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CONTENTS
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I NTRODUCTI ON
Across most of the United States, our forests are in a poor state of affair due to negligent
management practices. This mismanagement is causing the forests to become very unhealthy due
to the lack of disturbance regimes. Because these forests are overgrown and stressed, we are
seeing a major decrease in biodiversity of both plants and animals. Also, many wild fires that
occur, if they occur at all in some areas, happen on a very large scale due to the build-up of fuels.
Most of the tree mortality is now being caused by diseases and insects that attack stressed trees.
For example, the Southern pine beetle is decimating much of the forests across the US. Some
lessons that should be learned from this management plan are that any type of silivicultural
practices should not applied homogeneously across a forest. It should differ depending on the
type of trees present and should maintain an ecosystem with all the right elements to regenerate
naturally with the changing climate. We will be looking at the ecosystem as a whole and manage
for each part of it, from the plant and animal species present to reducing the danger of
detrimental forest fires. In the New Jersey Pine Barrens, we see preservation more than
conservation. In the area being managed, we are being asked to manage for threatened and
OBJECTI VES
1. To make ³Sure Forest´DPRGHOIRUPXOWLSOHXVHLQFRUSRUDWLQJHFRORJLFDOIRUHVWU\
principles to produce wood fiber, water, wildlife, aesthetic, and recreational use.
M ETHODOLOGY
This management plan addresses 110 acre parcel of private land, under the current
ownership of Ms. Susan Sure, located within Atlantic county, New Jersey. With the use of
preexisting stand delineations and data acquired from fellow forestry companies, a proper
management plan could be produced and implemented to achieve the objectives given to the
team. Much of our information came from GIS information that was provided through Dr.
Weihong Fan and Dr. George Zimmermann. This information included soil data, waterways
present, nearby roads and foot paths, and potential fire breaks. To collect the needed data, plots
were randomly selected and point sampling was used, on basal area factor ten on the angle
gauge. Understory vegetation, existing wildlife, overall health of the forest, and amount of
disturbance was noted upon observation of the plot. Aerial photographs were provided for
interpretation of ecological history of the area. Dr. George Zimmermann also provided the team
with a compilation of other faculties findings regarding all elements in our management area.
7
Bob Williams, a professional forester, Dr. Jack Connor, a well versed birder of New Jersey, and
Jon Klischies of the New Jersey Forest Service gave us insight on important aspects of the
forests and best management practices to possibly use. Literature regarding the implementation
of fire as a silvicultural practice was explored to aid in our plan for prescribed fire.
RESULTS
Throughout the four stands that are being managed, the overall health of the forest is
somewhat low. Most of the areas, which have been suppressed from fire for quite some time,
have a very high fuel build-up and is subsequently causing the forests to be stressed.
In stand one, which is closest to the campus buildings, is generally very disturbed and is
in dire need of the return of fire regimes. Here you can find a mixed pine-oak forest. Pitch pine
(Pinus rigida) and various oak species dominate this area, with other species typically found in
unmanaged pine-oak forests such as black gum (Nyssa sylvatica), sweetbay magnolia (Magnolia
understory of highbush and lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium spp.). The fuel build up is very high,
indicating this area has not received any disturbance regimes recently and regeneration is low,
with some pine saplings found but the chance they will survive is low due to the lack of sunlight
hitting the forest floor. The wildlife in this area consisted mostly of small song birds, Eastern
gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis), chipmunks (Tamias spp.), and various birds that inhabit the
Stand two consists mostly of Atlantic-white cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides) with black
gum and high bush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum). The age of these trees ranged mostly
from 50 to 80 years old with not many younger growth cedars, indicating regeneration in this
area is extremely low. Also, not many saplings or seedlings were seen and the smaller trees that
8
were present were mostly dead or dying, which could be caused by the abundant amount of deer
found in this area. Young Atlantic white cedar (Chamaecypais thyoides) is a main component of
the diet of the deer in this area. The only wildlife noted in this stand was some small song birds
Stand Three was a thicker pine-oak forest. The dominant species were pitch pine and
white oak (Quercus alba). The thick understory consisted of mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia),
bracken fern (Pteridium spp.), and various mosses. As noted by data provided for us, there are
signs of fire in some parts of the forest indicated by burns on the bases and lower trunks of some
of the pines. Regeneration, much like the other stands, is very low, mostly due to the very thick
understory present. Wildlife observed in this area included Eastern gray squirrel, chipmunks, and
Stands 4a and 4b were relatively thinned out due to past fire regimes and effects caused
by the gypsy moth. This area was also dominated by pitch pine (Pinus rigida) and white oak
(Quercus alba), as well as scarlet oak (Quercus stellata). The amount of wildlife was more
abundant here compared to other stands, perhaps due to the fact that it more closely resembled a
younger forest. We observed more species of birds here. There was more bare ground exposed to
sunlight and the understory was non-existent in some parts of the stand.
DI SCUSSI ON
HI STORY
The property is located in Pomona, New Jersey, right next to Richard Stockton College. The aid
of aerial photographs from 1930 and 2007 represent key elements in the process of gathering
information about the land. The property encompasses different types of land cover, varying
9
from oak-pine uplands (Quercus spp. and Pinus spp.) to Atlantic white cedar lowlands
(Chamaecypais thyoides), as well as bordering a lake. The forest standing in the property today
is the result of many years of poor management practices and fire suppression; the evidence of
this is perceived by the high density of small diameter class trees throughout the stands,
accompanied by the large amounts of litter on the forest floor. Some areas of the property have
firebreaks which indicate that fire was prescribed at some point. Another sign of disturbance is
The image from 1930 shows that the forest was not as dense as it is today, except for the stream,
Cedick Run, which was surrounded by Atlantic white cedar trees. The areas next to the lake,
which was an operational cranberry (Vaccinium spp.) bog, are very sparse with a web of trails
FI RE ADPATED ECOSYSTEM
This type of forest, that contains mostly pitch pine (Pinus rigida), various oaks (Quercus
spp.), and shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata), has developed in a way that is reliant on the presence
of fire, otherwise known as a fire adapted ecosystem. Research has shown that in ecosystems
much like the one found in ³Sure Forest´, there is a visible decline in species diversity if the
period between fires is extended to just three years, whereas these areas should see fire annually
or biannually (Wisdom 16). Without fire, these forests become overgrown messes of unhealthy
oaks (Quercus spp.) and pines (Pinus spp.), with oaks (Quercus spp.) sometimes dominating the
areas, which is an indicator of the lack of disturbance regimes for this particular ecosystem. By
applying fires, area can be cleared for regeneration of pines and at the same time create early
successional habitat, which is important for many species of plants and animals.
10
Just by looking at the forest that we must manage, you can see the immense build-up of
fire fuels and the danger that it holds if a wildfire were to come through this part of the forest. If
a forest is managed with fire, the understory is kept at a minimum and allows for regeneration of
the land. Many times, a small fire may turn into a catastrophic one due to the dense understory
because it acts as a ladder for the fire to reach the canopies of the trees, which leads to very hot,
dangerous fires. These fires may cause irreversible damage to the ecosystem, as well as
surrounding homes and families. Unfortunately, this is seen far too many times due to the
mismanagement of the forest or the lack there of. To prevent this from happening to this parcel
of land, our team must prepare this forest to be managed with fire. With fire breaks, cleared
areas, and short periods between burns, we hope to greatly reduce the risk of detrimental
In New Jersey alone, there are 73 species of wildlife that are considered threatened or
endangered. Due to the ever expanding population of this state, we are seeing a serious decline in
our biodiversity. This is caused by loss of habitat, exploitation, predation, and competition with
invasive species. Sure Forest has potential to harbor several threatened or endangered species,
which we plan to mostly base our management goals around this purpose. Many of the species
that potentially could live here rely on early successional habitat, or at least for one aspect of
their life (i.e. foraging grounds or nesting grounds). We will specifically manage for a species
stand by stand and will create areas to act as experiments to see which silvicultural practice may
better suit a certain species. The species we will be managing for include;
x Barred owl (Strix varia) (both foraging habitat and nesting habitat)
Other species that are not considered threatened or endangered, but are rare to this area
will also be managed for to maximize species diversity. These include blue birds (Sialia sialis),
other snakes that use these habitats, woodcock (Scolopax minor), and other small songbirds that
could provide a food source for both barred owl (Strix varia) DQG&RRSHU¶VKDZN (Accipiter
cooperii). By following some of the best management practices provided by the New Jersey
Department of Environmental Protection, we hope to provide and maintain suitable habitat for
these species. Refer to appendices for information regarding the desired habitat of each species
If Ms. Susan Sure were to allow this parcel of land to go unmanaged, this area
would pose a large threat to surrounding properties due to the high fire risk this land holds. The
costs of repairs would most likely leave Ms. Sure in a large deficit. Not to mention, the hotness
of the fire would leave this land very damaged and it would be hard to bring the forest back to a
healthy state. With the use of fire breaks being set 300 feet apart and regular fire regimes, the
team hopes to greatly reduce the fire risk for this parcel of land.
12
As far as biodiversity of plants go, the amount of biodiversity would eventually be very
low due to the overgrowth of the forest combined with a lack of disturbance regimes.
Mesofication would occur throughout the stands, leading to a higher density of black gum (Nyssa
silvatica), sassafras (Sassafras albidum), and maples (Acer spp.), as well as invasive species that
favor those types of habitats. The once dominant pitch pine (Pinus rigida) would eventually have
no new regeneration, leaving the forest to be taken over by hardwoods. The lack of biodiversity
among the plants would subsequently lead to a lowering of the biodiversity of animals. A good
example of this can be seen within the Atlantic white cedar (Chamaecypais thyoides) stand
where very little wildlife can be seen because it contains very little variation in vegetation. To
ensure that ³Sure Forest´ holds a very high amount of biodiversity in both plants and animals,
we will apply regular disturbance regimes to bring back early successional habitats; which are
favored by many species of animals, and also provides space for regeneration of pines (Pinus
spp.) within this forest. We will, however, still maintain certain tracks of land to be left as is such
as the Atlantic (Chamaecypais thyoides) white cedar because of its appeal for barred owl (Strix
CONCLUSI ON
After reviewing all parts of the ³Sure Forest´ and all that lives in it, we realize that this
forest has gone far too long without the disturbance regimes that once controlled the growth of
the vegetation and habitats. It is obvious that this land must be managed to reduce the risk of fire
Overall, our goals for management of this land include the following;
disturbance regimes.
Apply silvicultural practices in a well thought out way that allows the forest to
develop in regards to the changing dynamics of all elements that influence the
forest growth.
x Create fields, closed canopy areas, parkland, un-even aged shortleaf pine
(Pinus echinata).
Our plan has an ecological approach with the viability of the environment in our
Apply fire breaks and disturbance regimes to reduce risk of large fires.
7KHRYHUDOOODQGVFDSHSODQWKDWRXUFRPSDQ\DSSOLHGWR0V6XVDQ6XUH¶VSDUFHORIODQG
located in Pomona, New Jersey focuses on the reintroduction of disturbance regimes in order to
foster the creation of early successional habitat. The reintroduction of disturbance regimes is
necessary to achieve the objectives set forth by the landowner. In order to foster as many
threatened and endangered species as the parcel can support, the creation of habitat representing
varied stages of succession is the overriding aim. These varied stages of successional habitat
will be achieved by the implementation of active forest management which will utilize rotational
14
prescribed burns, rotational clearcuts, and thinning. The reintroduction of disturbance regimes
via prescribed burns and thinning will aid in the restoration of overall forest health. The
rotational prescribed burns as well as the maintenance of various property boundaries and buffers
maintenance of successional habitat will be our primary tool for meeting the objectives of Ms.
Sure.
STAND 1
We would like to establish and maintain a 100ft cleared area surrounding the campus
buildings to create a buffer from potential fires. Because this area will be susceptible to invasive
plant species, this buffer will be kept on a two year burn regime to ensue this area will stay clear
of any invasive plants. Within the buffer, blue bird (Sialia sialis) boxes will be erected and
The area immediately surrounding the cleared buffer area will be maintained as parkland,
with a trail along the lake. The trees surrounding the lake will remain untouched because Jack
Connor pointed out how unique that is for lakes in the area and it is very important for many
species such as the belted kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) and the eastern kingbird (Tyrannus
tyrannus). Throughout the thinning and burning, snags and wildlife trees will be kept for
woodpecker boxes will be placed within the area. This area will be kept on a seven year burn
regime.
15
Two 1-acre circles will be cleared the first year to manage for Pine Barrens gentian
which plant will grow first, one half of each acre circle will be on a 3 year fire regime and the
other half will be on a 5 year fire regime. After 7 years, if neither the gentian (Gentiana
autumnalis) nor chaffseed (Schwalbea americana) are present, we will plant them to reintroduce
ECONOM I CS
Economics
Year Silviculture Economics (Vn) (Vo)
2010 Clearcut 9 acres. Burn 7 acres.
Burn 11.6 acres. Burn 1 acre. N/A $874.00
Burn 1 acre.
2011
2012 Burn 7 acres. $70.00 $67.28
2013 Burn 3 acres. $30.00 $28.27
2014 Burn 7 acres. Burn 5 acres. $120.00 $108.69
2015
2016 Burn 7 acres. Burn 1 acre. Burn $196.00
11.6 acres. $170.63
2017
2018 Burn 7 acres. $70.00 $58.57
2019 Burn 1 acre. Burn 1 acre. $20.00 $16.41
Net Income $424.15
Silviculture (40 Years) Economics(Vo)
Clearcut 9 acres at year 1. $1,080.00
Burn 7 acres every 2 years. $960.90
Burn 11.6 acres every 7 years. $439.92
Burn 1 acre every 3 years. $92.64
Burn 1 acre every 5 years. $56.00
Net Income -‐$469.46
DI SEASE/PATHOGENS
There are few diseases that will affect the trees in stand 1; however we will monitor for
Sudden Oak Death which is controlled by increasing the general health of the stand by methods
such as pruning, and thinning the stand, and lowering the stress on trees within the stand. Gouty
Oak Gall (Callirhytis quercus punctata) is also of concern; however like with Sudden Oak Death
WI LDFI RE
The buffer zone which will be cleared, as well as the thinning and prescribed burnings
should significantly reduce the amount of fuel available for wildfires. Also, the presence of new
fire breaks will lower damage should there be a wildfire. If a wildfire should occur our
I NVASI VE SPECI ES
There are not very many invasive species to worry about in stand 1, we will be clear
cutting for a buffer zone, and also thinning the wooded area to bring in endangered native
species. However, if hardwoods become a problem herbicides may be used as a last resort.
STAND 2
Because this is a thick area of older Atlantic white cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides),
which is potential nesting habitat area for both barred owl (Strix varia) DQG&RRSHU¶VKDZN
(Accipiter cooperii), there will not be much disturbance going on. This area will be specifically
attract red-shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus) and Northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) as well.
To make Ms. Sure some profit from this area, we will do an initial full pole thin of 16 acres of
Towards 2050, we hope to have an established breeding pair of both barred owl (Strix
varia) DQG&RRSHU¶VKDZN (Accipiter cooperii). By putting gathered piles of slash and woody
debris in various areas on the outer edge of the thickest part of the Atlantic white cedar
19
(Chamaecyparis thyoides) stand, we hope to attract timber rattle snakes (Crotalus horridus).
Yearly surveys will be conducted to see if any snakes are present. Also, we will only conduct
thinning from June through September because this is when the snakes have moved out of the
VWDQG2QWKHRXWHUHGJHRIWKHVWDQGFORVHVWWRWKHZDWHU¶VHGJHZHZLOOVHOHFWWUHHVWKDWDUH
large enough and have sufficient water immediately below them to place wood duck (Aix
ECONOM I CS
Year Silviculture Economics(Vn) Economics(Vo)
100% Pole Thin of 16
acres. Construction of
2010 N/A $23,850.00
Wood Duck(8) & Barred
Owl(2) nest boxes.
2011-‐2019 N/A N/A N/A
Net Income $23,850.00
DI SEASE/PATHOGENS
This stand consists of Atlantic white cedar which is very disease resistant so there is little
to be monitored.
WI LDFI RE
Although, we do not plan to put fire breaks in this stand we will monitor and control
wildfire in this area by thinning fuels and putting fire breaks in the surrounding stands.
I NVASI VE SPECI ES
There are not very many invasive species in this stand; however invading hardwoods
such as maple and increased under story growth may have an adverse effect on the regeneration
of Atlantic white cedar. However, by only doing pole thinning and not clear cutting the area we
STAND 3
In this mixed oak pine area, we would like to eventually establish an uneven aged shortleaf pine
(Pinus echinata) forest within the oak-pine (Quercus spp. and Pinus spp.) forest. To reduce the
danger of fire we will do a summer thin followed by a fall fire the first year of 18 acres. 6.5 of
these 18 acres will be kept on a 10 year burn regime. This burn regime is lengthened because it
borders the AWC (Chamaecyparis thyoides) stand which contains the barred owl (Strix varia)
thick mixed pine-oak forest (Pinus spp. and Quercus spp.). Also if excessive disturbance occurs
21
in close proximity to the AWC (Chamaecyparis thyoides) stand, barred owl (Strix varia),
&RRSHU¶VKDZN (Accipiter cooperii) and timber rattle snake (Crotalus horridus) will not inhabit
these areas.
Within these 6.5 acres, two .25 acre clearings will be created by group selection and in
these clearings the ground will be scraped to create a vernal pond, which will be at most 4ft deep
in the center. These vernal ponds will be monitored every year to ensure the pond is successful.
If no Eastern tiger salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum tigrinum) have inhabited them within five
years, we will introduce tiger salamander eggs into the vernal ponds; a method which has proven
In the other area of the 18 acres being managed, we will create a multi-aged shortleaf
pine forest (Pinus echinata). The 11.5 acres will be split into thirds length-wise and put on a
rotating 5 year burn period between the three layers. Five years after the initial burn, we will
burn the first inner layer and plant SLP (Shortleaf pine, P. echinata) intermittently throughout
the layer. Five years later we will burn the second layer and do the same SLP plantings. Finally,
after an additional five years, we will burn the outermost layer and do the same SLP plantings
once more. At that point the first layer can be burned. Hopefully, this area will attract red-headed
(Picoides borealis). If the habitat seems suitable after 40 years, we will apply for a permit to
introduce a breeding pair to this area. Part of this area will also be used for Homeowners wood.
22
ECONOM I CS
Year Silviculture Economics(Vn) Economics(Vo)
.5 acre Multiple Group Selection.
50% Basal Area Thin on 18 acres.
2010
Burn 18 acres. Install 2 vernal
ponds. Homeowners Wood. N/A $1,415.00
2011 Homeowners Wood $200.00 $196.09
2012 Homeowners Wood $200.00 $192.23
2013 Homeowners Wood $200.00 $188.46
DI SEASE/PATHOGENS
There are few diseases that will affect the trees in stand 3; however we will monitor for
Sudden Oak Death which is controlled by increasing the general health of the stand by methods
such as pruning, and thinning the stand, and lowering the stress on trees within the stand. Gouty
Oak Gall (Callirhytis quercus punctata) is also of concern; however like with Sudden Oak Death
WI LDFI RE
The chance of wildfires will be lowered by thinning regimes the stand and introducing
prescribed burns to lower the amount of fuel available to burn. Also, the presence of new fire
breaks will lower damage should there be a wildfire. If a wildfire should occur our management
I NVASI VE SPECI ES
There are not very many invasive species to worry about in this stand; also any that are
present should be controlled by our management plan of prescribed burns and cutting regimes.
STAND 4A
This area will be managed to create a field area and early successional growth. Three two
acre circles overlapping each other will be cleared the first year. Each circle will be on a seven
year fire regime, as an experiment to see if we can keep the intersecting area as a field
surrounded by early succession growth. The first year, the first two acre circle will be burned.
Two years hence the second two acre circle will be burned. Two years hence from the burning
of the second two acres, the final two acres will be burned. Two years hence, the rotation will
restart with the burning of the first two acre circle. The surrounding area to the three circles will
be kept on a 10 year fire regime. This area in the middle being created surrounded by oak-pine
forest will hopefully attract woodcock (Scolopax minor) and/or ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus).
Both species require an open area surrounded by area that provides for cover from predators.
for this would be a good foraging habitat, with both field and forest edge present. Plus, this area
will attract many small birds and rodents that these predatory birds can feed on.
ECONOM I CS
Year Silviculture Economics(Vn) Economics(Vo)
Burn 20.6 acres. Burn 2
2010 acres. Homeowners Wood. N/A $934.00
Clearcut 8 acres.
2011 Homeowners Wood $200.00 $196.08
Homeowners Wood. Burn 2
2012 $180.00 $173.01
acres.
2013 Homeowners Wood $200.00 $188.46
Homeowners Wood. Burn 2
2014 $180.00 $166.29
acres.
2015 Homeowners Wood $200.00 $181.15
Homeowners Wood. Burn 2
2016 $180.00 $159.83
acres.
2017 Homeowners Wood $200.00 $174.11
Homeowners Wood. Burn 2
2018 $180.00 $153.63
acre.
Homeowners Wood. Burn
2019 $6.00 $5.02
20.6 acres.
Net Income $2,321.55
DI SEASE/PATHOGENS
There are few diseases that will affect the trees in stands 4a and 4b; however we will
monitor for Sudden Oak Death which is controlled by increasing the general health of the stand
by methods such as pruning, and thinning the stand, and lowering the stress on trees within the
stand. Gouty Oak Gall (Callirhytis quercus punctata) is also of concern; however like with
Sudden Oak Death increasing the general health of the stand will lower susceptibility
WI LDFI RE
The chance of wildfires will be lowered by thinning regimes the stand and introducing
prescribed burns to lower the amount of fuel available to burn. Also, the presence of new fire
breaks will lower damage should there be a wildfire. If a wildfire should occur our management
I NVASI VE SPECI ES
There are not very many invasive species to worry about in this stand; also any that are
present should be controlled by our management plan of prescribed burns and cutting regimes.
STAND 4B
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added to appeal to the scientific aspect of this plan. Three one acre circles will be cleared the first
year and the surrounding area will be burned and kept on a rotating ten year burn regime. The
29
first circle will be cleared again ten years after the first clearing, while the other two circles will
remain untouched. Ten years later the second circle will be cleared and finally ten years later, the
last 30 year old circle will be cleared. This will continue on. This will also provide habitat for
both woodcock and ruffed grouse. Part of this area, closest to the road, will be used for
DI SEASE/PATHOGENS
WI LDFI RE
I NVASI VE SPECI ES
countless hours viewing both the individual stands as well as the entire forest through a variety
of lenses; ecologic and economic alike. Managing for and integrating aspects of the individual
stands into the comprehensive management plan resulted in obtaining the objectives set forth by
the landowner.
³6XUH)RUHVW´LVUHSUHVHQWDWLYHRIDPXOWLSOHXVHIRUHVWWKHPDQDJHPHQWSODQIRFXVHVRQ
fostering as many endangered, threatened, and rare species that the property can support, while
maintaining aesthetic value, recreational value, and economic feasibility. The silvicultural
prescriptions used to manage for threatened and endangered species do so by creating varied
30
stages of sucessional habitat. These prescriptions also aid in improving the overall quality and
health of the forest; reducing the fuel load to protect against catastrophic wildfires as well as
reducing the density of the stands and removing unhealthy individuals to protect against pests
improving the image of management practices such as the implementation of vernal ponds
7KHPDQDJHPHQWSODQEHLQJSURSRVHGIRU³6XUH)RUHVW´LVWREHLPSOHPHQWHGDVD
year rotation. Economically, the comprehensive management plan exhibits a net annual income
of $943.89, which qualifies the property for Farmland Tax Assessment. This qualification
UHGXFHVWKHODQGRZQHU¶VDQQXDOWD[HVWRVDYLQJWKHPDQQXDOO\. The
proposed comprehensive management plan complies with all Federal, State, and Pinelands
regulations.
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)RUHVW´WREHFRPHDPRGHORI³PXOWLSOH-XVHIRUHVWU\´7KHFRPSUHKHQVLYHPDQDJHPHQWSODQ
maintains the flexibility to be altered as time progresses, stand dynamics shift, and objectives
change.
ACKNOWLEDGEM ENTS
We would like to thank Professor Zimmermann, Dr. Jack Connor, Mr. Bob Williams, Mr.
John Klischies, Dr. Mike Geller, Dr. William Cromartie, Dr. Sandra Bierbraur, Dr. Weihong
Fan, and all of the Ecological Forest Management Forestry Teams for their tremendous amount
LI TERATURE CI TED
1. Bierbrauer, Dr. Sandra. "A brief description of Stockton campus: some highlights
of its past." Stockton College. PDF file.
2. Carlo, Nick, Conor Lynch, and Vihn Lang. "Stand Information." Ecological Forest
Managament. Stockton College. Word document file.
5. Forest Resource Education Center. "Southern Pine Beetle." New Jersey Forest
Service: n. pag. Print.
6. Franklin, Jerry F., Robert J. Mitchell, and Brian J. Palik. "Natural Disturbance
and Stand Development Principles for Ecological Forestry." USDA Forest
Service (May 2007): n. pag. Web. 10 Dec. 2010.
7. Korstian, C. F., and W. D. Brush. Southern White Cedar. Washington, DC: United
States Department of Agriculture, 1931. Zims Folder. Web. 10 Dec. 2010.
11. US Fish and Wildlife. "Red-Cockaded Woodpecker." US Fish and Wildlife Service.
N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Dec. 2010. <http://www.fws.gov/daphne/RCW/
redcockadedwoodpecker.html>.
32
APPENDI CES
SOI LS
The stand contains a heterogeneous mix of soils (based on the soils GIS shapefile, found
under J:/Fanw/Zim) from Klej loamy sand to Downer loamy sand, and Muck to Atsion sand.
There no abrupt changes in topography with slopes ranging from 3% to 5% and with Cedick Run
constituting the basin for the surface runoff occurring around it.
I N NJ
Red-headed State Red-headed woodpeckers inhabit open woods, both upland and
woodpecker wetland, that contain dead or dying trees and sparse undergrowth.
(Melanerpes threatened Such habitat is often created by disturbances such as fire, flooding,
erythrocephalus) or insect outbreaks. A sparse understory is favored for foraging
and dead or dying trees are required for nesting. Red-headed
woodpeckers occupy similar habitats throughout the year, seeking
wintering sites such as open riparian or pine forests and orchards
that contain nut and mast producing trees. In southern New Jersey,
typical red-headed woodpecker nesting sites include upland oak or
mixed oak/pine forests that contain both living and dead trees.
Pitch pine (Pinus rigida), white oak (Quercus alba), and red oak
(Q. rubra) are often found in the overstory and lowbush blueberry
(Vaccinium vacillans) or huckleberry (Gaylussacia spp.) dominate
the ground cover. In northern New Jersey, red-headed
woodpeckers breed in open upland forests, beaver marshes, or
wetland forests associated with floodplains or swamps. Such
wetland habitats, which often provide an abundance of dead trees,
may contain oak (Quercus spp.), hickory (Carya spp.), elm
(Ulmus spp.), and hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) in the overstory
and sedge (Carex spp.) on the ground.
37
Eastern tiger State Tiger salamanders require both upland and wetland habitats that
salamander contain suitable breeding ponds, forests, and soil types appropriate
(Ambystoma endangered for burrowing. Subterranean throughout much of the year, these
tigrinum tigrinum) salamanders reside in underground tunnels and burrows or beneath
logs. Loamy sand and sandy loam soil types are preferred for
burrowing. As natural woodland breeding ponds have been
destroyed through development, dumping, and pollution, old
gravel pits and farm ponds have come to serve as breeding sites
for the eastern tiger salamander. These ponds must contain clean,
unpolluted water and be free of fish that prey upon salamander
eggs and larvae. Like numerous other vernal pond breeding
species, tiger salamanders require pools that contain water long
enough during the season to allow for metamorphosis, but dry up
late in the summer, preventing the establishment of predatory fish
populations. Consequently, breeding ponds are typically only 2 to
4 ft. deep. Terrestrial habitats occupied by the eastern tiger
salamander include old fields and deciduous or mixed woods such
as oak/pine or oak/holly forests. These woodlands typically have
sandy or gravelly soil types and may contain willow (Salix spp.),
holly (Ilex opaca), oaks (Quercus spp.), and pitch pine (Pinus
rigida). Vegetation surrounding breeding ponds, such as sedges
(Carex spp.) and sphagnum moss (Sphagnum spp.), as well as
aquatic vegetation within the pond, provides cover for the
salamanders. Ponds may have gravel, mud, sand, or clay substrates
(bottoms) and pH water levels ranging from 3.5 to 7.9.
Timber rattle snake State Populations in southern New Jersey are typically found in
(Crotalus pinelands habitats that consist primarily of pitch pine (Pinus
horridus) endangered rigida), short-leaf pine (P. echinata), scrub oak (Quercus
ilicifolia), blackjack oak (Q. marilandica), and blueberry
(Vaccinium spp.) Dens in the Pinelands are usually found in cedar
swamps and along stream banks. The summer ranges of male and
non-gravid female timber rattlesnakes typically include forested
habitats with greater than 50% canopy cover and approximately
75% vegetative ground cover (Reinert and Zappalorti, 1988).
Gravid (pregnant) females prefer areas with approximately 25%
canopy cover, nearly equal amounts of vegetation and leaf litter
covering the ground and numerous fallen logs (Reinert and
Zappalorti, 1988). Both northern and southern populations
hibernate in communal dens sharing the hibernacula with other
rattlesnakes as well as northern copperheads (northern population
only), black rat snakes, and others (Martin, 1992).
** Information provided by the New Jersey Fish and Wildlife Service (NJ F&WS).
STAND ONE
STOCK TABLE
41
UNDERSTORY
Understory vegetation
Shrubs:
(Gaylussacia baccata) huckleberry
(Gaylussacia frondosa) huckleberry
(Ilex glabra) inkberry
(Ilex opaca ) American holly
(Kalmia latifolia) mountain laurel
(Lyonia mariana) Peidmont staggerbush
(Myrica pensylvanica) Northern bayberry
(Quercus marilandica) blackjack oak
STAND TWO
STOCK TABLE
UNDERSTORY
While there are many species that may occupy the understory of Atlantic White-cedar
stands, highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) and mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) are
WKHRQO\WZRPDMRUVKUXEW\SHVLQWKHVWDQGRQ6WRFNWRQ¶VFDPSXV*UHHQEULDU(Smilax spp.)
High bush blueberry is an ancestor of the cultivated blueberry. The leaves of this plant
are elliptical shaped and do not have resin dots underneath of the leaves like huckleberry bush
leaves. The twigs are often bright red and the fruit blue. White or pink flowers sometimes form
in clusters on this plant. High bush blueberry is common in wet soils (Georgian).
Sphagnum moss forms tightly arranged clusters of branches. This is one of the main
ways the moss is distinguished. Reproduction is done by fragmentation. The stem color leaves
and shape of the branches all help identify this species (Novak).
Green briar is a vine with a green stem, sharp thorns and tendrils. Most of the leaves are
STAND THREE
STOCK TABLE
D Class 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Species
White 0 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 0
Oak
Pitch 0 1 0 3 6 5 7 3 0 1 0
Pine
All 0 1 0 4 9 5 7 3 0 1 0
Species
UNDERSTORY
Some understory vegetation that is present in our stand includes hair-cap moss
(Polytrichum piliferum), which is a type of moss that grows in patches. Also, sensitive fern
(Onoclea sensibilis) is present in our stand. This plant has opposite, wavy-edged veined leaflets
that spread at the base and up into each side of the main stem. Teaberry (Gaultheria
procumbens) is also present and has slender stems that arise from creeping undergrowth. Other
43
understory vegetation in our stand includes the cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnanomea), pin
cushion moss (Leucobryum albidum), bracket or artists fungus (Fomes applanatum), mountain
STAND FOUR
STOCK TABLE
D-Class
Species 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
PP 74.0 74.0 74.0 0.0 74.0 74.0 222.0 74.0 0.0 148.0 222.0 148.0 74.0
SO 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 148.0 148.0 148.0 148.0 74.0 74.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
SF 0.0 0.0 74.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
WO 148.0 148.0 148.0 74.0 0.0 74.0 74.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
TOTAL 222.0 222.0 296.0 74.0 222.0 296.0 444.0 222.0 74.0 222.0 222.0 148.0 74.0
UNDERSTORY
M APS
STAND ONE
STAND
SOI LS
45
STREAM S
SI LVI CULTURE
46
FI RE BREAKS
BUFFERS
47
T& E SPECI ES
STAND TWO
STAND
48
SOI LS
STREAM S
49
SI LVI CULTURE
FI REBREAKS
BUFFERS
T& E SPECI ES
51
STAND THREE
STAND
SOI LS
52
STREAM S
SI LVI CULTURE
53
54
FI REBREAKS
BUFFERS
55
STAND FOUR A
STAND
SOI LS
56
STREAM S
SI LVI CULTURE
57
FI REBREAKS
BUFFERS
STAND FOUR B
STAND
59
SOI LS
STREAM S
60
SI LVI CULTURE
61
FI REBREAKS
BUFFERS