Manahawkin Wildlife Management

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Manahawkin Wildlife Management Area is a state-owned protected area located in Stafford Township, New Jersey.


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Summary

The 769-acre site is a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The area features a diverse mix of habitats, including forested uplands, tidal marshes, and open waterways, making it an ideal place for birdwatching, hiking, fishing, and hunting.

One of the main points of interest at Manahawkin Wildlife Management Area is the Cedar Bonnet Island Environmental Trail. This interpretive trail is a half-mile long and winds through a pristine salt marsh, offering visitors the chance to observe a variety of birds, reptiles, and other wildlife. The site also features a fishing pier, boat ramp, and several picnic areas for visitors to enjoy.

Interesting facts about the area include the fact that it serves as a critical stopover for migratory birds, including ospreys and peregrine falcons. It also contains rare plant species such as the wild rice that grows in the tidal marshes.

The best time to visit Manahawkin Wildlife Management Area is during the spring and fall when migratory birds are passing through the area. Additionally, the fall season is when hunting is allowed in the area, making it a popular destination for hunters.

Overall, Manahawkin Wildlife Management Area is a unique and beautiful destination in New Jersey that offers visitors the chance to experience nature at its best. Whether you're interested in birdwatching, hiking, fishing, or hunting, there's something for everyone to enjoy at this incredible site.

       

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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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