Laws and Regulations

The refuge is open daily from dawn to dusk.

Pets must be on a short, hand-held leash within the Delaware Bay and Great Cedar Swamp Divisions. Pets are prohibited at the Two Mile Beach Unit.

Disturbing, injuring, destroying, collecting plants, wildlife, or other natural objects is prohibited.

Entering closed areas is prohibited.

In addition to state hunting laws and regulations (found in the annual NJ Hunting and Trapping Digest), specific federal regulations apply on the refuge. Please stop by the Refuge Headquarters/Visitor Contact Station for up-to date information/maps.

Migratory Bird Conservation Act

The Migratory Bird Conservation Act authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to conduct investigations and publish documents related to North American birds, and establishes a Migratory Bird Conservation Commission (MBCC) to approve areas recommended by the Secretary for acquisition. The MBCC...

Laws, Agreements & Treaties
An aerial view of pelican island.
National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act

The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act provides authority, guidelines and directives for the Service to improve the National Wildlife Refuge System; administers a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management, and restoration of fish, wildlife and plant...

Laws, Agreements & Treaties
National Wildlife Refuge Volunteer Improvement Act

The National Wildlife Refuge Volunteer Improvement Act authorizes cooperative agreements with nonprofit partner organizations, academic institutions, or State and local governments to construct, operate, maintain, or improve refuge facilities and services, and to promote volunteer, outreach, and...

Laws, Agreements & Treaties
National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act

Spells out wildlife conservation as the fundamental mission of the Refuge System; requires comprehensive conservation planning to guide management of the Refuge System; directs the involvement of private citizens in land management decisions; and provides that compatible wildlife-dependent...

Laws, Agreements & Treaties