Download - Ecological Forest Management Plan

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Ecological Forest Management Plan

Ms. Susan Sure

J.E.M.D.A Sustainable Solutions

Ms. Erica G. Muller Mr. Jason Cesta

Mr. Alfonso Castro Mr. Derrick Mason

Ms. Meghan E. Yovankin

November 27th, 2010

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CONTENTS

Results

Discussion

History

Fire Adapted Ecosystem

Threatened & Endangered Species in New Jersey

Projection with and without Intervention

Conclusion

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Overall Landscape Plan

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Timetable

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Disease/Pathogens 17

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Timetable

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Timetable 22

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Stand Four A 25

Timetable

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4

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Stand

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INTRODUCTION

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

endangered species, as well as managing the overall integrity of the forest.

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OBJECTIVES

1. To make Sure Forest

principles to produce wood fiber, water, wildlife, aesthetic, and recreational use.

2. Foster as many threatened and endangered species as possible.

3. Meet Farmland Tax Assessment criteria of NJ.

4. Protect against devastating wildfires.

5. Protect against all forest pests and pathogens.

ECOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT

METHODOLOGY

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.

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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

virginiana), sassafras (Sassafras albidum), rhododendron (Rhododendron spp.), and a thick

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

shallows of Lake Fred, which neighbors the stand.

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

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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

but there was nothing observed beyond that.

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

various small song birds.

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.

DISCUSSION

HISTORY

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

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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 prevalence of multiple stem trees, mainly oaks (Quercus spp.).

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

around Lake Fred and throughout the stand.

FIRE 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 Sure 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.

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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

wildfires in this area, as well as increase the health of the forest.

THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES IN NEW JERSEY

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;

Red-headed woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus)

Accipiter cooperii) (both foraging habitat and nesting habitat)

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Barred owl (Strix varia) (both foraging habitat and nesting habitat)

American chaffseed (Schwalbea americana)

Pine Barrens gentian (Gentiana autumnalis)

Eastern tiger salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum tigrinum)

Ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus)

Timber rattle snake (Crotalus horridus)

Red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis)

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) (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

we are managing for.

PROJECTION WITH & WITHOUT INTERVENTION

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.

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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 Sure 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

varia) (Accipiter cooperii).

CONCLUSION

After reviewing all parts of the Sure 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

and bring the forest back to a healthy state.

Overall, our goals for management of this land include the following;

Appeal to the sciences by creating experiments integrated within our plan.

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Variability among burn regimes, cleared areas, and placement of

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.

Maximize threatened and endangered by creating early successional habitat

mixed with multi-aged old growth forests.

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

best interest but profitability of resources still plays a role.

Apply fire breaks and disturbance regimes to reduce risk of large fires.

MANAGEMENT/STEWARDSHIP PLAN

OVERALL LANDSCAPE PLAN

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

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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

will serve to maintain the integrity of o

surrounding wildfires. The implementation of silvicultural prescriptions aimed towards the

maintenance of successional habitat will be our primary tool for meeting the objectives of Ms.

Sure.

SILVICULTURAL PRESCRIPTIONS BY STAND

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

checked every spring to ensure no other birds inhabit them.

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

potential nesting for the red-headed woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) and 5

woodpecker boxes will be placed within the area. This area will be kept on a seven year burn

regime.

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Two 1-acre circles will be cleared the first year to manage for Pine Barrens gentian

(Gentiana autumnalis) and American chaffseed (Schwalbea americana). As an experiment to see

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

these plants into this area.

TIMETABLE (10 year / following 30 years) 10 Year Time Table.

2010 Clearcut 9 Acres. Prescribe burn 7 acres. Prescribe burn 11.6 acres. Prescribe burn 1 acre. Prescribe burn 1 acre.

2011 No Silviculture. 2012 Prescribe burn 7 acres. 2013 Prescribe burn 3 acres 2014 Prescribe burn 7 acres. Burn 5 acres. 2015 No Silviculture. 2016 Prescribe burn 7 acres. Prescribe burn 1 acre. Prescribe burn 11.6 acres. 2017 No Silviculture. 2018 Prescribe Burn 7 acres. 2019 Prescribe burn 1 acre. Prescribe burn 1 acre.

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Following 30 Year Time Table 2020 Prescribe burn 2 acres. 2021 No Silviculture. 2022 Prescribe burn 7 acres. Prescribe burn 1 acre. 2023 Prescribe burn 11.6 acres. 2024 Prescribe burn 7 acres. Prescribe burn 1 acre. 2025 Prescribe burn 1 acre. 2026 Prescribe burn 7 acres. 2027 No Silviculture. 2028 Prescribe burn 7 acres. Prescribe burn 1 acre. 2029 Prescribe burn 1 acre. 2030 Prescribe burn 7 acres. Prescribe burn 11.6 acres. 2031 Prescribe burn 1 acre. 2032 Prescribe burn 7 acres. 2033 No Silviculture. 2034 Prescribe burn 7 acres. Prescribe burn 1 acre. Prescribe burn 1 acre. 2035 No Silviculture. 2036 Prescribe burn 7 acres. 2037 Prescribe burn 1 acre. Prescribe burn 11.6 acres. 2038 Prescribe burn 7 acres. 2039 Prescribe burn 1 acre. 2040 Prescribe burn 7 acres. Prescribe burn 1 acre. 2041 No Silviculture. 2042 Prescribe burn 7 acres. 2043 Prescribe burn 1 acre. 2044 Prescribe burn 7 acres. Prescribe burn 11.6 acres. Prescribe burn 1 acre. 2045 No Silviculture. 2046 Prescribe burn 7 acres. Prescribe burn 1 acre. 2047 No Silviculture. 2048 Prescribe burn 7 acres. 2049 Prescribe burn 1 acre. Prescribe burn 1 acre.

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ECONOMICS

Year Silviculture Economics (Vn) Economics

(Vo) 2010 Clearcut 9 acres. Burn 7 acres.

Burn 11.6 acres. Burn 1 acre. Burn 1 acre.

N/A $874.00

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

11.6 acres. $196.00

$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

CONTIGENCY PLANS

DISEASE/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

increasing the general health of the stand will lower susceptibility.

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WILDFIRE 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

management plan will be revised.

INVASIVE SPECIES

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)

(Accipiter cooperii), there will not be much disturbance going on. This area will be specifically

(Accipiter cooperii) but the habitat may potentially

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

the stand, which excludes the 1- (Accipiter

cooperii) nest. The area will be pole thinned every 40 years.

Towards 2050, we hope to have an established breeding pair of both barred owl (Strix

varia) (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

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(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

large enough and have sufficient water immediately below them to place wood duck (Aix

sponsa) boxes on, with a total of eight boxes being placed.

TIMETABLE (10 year / following 30 years) 10 Year Time Table

2010 Pole Thin 16 acres (100%). Construct Wood Duck (8) and Barred Owl (2) nest boxes.

2011-2019 No Silviculture. Following 30 Year Time Table

2020-2048 No Silviculture. 2049 Pole Thin 16 acres (100%).

ECONOMICS

Year Silviculture Economics(Vn) Economics(Vo)

2010

100% Pole Thin of 16 acres. Construction of Wood Duck(8) & Barred Owl(2) nest boxes.

N/A $23,850.00

2011-‐2019 N/A N/A N/A

Net Income

$23,850.00

Silviculture (40 Years) Economics(Vn) Economics(Vo)

Initial 100% Pole Thin of 16 acres. N/A $24,000.00

100% Pole Thin of 16 acres at year 40. $24,000.00 $10,869.57

Initial Construction of Wood Duck (8) & Barred Owl (2) nest boxes. N/A $150.00 Net Income

$34,719.57

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CONTIGENCY PLANS

DISEASE/PATHOGENS This stand consists of Atlantic white cedar which is very disease resistant so there is little

to be monitored.

WILDFIRE 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.

INVASIVE SPECIES

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

should not have any issues.


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)

(Accipiter cooperii) habitat and these areas must be surrounded by somewhat

thick mixed pine-oak forest (Pinus spp. and Quercus spp.). Also if excessive disturbance occurs

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in close proximity to the AWC (Chamaecyparis thyoides) stand, barred owl (Strix varia),

(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

to be successful in other man made vernal ponds.

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

woodpeckers (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) or possibly even red-cockaded woodpeckers

(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.

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2010 Homeowners Wood. .5 acre Multiple Group Selection. 50% Basal Area Thin on 18 acres. Prescribe burn 18 acres. Install 2 vernal ponds.

2011 Homeowners Wood. 2012 Homeowners Wood. 2013 Homeowners Wood. 2014 Homeowners Wood. Prescribe burn 4.17 acres. Plant Shortleaf Pine (P.

echinata) on 4.17 acres. 2015 Homeowners Wood. 2016 Homeowners Wood. 2017 Homeowners Wood. 2018 Homeowners Wood. 2019 Homeowners Wood. Prescribe burn 4.5 acres. Plant Shortleaf Pine (P.

echinata) on 4.5 acres. Prescribe burn 6.5 acres.

Following 30 Year Time Table 2020 Homeowners Wood. 2021 Homeowners Wood. 2022 Homeowners Wood. 2023 Homeowners Wood. 2024 Homeowners Wood. Prescribe burn 4.17 acres. Prescribe burn 2.83 acres. Plant

Shortleaf Pine (P. echinata) 2.83 acres. 2025 Homeowners Wood. 2026 Homeowners Wood. 2027 Homeowners Wood. 2028 Homeowners Wood. 2029 Homeowners Wood. Prescribe burn 6.5 acres. Prescribe burn 4.5 acres. 2030 Homeowners Wood. 2031 Homeowners Wood. 2032 Homeowners Wood. 2033 Homeowners Wood. 2034 Homeowners Wood. Prescribe burn 4.17 acres. Prescribe burn 2.83 acres. 2035 Homeowners Wood. 2036 Homeowners Wood. 2037 Homeowners Wood. 2038 Homeowners Wood. 2039 Homeowners Wood. Prescribe burn 6.5 acres. Prescribe burn 4.5 acres. 2040 Homeowners Wood. 2041 Homeowners Wood. 2042 Homeowners Wood. 2043 Homeowners Wood. 2044 Homeowners Wood. Prescribe burn 4.17 acres. Prescribe burn 2.83 acres. 2045 Homeowners Wood. 2046 Homeowners Wood.

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2047 Homeowners Wood. 2048 Homeowners Wood. 2049 Homeowners Wood. Prescribe burn 6.5 acres. Prescribe burn 4.5 acres.

ECONOMICS Year Silviculture Economics(Vn) Economics(Vo)

2010

.5 acre Multiple Group Selection. 50% Basal Area Thin on 18 acres. 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

2014 Homeowners Wood. Burn 4.17 acres. Plant SLP on 4.17 acres. $449.67 $415.43

2015 Homeowners Wood $200.00 $181.15 2016 Homeowners Wood $200.00 $177.59 2017 Homeowners Wood $200.00 $174.11 2018 Homeowners Wood $200.00 $170.70

2019 Homeowners Wood. Burn 4.5 acres. Plant SLP on 4.5 acres. Burn 6.5 acres. $488.27 $408.56

Net Income -‐$958.66

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Silviculture (40 years) Economics(Vo)

Install 2 Vernal Ponds $2,500.00

Initial Multiple Group Selection of .5 acres. $15.00 Initial 50% BA Thin of 18 acres. $1,080.00 Initial Burn of 18 acres. $180.00 Homeowners Wood $5,471.01 Plant 4.17 acres of SLP at year 5. $611.90 Plant 4.5 acres of SLP at year 10. $598.03 Plant 2.83 acres of SLP at year 15. $347.46

Burn 4.17 acres every 10 years starting at year 5. $97.03



Burn 6.5 acres every 10 years starting at year 10. $299.96 Net Income $1,636.13

CONTIGENCY PLANS

DISEASE/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

increasing the general health of the stand will lower susceptibility.

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WILDFIRE

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

plan will be revised.

INVASIVE SPECIES

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.

However, if hardwoods become a problem herbicides may be used as a last resort.


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.

(Accipiter cooperii) and barred owl (Strix varia)

26

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.


2010 Homeowners Wood. Prescribe burn 2 acres. Prescribe burn 20.6 acres. 2011 Homeowners Wood. 2012 Homeowners Wood. Prescribe burn 2 acres. 2013 Homeowners Wood. 2014 Homeowners Wood. Prescribe burn 2 acres. 2015 Homeowners Wood. 2016 Homeowners Wood. Prescribe burn 2 acres. 2017 Homeowners Wood. 2018 Homeowners Wood. Prescribe burn 2 acres. 2019 Homeowners Wood. Prescribe burn 20.6 acres.

Following 30 Year Time Table

2020 Homeowners Wood. Clearcut 1 acre. Prescribe burn 2 acres. 2021 Homeowners Wood. 2022 Homeowners Wood. Prescribe burn 2 acres. 2023 Homeowners Wood. 2024 Homeowners Wood. Prescribe burn 2 acres. 2025 Homeowners Wood. 2026 Homeowners Wood. Prescribe burn 2 acres. 2027 Homeowners Wood. 2028 Homeowners Wood. Prescribe burn 2 acres. 2029 Homeowners Wood. 2030 Homeowners Wood. Prescribe burn 2 acres. Clearcut 1 acre. 2031 Homeowners Wood. 2032 Homeowners Wood. Prescribe burn 2 acres. 2033 Homeowners Wood. 2034 Homeowners Wood. Prescribe burn 2 acres. 2035 Homeowners Wood. 2036 Homeowners Wood. Prescribe burn 2 acres. 2037 Homeowners Wood. 2038 Homeowners Wood. Prescribe burn 2 acres. 2039 Homeowners Wood. 2040 Homeowners Wood. Prescribe burn 2 acres. Clearcut 1 acre. 2041 Homeowners Wood. 2042 Homeowners Wood. Prescribe burn 2 acres. 2043 Homeowners Wood. 2044 Homeowners Wood. Prescribe burn 2 acres. 2045 Homeowners Wood.

27

2046 Homeowners Wood. Prescribe burn 2 acres. 2047 Homeowners Wood. 2048 Homeowners Wood. Prescribe burn 2 acres. 2049 Homeowners Wood.

ECONOMICS Year Silviculture Economics(Vn) Economics(Vo)

2010 Burn 20.6 acres. Burn 2 acres. Homeowners Wood. Clearcut 8 acres.

N/A $934.00

2011 Homeowners Wood $200.00 $196.08

2012 Homeowners Wood. Burn 2 acres.

$180.00 $173.01

2013 Homeowners Wood $200.00 $188.46


$180.00 $166.29

2015 Homeowners Wood $200.00 $181.15


$180.00 $159.83

2017 Homeowners Wood $200.00 $174.11

2018 Homeowners Wood. Burn 2 acre.

$180.00 $153.63

2019 Homeowners Wood. Burn 20.6 acres.

$6.00 $5.02

Net Income $2,321.55

Silviculture (40 years) Economics(Vo)

Burn 20.6 acres every 10 years. $590.77 Burn 2 acres every 2 years. $271.46 Initial 8 acre Clearcut. $960.00 Homeowners Wood. $5,471.01 Clearcut 1 acre at year 10. $1,255.13 Clearcut 1 acre at year 20. $1,029.65 Clearcut 1 acre at year 30. $777.09 Net Income $2,506.91

28

CONTIGENCY PLANS

DISEASE/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

WILDFIRE

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

plan will be revised.

INVASIVE SPECIES

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.

However, if hardwoods become a problem herbicides may be used as a last resort.


STAND 4B

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

collection as a source of income with no costs.

CONTINGENCY PLANS

DISEASE/PATHOGENS

See Stand 4A Contingency Plans.

WILDFIRE


INVASIVE SPECIES


FINAL CONCLUSIONS

entailed

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.

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

and pathogens.

involvement and allow individuals to actively participate in ongoing forest management,

improving the image of management practices such as the implementation of vernal ponds

improve landscape and species diversity.

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

. The

proposed comprehensive management plan complies with all Federal, State, and Pinelands

regulations.

-

maintains the flexibility to be altered as time progresses, stand dynamics shift, and objectives

change.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

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

of aid in the formation of this comprehensive management plan.

31

LITERATURE CITED

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.

3. Connor, Jack. "The Birds of Stockton." Stockton. PDF file.

4. "Ecological Forestry and Carbon Considerations in Frequently Burned Southeastern Woodlands." Forest Wisdom 16 (2010): 6-7,12. Print.

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.

8. New Jersey Audubon Society. "Guide to Controlling Non-native Invasive Species on New Jersey's Natural Lands." New Jersey Audubon Society (2007): n. pag. Print.

9. NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife. "New Jersey's Endangered and Threatened Wildlife." New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. N.p., Apr. 2010. Web. 10 Dec. 2010. <http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/ tandespp.htm>.

10. Pinelands Forestry Advisory Committee. "RECOMMENDED FORESTRY MANAGEMENT PRACTICES." Final Report (2006): n. pg. PDF file.

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

12. Wood, Douglas R., et al. "Avian Community Response to Pine-grassland

Restoration." Wildlife Society Bulliten (2004): 819-829. Web. 10 Dec. 2010.

33

APPENDICES

SOILS

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.

Stand Soil Type Description 1 Klej loamy sand,

Manahawkin muck & Downer loamy

sand

There are three soil series that occur on our stand; the Klej series, the Downer series, and the Manahawkin Muck series. The dominant of the three is the Klej series, followed by the Downer series, and finally the Manahawkin Muck series. The Klej series is formed from sandy fluvio-marine sediments, and may range in slope from 0 to 5 percent. The seasonal high water table ranges from 10 to 24 inches. The soil pH ranges from extremely acid to strongly acid, and may vary throughout the profile. Rock fragments consisting of mostly rounded pebbles and ventifacts may be present in the series below a depth of 30 inches (0-35% by volume). The soil series is somewhat poorly drained, displays slow surface runoff, and exhibits rapid or very rapid permeability. The Downer series is formed by Fluviomarine deposits, and may range in slope from 0 to 30 percent. The depth to the seasonal high water table is greater than 72 inches. The series exhibits an extremely acid to strongly acid pH, which may vary throughout the profile. Rock fragments consisting of quartzite pebbles and ironstone may be present throughout the profile (0-25% by volume). The Downer series displays a low shrink-swell potential and moderate to moderately rapid permeability. The series is classified as being well drained, and may exhibit negligible to high surface runoff. The Manahawkin Muck series is formed by organic deposits which have accumulated above sandy fluviomarine sediments. The series may exhibit a slope between 0 and 2 percent, and the depth to the water table ranges from 0 to 6 inches. The soil series is very poorly drained and displays negligible surface runoff, as well as

34

a low shrink-swell potential. The permeability of the soil series ranges from moderately slow to rapid in the overlying organic layers and moderately rapid in the underlying mineral layers. The soil series may exhibit aquic conditions; 0 to 200cm exhibits endosaturation.

2 Muck Muck, also called peat, is typically covered in Sphagnum moss, one to four feet deep and very acidic with a pH between 3.5 and 5.5 (Little). This deep and poorly drained this soil is highly organic, composed of decaying plant material. Soil is in narrow submerged valleys. Nearly all the muck soils are found in the woodlands and only small areas are usually cleared for cultivation of blueberries and cranberries. This soil is full of minerals and organic materials

3 Atsion sand & Downer loamy sand

sand, and muck. The dominant presence of sandy soil in the stand is reflected by the abundance of pitch pine, which is usually restricted to poor soil sites. The sandy soils that make up much of the stand have a great effect on the climate of the area. Sandy soil is very porous which allows radiation from the sun to be reflected back into the air resulting in low minimum temperatures. The porous nature of sandy soil also allows precipitation to get through the ground quickly and leave surfaces relative

4A&4B Downer loamy sand Downer Loamy Sand which makes up 100% of Stand (Appendix A, Map 3) The soil type found in our plots is typical to areas in South Jersey prepared for cultivation. This soil type is considered Downer Loamy Sand and consists of four soil horizons: the surface layer, subsurface layer, upper subsoil, and lower subsoil. The particulars of these layers are as follows according to traditional accounts of Downer loamy sand present in South Jersey, for a site specific account soil samples of each layer need to be taken. The surface layer consists of dark grayish brown loamy sand followed by a subsurface layer of grayish brown sandy loam. The upper subsoil is yellowish brown gravelly sandy loam while the lower subsoil consists of yellowish brown sand and course sand

35

THREATENED & ENDANGERED SPECIES

T&E SPECIES PRESENT

(Accipiter cooperii)

State

Endangered coniferous, and mixed riparian or wetland forests. In southern New Jersey, breeding habitats include large, remote red maple (Acer rubrum) or black gum (Nyssa sylvatica) swamps and, on occasion, Atlantic white cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides) swamps. Within these sites, high-bush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) and greenbrier (Smilax rotundifolia) typically dominate the shrub layer. Adjacent upland pine or mixed pine/oak forests provide an

hawk nest sites are often located within sub-climax forests that provide a closed canopy, moderate to heavy shrub cover, and trees more than 30 years old. Territories often contain forest edges and small openings along streams or roads, which may be used for

airs have nested in smaller woodlots containing mature trees and fragmented woods within agricultural, suburban, or urban landscapes. This may be attributed to both a larger breeding population and

ks may exhibit limited tolerance for human disturbance and habitat

-round in New Jersey, use many of the same habitats in winter as during the breeding season. However, because of limited prey availability during the winter months, habitat use during this season is less restrictive than during the breeding season. Consequently,

woodland edges. Wintering hawks may also frequent residential areas where they hunt songbirds and doves at bird feeders. Cedar forests, conifer groves, and other dense woods that provide protection from harsh weather are favored for roosting.

36

T&E SPECIES MANAGED

SPECIES STATUS

IN NJ

HABITAT

Red-headed woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus)

State

threatened

Red-headed woodpeckers inhabit open woods, both upland and wetland, that contain dead or dying trees and sparse undergrowth. Such habitat is often created by disturbances such as fire, flooding, 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

(Accipiter cooperii)

State

Endangered coniferous, and mixed riparian or wetland forests. In southern New Jersey, breeding habitats include large, remote red maple (Acer rubrum) or black gum (Nyssa sylvatica) swamps and, on occasion, Atlantic white cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides) swamps. Within these sites, high-bush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) and greenbrier (Smilax rotundifolia) typically dominate the shrub layer. Adjacent upland pine or mixed pine/oak forests provide an

hawk nest sites are often located within sub-climax forests that provide a closed canopy, moderate to heavy shrub cover, and trees more than 30 years old. Territories often contain forest edges and small openings along streams or roads, which may be used for

nested in smaller woodlots containing mature trees and fragmented woods within agricultural, suburban, or urban landscapes. This may be attributed to both a larger breeding population and

exhibit limited tolerance for human disturbance and habitat -round in New

Jersey, use many of the same habitats in winter as during the breeding season. However, because of limited prey availability during the winter months, habitat use during this season is less restrictive than during the breeding season. Consequently,

woodland edges. Wintering hawks may also frequent residential areas where they hunt songbirds and doves at bird feeders. Cedar forests, conifer groves, and other dense woods that provide protection from harsh weather are favored for roosting.

Barred owl (Strix varia)

State

Threatened denizen of remote, contiguous, old-growth wetland forests. These owls require mature wet woods that contain large trees with cavities suitable for nesting. Barred owl habitats typically have an open understory through which the owls can fly and hunt. The lack of large nesting cavities is often the primary limiting factor for barred owls. Consequently, these owls may nest immediately outside of a wetland or in sub-climax wetland forests if adequate nest sites are unavailable within a mature wetland forest. Barred owls are typically found in remote wilderness areas that may also contain other rare species such as the red shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus Accipiter cooperii). Barred owls typically shun human activity by avoiding residential, agricultural, industrial, or commercial areas. In southern New Jersey, barred

38

owls inhabit both deciduous wetland forests and Atlantic white cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides) swamps associated with stream corridors. Often such lowland forests are buffered by surrounding pine or pine/oak uplands that may protect the owls from human disturbance and provide additional foraging habitat. Mixed hardwood swamps are often dominated by red maple (Acer rubrum) and blackgum (Nyssa sylvatica) and may include highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum), swamp magnolia (Magnolia virginiana), or greenbrier (Smilax spp.) in the shrub layer. Although barred owls utilize white cedars for roosting, they infrequently provide cavities that are large enough for nesting owls.

Eastern tiger salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum tigrinum)

State

endangered

Tiger salamanders require both upland and wetland habitats that contain suitable breeding ponds, forests, and soil types appropriate for burrowing. Subterranean throughout much of the year, these 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.

Red-cockaded

woodpecker

Open stands of pines with a minimum age of 80 to 120 years, depending on the site, provide suitable nesting habitat. Longleaf pines (Pinus palustris) are most commonly used, but other species of southern pine are also acceptable. Dense stands (stands that are

39

(Picoides borealis) primarily hardwoods, or that have a dense hardwood understory) are avoided. Foraging habitat is provided in pine and pine hardwood stands 30 years old or older with foraging preference for pine trees 10 inches or larger in diameter. In good, well-stocked, pine habitat, sufficient foraging substrate can be provided on 80 to 125 acres. Roosting cavities are excavated in living pines, and usually in those which are infected with a fungus producing what is known as red-heart disease. The cavity tree ages range from 63 to 300 plus years for longleaf, and 62 to 200 plus years for loblolly and other pines. The aggregate of cavity trees is called a cluster and may include 1 to 20 or more cavity trees on 3 to 60 acres. The average cluster is about 10 acres. Completed cavities in active use have numerous, small resin wells which exude sap. The birds keep the sap flowing apparently as a cavity defense mechanism against rat snakes and possibly other predators. The territory for a group averages about 200 acres, but observers have reported territories running from a low of around 60 acres, to an upper extreme of more than 600 acres. The expanse of territories is related to both habitat suitability and population density. (http://www.fws.gov/daphne/RCW/redcockadedwoodpecker.html)

Timber rattle snake (Crotalus horridus)

State

endangered

Populations in southern New Jersey are typically found in pinelands habitats that consist primarily of pitch pine (Pinus 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 Department of Environmental Protection, New Jersey Division (NJ DEP).

40

American

Chaffseed

(Schwalbea

americana)

State

Endangered

American chaffseed (Schwalbea americana) occurs in sandy (sandy peat, sandy loam), acidic, seasonally-moist to dry soils. It is generally found in early successional habitats described as open, moist pine flatwoods, fire-maintained savannas, ecotonal areas between peaty wetlands and xeric (dry) sandy soils, bog borders, and other open grass-sedge systems. American chaffseed (Schwalbea americana) is dependent on factors such as fire, mowing, or fluctuating water tables to maintain the crucial open to partly-open conditions that it requires. The species appears to be shade intolerant. American chaffseed (Schwalbea americana) occurs in species-rich plant communities where grasses, sedges, and savanna dicots are numerous.**

Pine Barren

Gentian (Gentiana

autumnalis)

State

Endangered

Moist, open, sandy areas, roadsides, pitch pine lowlands, stream banks, in the Pine Barrens. May occur in relatively dry habitats, at the base of slopes or in the vicinity of clay lenses.

** Information provided by the New Jersey Fish and Wildlife Service (NJ F&WS).

STAND ONE

STOCK TABLE

41

UNDERSTORY

Understory vegetation

Varied from thick understory to very sparse understory.

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

(Quercus ilicifolia) scrub oak (Clethera alnifolia) sweet pepperbush (Vaccinium corymbosum) highbush blueberry (Vaccinium vacillans) lowbush blueberry *information from Michael Geller

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

(Smilax spp.)

vines climb trees and shrubs and Sphagnum

edge, grass grows on hummocks.

42

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

appear until late spring.

Blackberries form in late autumn and survive till winter (Georgian).

STAND THREE

STOCK TABLE

D Class 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 Species White Oak

0 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 0

Pitch Pine

0 1 0 3 6 5 7 3 0 1 0

All Species

0 1 0 4 9 5 7 3 0 1 0

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

laurel, puffballs (Lycoperdon spp.), and shield lichen.

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

Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum)

Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia)

44

MAPS

STAND ONE

STAND

SOILS

45

STREAMS

SILVICULTURE

46

FIRE BREAKS

BUFFERS

47

T&E SPECIES

STAND TWO

STAND

48

SOILS

STREAMS

49

SILVICULTURE

FIREBREAKS

*300 ft. apart.

50

BUFFERS

T&E SPECIES

51

STAND THREE

STAND

SOILS

52

STREAMS

SILVICULTURE

54

FIREBREAKS

*300 ft. apart.

BUFFERS

55

STAND FOUR A

STAND

SOILS

56

STREAMS

SILVICULTURE

57

FIREBREAKS

*300 ft. apart.

58

BUFFERS

STAND FOUR B

STAND

59

SOILS

STREAMS

60

SILVICULTURE

61

FIREBREAKS

*300 ft. apart.

BUFFERS

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