Merrill Creek Reservoir to close several days in December for deer management activities

HARMONY TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Warren County) — Merrill Creek Reservoir will be closed to the public on multiple dates in December as part of its annual deer management program, officials announced.

According to reservoir staff, the entire property, including the Preserve Section and Visitor Center, will be closed to the general public on Dec. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 19, 2025.

Merrill Creek Reservoir said the closures support its active deer management program, which aims to reduce deer density to protect the surrounding forest ecosystem.

The program is designed to allow “the forest to regenerate” and enable “rare plants and animals to thrive,” reservoir officials said.

During the closure dates, only hunters registered in the Merrill Creek Deer Management Program will be permitted on the property, including the Preserve Section.