Merrill Creek Reservoir closes to watercraft for winter to protect snow geese and other waterfowl
HARMONY TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Warren County) — Merrill Creek Reservoir is now closed to all watercraft for the winter under a new annual policy aimed at protecting snow geese and other migratory waterfowl that use the reservoir as a winter roosting area, officials said.
The reservoir will be closed to boats and other watercraft each year from Dec. 1 through March 15, according to reservoir officials, who said the change is intended to prevent inadvertent harassment of snow geese (Anser caerulescens) and other waterfowl during the wintering season. Officials said the policy aligns with stewardship practices under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Merrill Creek has long been known as an important wintering and roosting location for migratory waterfowl, particularly snow geese that arrive from Arctic breeding grounds, officials said. In 2005, the reservoir was designated an “Important Bird & Biodiversity Area,” a designation used to identify sites considered significant for bird conservation during breeding, migration or wintering periods, officials said.
Reservoir officials said disturbance from watercraft can cause birds to flush and fly, which burns critical energy reserves needed to survive cold winter nights. Officials said disturbance can also interrupt resting behavior, separate flocks or mating pairs, and contribute to longer-term impacts such as reduced ability to migrate north in spring or decreased reproductive success, particularly for birds already stressed or sick, including those affected by avian influenza.
The seasonal closure is intended as a proactive measure to reduce those risks while flocks are wintering and roosting at the reservoir, officials said.
