MANCHESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — Whiting Wildlife Management Area, spanning 1,211.91 acres in Manchester Township, Ocean County, serves as a vital pineland habitat. This acquisition, funded through license sales and supplemented by Green Acres Bonds, showcases a diverse ecosystem of upland and wetland forests, primarily dominated by pitch pine.
The area is a haven for an array of species throughout the year. Seasonal visitors include blackburnian warblers, pine siskins, and yellow-rumped warblers during the migratory seasons, while summer months bring sightings of eastern towhees, prairie warblers, and a variety of reptiles. The colder months are marked by the presence of red-headed woodpeckers and winter wrens, among others. Notably, the Whiting WMA is home to several rare pineland insects, including the pine barrens damselflies and the Hoary Elfin Butterfly.
To sustain this rich biodiversity, a Natural Resource Stewardship Plan has been implemented, outlining forest treatments over a decade. These measures aim to mitigate wildfire risks, bolster habitat quality for wildlife, and enhance overall forest health. Moreover, the area offers recreational fishing opportunities, with Michaels Run and Wrangle Brook being popular spots for bass, pickerel, and panfish.
The management area is open to a range of hunting and trapping activities, operating within Deer Management Zone 18 and Turkey Hunting Area 14. This balanced approach to conservation and recreational use underscores the commitment to preserving New Jersey’s natural heritage while providing opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.