Ken Lockwood Gorge

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{{Infobox protected area

| name = Ken Lockwood Gorge Wildlife Management Area

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| photo = South Branch Raritan River, Ken Lockwood Gorge, NJ.jpg

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| photo_caption = The South Branch Raritan River flowing through the gorge

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| map = USA New Jersey Hunterdon County#New Jersey#USA

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| location = Lebanon Township, Hunterdon County, New Jersey

| nearest_city = Califon, High Bridge

| coordinates = {{coord|40|41|45|N|74|52|19|W|region:US_type:landmark|name=Ken Lockwood Gorge Wildlife Management Area|display=inline,title}}

| coords_ref = {{cite gnis|883037|Ken Lockwood Gorge Wildlife Management Area}}

| area = {{convert| 563 |acre|ha}}

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| governing_body = New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife

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Ken Lockwood Gorge is between Califon and High Bridge in Lebanon Township of Hunterdon County, New Jersey. It was purchased in 1948 by the Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife and has been referred to as “one of New Jersey's most beautiful places.”{{Cite news|url=http://www.nj.com/hunterdon-county-democrat/index.ssf/2015/05/new_jersey_conservation_foundation_announces_50_ac.html|title=New Jersey Conservation Foundation announces 50 acres next to Ken Lockwood Gorge preserved|work=NJ.com|access-date=2017-08-12|language=en-US}} It is presently administered by the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife.

The 2½-mile (4 km) stretch of the South Branch Raritan River comprises the central feature of this {{convert|563|acre|ha|adj=on}} Wildlife Management Area.{{cite web |title=Wildlife Management Areas |url=https://www.nj.gov/dep/fgw/wmaland.htm |publisher=New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife}} Steep, hilly woodlands host a plethora of flora and fauna including both game and non-game varieties, including a diverse population of birds and mammals.

Ken Lockwood Gorge is best known as a trout fishing destination. The New Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife has designated the area as a "Trout Conservation Area", in which a separate set of rules apply. The limits are different from most other sections of the Raritan River, and fishing with bait is prohibited.{{Cite web|url=http://www.state.nj.us/dep/newsrel/2006/06_0059.htm|title=NJDEP-News Release 06/59 - DEP Earmarks Funding to Improve Public Access at Ken Lockwood Gorge Wildlife Management Area}}

The gorge is named after Kenneth F. Lockwood, an outdoor journalist and conservationist. Ken Lockwood was best known for his column, "Out In The Open", which ran in the now-defunct Newark Evening News. He was also a strong advocate for land conservation, promoting setting aside land for hunting and fishing. Ken Lockwood died on April 2, 1948, on the way home from his weekly radio program. Ken Lockwood Gorge was named after him a short time later.{{Cite web|url=http://www.flyanglersonline.com/features/oldflies/part264.php|title = Ken Lockwood Streamer- Fly Angler's OnLine Volumn 7 week 16}}

The Columbia Trail passes through the gorge and crosses the river on the Ken Lockwood Gorge Bridge.{{cite web |title=Columbia Trail |url=https://www.co.hunterdon.nj.us/depts/parks/ParkAreas/ColumbiaTrail/brochure.pdf |publisher=Hunterdon County, New Jersey}}

File:Kenneth F. Lockwood monument, Ken Lockwood Gorge, NJ.jpg|Kenneth F. Lockwood monument

File:Ken Lockwood Gorge Bridge, NJ - looking northwest.jpg|Ken Lockwood Gorge Bridge

See also

References

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