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Forest Stewardship Plan
In 2005, URWA began a 10-year forest stewardship project on Fairview Farm. An updated Forest Stewardship Plan for the property was completed by Heather Gracie, a volunteer member of our Natural Science Committee and compliments of Gracie & Harrigan Consulting Foresters, Inc. The previous plan, circa 1993, was outdated, based on the influx of invasive plant species, the effect of the overpopulation of white-tailed deer and a broader and better understanding of forest management.
The plan divides Fairview Farm into small management areas, based on forest cover type. For each area, Gracie listed management practices to complete over the next ten years, including forest thinning, invasive species removal and native tree/shrub plantings. All practices are geared to improve forest health, wildlife habitat and water quality, as well as recreational and scenic enjoyment.
To begin work on this plan, Gracie put URWA into contact with grant funding sources within the NJ Forest Service. With her technical assistance, URWA received a cost-share agreement under the Forest Land Enhancement Program (FLEP) to begin implementing the plan immediately.
2006- Red Pine Stand
The first phase of the plan involves tending to a red pine stand on the northeast corner of the property. The trees were planted extremely close together approximately fifty years ago to help stabilize eroding slopes. The trees are being defoliated by various funguses common to red pines. The close planting has allowed the fungus to spread easily through the stand, while also making the trees grow extremely tall and thin. The weak, dying trees were not only posing a hazard to hikers but creating a severely unhealthy forest community. During winter of 2006, 5 acres of the 8-acre tract were heavily thinned to retain safety of the trails and encourage growth of the remaining trees.
Boy Scout Michael Moriarty, Troop 199 of Oldwick, organized an Eagle Scout project to begin replanting. With fellow scouts, 2 acres of the area was cleared of invasive plants, primarily Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) and Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii). In May, the area was replanted with 300 native tree seedlings. Such a high number of seedlings will compensate for loss due to deer browse and drought periods.
Forest thinning, invasive removal and native planting will continue in the red pine stand, working towards the goal to protect and improve the forest health. Check here for continued updates.
