Access to Holgate Fishing Area Restored

Access to one of the region's most popular fishing areas has been restored, officials said Wednesday.

For the second time since opening to off-road vehicle traffic in September, access to the Holgate unit of the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge – located on the southern tip of Long Beach Island – was cut off on Tuesday. By Wednesday at 1 p.m., the pathway onto the sandy spit of land had been reopened, according to Don Freiday of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Freiday said especially high tides and rough surf have been wreaking havoc on the newly-built-up entranceway to the refuge, which is only accessible to vehicles with four wheel drive capabilities.

This time of year, vehicular access to the refuge is important due to the start of the striped bass fishing season. The ocean beaches within the refuge are popular fishing grounds for anglers.

The entrance to the refuge is controlled by Long Beach Township, and township crews could be seen bulldozing sand near the entrance early Wednesday afternoon in order to restore access.

Freiday said those who want to take their vehicles into the refuge should first check with the Long Beach Township Police Department to ensure there is access. A permit from the township is required for entry at all times.