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Mayor Cory A. Booker
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Linda Watkins-Brashear
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  and Active

  Recreation

Conservation
and Active Recreation

More than 7000 acres of the Watershed, not including trails, are used for recreation and formal nature study purposes. Other areas of the Watershed which are designated strictly for conservation, approximately 24,000 acres, may be used from time to time for such things as hunting, hiking and nature study, but by and large will be preserved to keep the water pure and maintain the Watershed as whole.

The existing network of old iron mining and logging trail forms the perfect base for hiking, bicycling and cross country skiing trails. They touch many of the historic points within the Watershed and many of the natural wonders as well.  There is some 48 miles of horseback trails. A multi-purpose public recreation facility at Clinton Reservoir and Hanks Pond in West Milford its primary summer use is as a day camp for residents of the City of Newark. However, it is designed to accommodate year round recreational activities and includes dining facilities, trails and the remains of stone buildings left over from the iron mining days of the Watershed.

In all the bodies of water in the Pequannock Watershed except Charlotteburg Reservoir and Cedar Pond, some water sports take place.  Approximately 2500 linear feet of shore line and twelve acres of beach to accommodate swimming, primarily at Canister Reservoir and Echo Lake.  Boating on the Pequannock's water bodies restricted to canoeing, row boating, and sailing to prevent pollution of the water by oil. Limited use of electrically powered boats is possible, but under a strict inspection program to protect against the danger of lubricating oils seeping into the water. Approximately 1200 acres of water will be available for boating.

The Watershed represents a major resource for sports fishermen. The clear lakes and streams harbor an abundant fish population including trout, bass, pickerel, perch and catfish.  Most of the Pequannock Watershed is prime for both small and big game hunting.  A number of areas have been identified cooperatively with the State Department of Environment Protection, as valuable deer hunting is approximately 4400 acres.

In addition to cross-country ski trails there are five ski slopes within the boundaries of the property.