Boating

 Policy regarding Annual Closure of Reservoir to Public Watercraft Use between December 1 and March 15

Merrill Creek Reservoir (MCR) is closed to all watercraft use annually between December 1 and March 15.  This policy  is an effort to avoid inadvertent harassment of Snow Geese (Anser caerulescens) and other waterfowl by watercraft use on the reservoir during their use of MCR as a wintering ground-roosting area. This stewardship practice is line with Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. 703-712) (MBTA). MCR has long been known as an important wintering/roosting area for migratory waterfowl species, in particular Snow Geese that spend winters here from their arctic breeding grounds. In fact, in 2005 MCR was designated as an “Important Bird & Biodiversity Area.”    An Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBBA) is a globally recognized site vital for bird conservation, identified by BirdLife International and partners like the National Audubon Society using consistent criteria for critical bird populations (breeding, migrating, wintering) or endangered or threatened species. Snow Geese are a migratory species and are protected under the MBTA.  This limited closure of the reservoir while these flocks are wintering/roosting here is a proactive measure to secure that no inadvertent harassment of the flock happens as disturbance to them can cause additional stress on an already stressed and sickly population. Essentially under the federal MBTA it is illegal, even if unintentionally, for watercraft to disturb flocks of migratory birds wintering/roosting as it can disrupt essential rest, or inadvertently separate flocks/mating pairs and/or significantly impact their survival by depleting critical energy reserves through the following mechanisms:

• Forced Flight and Movement: By getting too close, birds often “flush” or fly away to find safety. Flying is energetically expensive; repeatedly forcing a bird to fly can quickly deplete the low-fat reserves it needs to survive cold winter nights.
• Interruption of Energy-Saving States: By getting too close, it can interrupt these resting states, forcing birds to rapidly rewarm and burn through stored energy.
• Long-term Fitness Impacts: Depleted energy reserves in winter don’t just affect immediate survival. Birds in poor physical condition (such as already being impacted by Avian Influenza) may be unable to migrate back north in the spring or may suffer from reduced reproductive success during the following breeding season.

Should You Break down on the water – Boat Towing

PLEASE NOTE:  MCR is not a boat-towing service

If your watercraft is disabled on the reservoir call MCR at 609-865-9736 or 908-454-1213 for instructions

If no one is available or picks up at MCR, you can call 911 and explain that you are a distressed boater broken down on the reservoir and are in need a tow for a non-emergency situation*

HOWEVER

*Please note that because a boat tow is a non-emergency situation. Emergency Services for Harmony Township that come to assist you as a result of your 911 call will charge you for the tow. The fee is $500.00 as per Harmony Township Ordinance No. O:26-11

Also note that you must be off the water by the designated time shown on the MCR board at the boat ramp. Failure to be off the water for any non-emergency situation is subject to penalties from MCR.

Be a responsible watercraft operator by being prepared BEFORE you go out on the water.

Make sure your battery is fully charged and know how long it will last BEFORE you go out on the water.  Consider having extra CHARGED batteries, a portable battery charger, and a paddle on board.