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Ken Lockwood Gorge

Coordinates: 40°41′45″N 74°52′19″W / 40.69583°N 74.87194°W / 40.69583; -74.87194 (Ken Lockwood Gorge Wildlife Management Area)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Ken Lockwood Gorge Wildlife Management Area
The South Branch Raritan River flowing through the gorge
Map showing the location of Ken Lockwood Gorge Wildlife Management Area
Map showing the location of Ken Lockwood Gorge Wildlife Management Area
Map showing the location of Ken Lockwood Gorge Wildlife Management Area
Map showing the location of Ken Lockwood Gorge Wildlife Management Area
Map showing the location of Ken Lockwood Gorge Wildlife Management Area
Map showing the location of Ken Lockwood Gorge Wildlife Management Area
LocationLebanon Township, Hunterdon County, New Jersey
Nearest cityCalifon, High Bridge
Coordinates40°41′45″N 74°52′19″W / 40.69583°N 74.87194°W / 40.69583; -74.87194 (Ken Lockwood Gorge Wildlife Management Area)[1]
Area563 acres (228 ha)
Governing bodyNew Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife

Ken Lockwood Gorge is between Califon and High Bridge in Lebanon Township of Hunterdon County, New Jersey. It was purchased in 1948 by the Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife and has been referred to as “one of New Jersey's most beautiful places.”[2] It is presently administered by the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife.

The 2½-mile (4 km) stretch of the South Branch Raritan River comprises the central feature of this 563-acre (228 ha) Wildlife Management Area.[3] Steep, hilly woodlands host a plethora of flora and fauna including both game and non-game varieties, including a diverse population of birds and mammals.

Ken Lockwood Gorge is best known as a trout fishing destination. The New Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife has designated the area as a "Trout Conservation Area", in which a separate set of rules apply. The limits are different from most other sections of the Raritan River, and fishing with bait is prohibited.[4]

The gorge is named after Kenneth F. Lockwood, an outdoor journalist and conservationist. Ken Lockwood was best known for his column, "Out In The Open", which ran in the now-defunct Newark Evening News. He was also a strong advocate for land conservation, promoting setting aside land for hunting and fishing. Ken Lockwood died on April 2, 1948, on the way home from his weekly radio program. Ken Lockwood Gorge was named after him a short time later.[5]

The Columbia Trail passes through the gorge and crosses the river on the Ken Lockwood Gorge Bridge.[6]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Ken Lockwood Gorge Wildlife Management Area". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior.
  2. ^ "New Jersey Conservation Foundation announces 50 acres next to Ken Lockwood Gorge preserved". NJ.com. Retrieved 2017-08-12.
  3. ^ "Wildlife Management Areas". New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife.
  4. ^ "NJDEP-News Release 06/59 - DEP Earmarks Funding to Improve Public Access at Ken Lockwood Gorge Wildlife Management Area".
  5. ^ "Ken Lockwood Streamer- Fly Angler's OnLine Volumn 7 week 16".
  6. ^ "Columbia Trail" (PDF). Hunterdon County, New Jersey.
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