Heislerville Wildlife Management Area

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Heislerville Wildlife Management Area is a 2,300-acre tract of land located in Cumberland County, New Jersey, adjacent to the Delaware Bay.


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Summary

The area is designated as a wildlife management area, and it is a popular destination for birdwatchers, hunters, and anglers.

One of the main attractions of Heislerville Wildlife Management Area is the diverse range of bird species that can be found there. The area is a popular stopover point for migratory birds, and there are numerous species of waterfowl, shorebirds, and wading birds that can be seen throughout the year. Some of the most commonly sighted species include bald eagles, ospreys, northern harriers, and great blue herons.

In addition to birdwatching, Heislerville Wildlife Management Area offers a range of other outdoor activities. There are several hiking trails that wind through the area, as well as fishing and hunting opportunities. The wildlife management area is also home to a number of rare and endangered species, including the red knot, a migratory bird that depends on the horseshoe crab for survival.

The best time of year to visit Heislerville Wildlife Management Area depends on your interests. Birdwatchers will find the greatest diversity of species during the spring and fall migration periods, while hunters and anglers will have different preferences. The area is open year-round, but some trails and facilities may be closed during certain times of the year.

Overall, Heislerville Wildlife Management Area is an excellent destination for anyone interested in wildlife and the outdoors. With its diverse range of bird species, rare and endangered wildlife, and range of outdoor activities, it is a popular destination for visitors from throughout the region.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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