South Jersey Bass Club Association
ADOPT-A-LAKE PROGRAM
(This page last updated:  07/17/2025)


In cooperation with NJ Fish & Wildlife, the SJBCA has established an "Adopt-a-Lake" program to clean up and improve our fisheries at Wildlife Management Areas.  This would include trash collection along shorelines and working on other projects with NJFW Bureau of Land Management, such as adding structure to the lakes.

How does it work?  Simple.  Clubs affiliated with the SJBCA can select a lake that their club is interested in adopting and notify the SJBCA's adopt-a-lake coordinator of their preferred lake.  The coordinator will assist the club with the preparation of a request letter to NJFW and ensure that the "adoption" is publicized on the SJBCA website.

The club will be given contact information for the regional superintendent of the NJFW Bureau of Land Management so that he can be informed of their scheduled shoreline clean-up days (at least two or three per year).  The regional superintendent can provide trash bags, if necessary, and will have his staff pick up the filled trash bags after the clean-ups.  Clubs may also propose and conduct lake habitat improvements if they make the necessary arrangements with NJFW.  If NJFW has a facility improvement for that WMA already on their schedule, they may contact the club for assistance with the project.  A sign will be posted at the adopted lake publicizing the fact that it has been adopted by the club.

Volunteers who work on any significant projects at WMA lakes must register as volunteers with the NJ Wildlife Conservation Corps.  This WCC program provides insurance for the volunteers while working on the projects.  Information and an application form can be found here --> WCC Application Form.  A "Special Use Permit" must be obtained for any projects undertaken at a WMA.  The application for the permit can be found here--> WMA Special Use Permit Application The SJBCA as an organization may apply for an overall annual special use permit for all member clubs' planned clean-ups.

The SJBCA's Adopt-a-Lake Coordinator is Fred Lentz.  He can be contacted by email at sjbca99@comcast.net .

The adoptable WMA Lakes in the NJDFW Bureau of Land Management's southern region are:

1. Union Lake  - Union Lake WMA
2. Rainbow Lake – Rainbow Lake WMA (adopted by South Jersey Hawg Hunters)
3. Elmer Lake – Elmer Lake WMA
4. Harrisonville Lake – Harrisonville Lake WMA
5. Maskell’s Mill Pond – Maskell Mill WMA
6. Rowand’s Pond – Rowand’s Pond WMA
7. Penbyrn Pond – Penbyrn Pond WMA
8. Cedar Lake – Cedar Lake WMA
9. Sahara Sands Pond – Cedar Lake WMA
10. Maple Lake – Maple Lake WMA
11. Tuckahoe Lake – Tuckahoe WMA
12. Thundergut Pond – Thundergut Pond WMA
13. Sycamore Lake – Thundergut Pond WMA
14. Love Pond – Thundergut Pond WMA
15. Holly Hills Ponds – Thundergut Pond WMA
16. Menantico Ponds – Menantico Ponds WMA
17. Cedarville Ponds – Cedarville Ponds WMA
18. Cresse Lane Ponds – Cape Island WMA
19. Clarks Pond (upper) – Clark’s Pond WMA
20. Clarks Pond (middle) - Clark’s Pond WMA
21. Clarks Pond (lower) - Clark’s Pond WMA
22. DOD Ponds – DOD Ponds WMA
23. Lake Audrey – Millville WMA (adopted by South Jersey Kayak Bass Fishing Club)
24. Shaw’s Mill Pond- Millville WMA
25. Davey’s Lake – Higbee WMA
26. Higbee Pit- Higbee WMA
27. East Lake – Salem River WMA
28. Elk Lake – Cohansey River WMA
29. Flynn Pond – Cape Island WMA
30. Oak Pond – Winslow WMA (adopted by South Jersey Hook This!)
31. Cedar Pond – Winslow WMA
32. Lake Dave – Winslow WMA
33. Clint Mill Pond – Beaver Swamp WMA
34. Cumberland Pond – Peaslee WMA
35. Hunters Mill Pond – Peaslee WMA
36. Dr. Brown’s Pond- White Oak Branch WMA
37. Makepeace Lake (upper) – Makepeace WMA
38. Makepeace Lake (lower) – Makepeace WMA
39. Logan Pond – Logan Pond WMA

Let's Start Creating Better Fisheries for Tomorrow!!!!

Back to Latest SJBCA News