Thinning to Protect and Enhance Critical Watersheds
LOCATION: Wharton State Forest and Brendan T. Byrne State Forest in Burlington County; Double Trouble State Park and Whiting Wildlife Management Area in Ocean County
PURPOSE: To improve watershed protection, reduce wildfire risk, stop pests, increase biodiversity benefits, and improve growth and genetics through thinning high density stands strategically chosen across New Jersey forests.
BACKGROUND: Forests throughout New Jersey are suffering from conditions related to high forest density. Southern Pine Beetle (SPB) injuries and increased wildfire risk are two major problems resulting from ‘too many trees in the forest.’ With limited resources and fierce competition amongst trees on an overstocked site, fewer trees can thrive and survive. This condition increases competition amongst the smaller trees for sunlight and water causing them to become vulnerable to pests like SPB, increases loss of bio and genetic diversity, and creates a greater risk of a devastating wildfire.
PROJECT SUMMARY: This proposal encompasses multiple smaller activities all reaching the overarching goal of stand density reduction through the forestry practice of thinning. Thinning activities will occur in 740 acres in Wharton State Forest, 147 acres in Double Trouble State Park, 275 acres in Whiting Wildlife Management Area, and 24 acres in Brendan T. Byrne State Forest.
BENEFITS: This proposal is a holistic approach for New Jersey forests to lower stand density. The focus is specifically across the pinelands region, which in turn will improve wildlife habitat through diverse stand structures resulting in less resource competition and improved watershed protection. By implementing this practice, growth is dedicated to the remaining trees, shrubs, and rare species, thus increasing their lifespan as well as decreasing the stand’s stress levels.
FUNDING: ONRR is funding this project at the cost of $563,561.77 to cover the thinning (contractual and in-house work) and equipment costs.
SCHEDULE: Thinning operations are currently completed in Brendan T. Byrne State Forest and Whiting Wildlife Management Area. Roughly 68 acres remain in Double Trouble State Park. Due to threatened and endangered species timing restrictions and advisement from Endangered and Nongame Species Program (ENSP) and Office of Natural Lands Management programs, thinning operations are ceased in some activity areas and resumed in other areas. Currently, a forestry mowing contractor is engaged in thinning operations in Wharton State Forest.
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