period B. All furbearer harvests must be removed and traps disengaged prior to each Sunday of Period B.
• Wildlife viewing activities are limited to wildlife observation or photography. Activities inconsistent with wildlife-related recreation—such as dog walking, bicycling, jogging, or general exercise—are prohibited.
• Walk-in access only. Wildlife viewing access is limited to designated trails.
• Use of watercraft is prohibited, except for non-motorized vessels (e.g., kayaks or canoes) used while actively hunting or trapping.

Pond Creek Marsh Area subject to proposed special regulation set

February 1, 2024 – Portions of Higbee Beach WMA Closed through December 2026

Portions of Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area (WMA) closed starting January 29, 2024, for the Pond Creek Restoration Project and will remain closed until completed (approximately December 2026). This closure is for public safety reasons and to protect and preserve the land and water areas of Higbee Beach WMA.

The areas to be closed are reflected on the attached map .

The closure will not affect the parking lot behind Sunset Beach Gifts located on Sunset Boulevard. However, the parking lot across from the World War II Lookout Tower will be closed.

The project is funded with Natural Resource Damage funds and co-led by DEP’s Office of Natural Resource Restoration and Office of Coastal Engineering in partnership with Fish & Wildlife.

For a comprehensive project description and updated project schedule, please visit the Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area Tidal Marsh/Upland Restoration Project webpage.

The public is invited to attend an informational meeting to learn about and comment on this ecological restoration project at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, February 8 at Lower Township’s Municipal Hall, 2600 Bayshore Road, Villas, NJ (Cape May County). Those unable to attend in person may participate virtually by registering here .

NJDEP Fish & Wildlife sincerely appreciates your patience and understanding while this work is being completed and improvements are made.

Questions and comments throughout the duration of the project can be sent to:  NJDEP-HBR-inquiries@portal3.pbid.com.

Thank you!

Habitat Management Projects