State preserves Split Rock reservoir in Rockaway Twp.

The state Department of Environmental Protection’s Green Acres program has finalized a $3.1 million purchase of 1,500 acres of watershed buffer land surrounding Split Rock Reservoir from Jersey City.

The deal, finalized Dec. 31 provides permanent protection to the land surrounding the reservoir, located primarily in Rockaway Township, according to DEP Commissioner Bob Martin.

“Permanently preserving this spectacular property, which is located in the North Jersey Highlands, ensures a continued high quality of drinking water for state residents, while safeguarding habitat for many plant and animal species, enhancing recreational opportunities for our residents, and protecting the quality of life in our state,” Martin said.

Under the terms of the agreement, Jersey City retains water rights to continue to use water resources from the northern Morris County reservoir, a supply source for the city’s water system. Jersey City will also retain ownership, use and maintenance of the Split Rock dam and the road leading to the dam. The state will have access to the road and to the reservoir.

“We are looking forward for the public to have an enjoyable and safe experience on this property while obeying state and local laws,” Rockaway Twp. Mayor Michael Dachisen said. “As a result of this transaction, we look forward to enhanced enforcement activity from state conservation officers, who have previously done a good job of patrolling the area, but have had limited authority to access the tract.’’

Split Rock has been the subject of jurisdictional squabbling involving Rockaway Township, Jersey City and the state Department of Environmental Protection ever since the DEP opened it to the public in 2004.

At one point, Rockaway Township barricaded the parking lot because of complaints about drinking, swimming, littering and other improper use of the site. Only kayaks, canoes and boats with electric motors are allowed on the water and swimming is prohibited.

A truce was reached after Jersey City authorized the state and Rockaway Township, which opposed DEP's decision to open Split Rock, to enforce trespassing laws.

The 1,500 acres links the state’s Wildcat Ridge Management Area, Farny State Park, and Buck Mountain and features forested hiking trails and fishing access.

DEP has held a conservation easement on nearly all of the property dating back to 1996, protecting the land, but now with full ownership the public will have greater use of the land and its resources.

“This is a magnificent property which offers a wide variety of opportunities for wildlife-associated and other forms of outdoor recreation, including fishing, hunting, birding, canoeing, kayaking and hiking,’’ said the DEP’s Director of Fish and Wildlife Dave Chanda. “Shoreline fishing, birding and hunting, in particular, will be greatly enhanced by this acquisition.’’

The land is home to a wide range of plant and animal species, including threatened and endangered species, including the Indiana bat, bobcat, timber rattlesnake, northern goshawk, red-shouldered hawk, and the golden-winged warbler. Black bears and white-tailed deer are common in the woodlands surrounding the reservoir.

Splitrock Reservoir itself supports bald eagles and a wide variety of waterfowl during migration, including wood duck, ruddy duck, bufflehead and common mergansers. The reservoir boasts an excellent fishery for smallmouth and largemouth bass, chain pickerel and black crappie.

The large contiguous forested blocks of land surrounding the reservoir feature trails, providing opportunities for birding, particularly during migration.

Michael Izzo: mizzo@njpressmedia.com; 973-428-6636.