FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 15, 2005

Contact: Karen Hershey
(609) 984-1795

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."

 

###

Related Link