Forest Stewardship plan for Ms.

Susan Sure

Susan Sure
1818 Tusculum Street
Philadelphia, PA 19134
(609) 867- 5309

Prepared By: Green For Trees Forestry

101 Vera King Farris Drive

Galloway, NJ 08205
Galloway Township, Atlantic County

Total Forest Land acreage: 110.45

This plan will also be considered a Woodland Management Plan, submitted as part of an
application for farmland assessment.
I certify that I am the owner of the property or am authorized by the owner to make this
certification. I have read the within Stewardship Plan and the information contained in the plan is
true. To the best of my knowledge, the plan meets the requirements of the Forest Stewardship
Program rules at N.J.A.C 7:3-5 and applicable Federal and State law. The owner agrees to
implement the plan, as approved or subsequently amended.

Owner Signature:____________________________________________
Date:________________

I prepared the within Forest Stewardship Plan in conjunction with the owner of the property. I
certify that, to the best of my knowledge, the plan meets the requirements of the Forest
Stewardship Program rules at N.J.A.C 7:3-5 and applicable Federal and State law.

Foresters Signature:__________________________________________
Date:________________

Prepared:12/15/2018
Forest Service only:
Date received:____________________ Date of Approval:____________________
Start Date of plan:____________________ End Date of plan:____________________
NJFS ID#:_________________________ Owner requested Start Date:____________________

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 Table of Contents

Background and Goals 4

Physical Location: 4
History: 4
Goals: 4
Statement of Obligation: 4

Property Overview 5
Topography 5
Soils 5
Hydrological Characteristics 5
Fire 6
State Threatened and Endangered Species 6
Federally Threatened and Endangered Species 7
Other Threats 7
Carbon Sequestration 7
Cultural Resources 7
Fish and Wildlife 8
Timber and Wood Products 8

Forest Stands 8
Stand 1: Cedar Swamp 8
Stand 2: Coniferous 11
Stand 3: Coniferous/Deciduous 13
Stand 4: Deciduous/Coniferous 17
Stand 5: Coniferous Wooded Wetlands 19

Management Schedule 23
Timeline 23

Appendices 24
Finances 25
Finances By Stand 26
Appendix 1 28
Appendix 2 29
Appendix 3 30
Appendix 4 31
Appendix 5 32
Appendix 6 33
Appendix 7 34
Appendix 8 35
Appendix 9 36
Appendix 10 37
Appendix 11 38
Appendix 12 39
Appendix 13 40

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 Background and Goals

Physical Location:

The property is located at 101 Vera King Farris Drive, Galloway, NJ 08205. The campus is
accessible by West Jimmie Leeds Road (County Route 633), or by Pomona Road (County
Route 575). The campus is located within the New Jersey Pinelands National Reserve.

History:

The current owner inherited the land parcel from a deceased relative. Aerial photography from
1930 shows the property was primarily forest. Records and aerial photography show that
surrounding land parcels were used for various farms, which include a piggery, and certified tree
farms. The property is currently forested, with little to no development, with the exception of
firebreaks that double as walking trails, and a wooden bridge across the cedar swamp. The
property also contains wetlands, and wetland transition areas. Due to the presence of Lake
Fred, and a reservoir that connects to Lake Fred, the property is at risk of being flooded along
the Northern edges and through the cedar swamp. Any prescribed burns carried out on the
property must be extremely controlled because Stockton University borders the east side of the
land. Low air quality and visibility from smoke production can be problematic for the high
population of students in close proximity. There is wildfire hazard in some of the stands due to
an accumulation of duff and litter on the forest floor, overgrowth in the understory, and ladder
fuels. This is due to a lack of prescribed fire throughout the property.

Goals:

1. Emphasis on creating a habitat for as many state and federally threatened and
endangered species.
2. To become a model for multiple use, incorporating ecological forestry principles in the
production of wood fiber, protection of water, wildlife diversity, aesthetics, and
recreational use.
3. Meet stewardship and/or management standards for farmland assessment.
4. Protection against devastating wildfires, pests, and pathogens.
5.

Statement of Obligation:

As the owner of the property, I acknowledge my obligation to monitoring and record keeping of
the property. This management plan ensures sustainability, and to eliminate excessive and
unnecessary cutting.

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 Property Overview

The property borders are clearly marked by roads, buildings, a stream, and a small lake (see
Appendices 1 and 5). Ms. Sure’s northern property boundary runs along the southern edge of
Lake Fred. The northeastern corner of the stands turns to follow behind the university buildings
on the adjacent property, along Lakeside Lane. The boundary follows Lakeside Lane to parking
lot seven, south to Louisville Lane, and then borders Delaware Ave in a northwesterly direction
until it meets with Pomona Road. The property boundary follows Pomona road north to the
western tip of Lake Fred. From this point, the property boundary again runs along the southern
edge of Lake Fred. The total property is 110.45 acres. Forested lands account for 101.18 acres,
while the other 9.27 acres is a reservoir and commercial land cover.The coniferous/deciduous
stand is the largest on this property, at 36.01 acres. This property has about 0.95 acres of urban
land. The urban land is located on the northeastern side of the property.

Topography

There is little change in the elevation throughout this property. The lowest elevation areas
surround the cedar swamp and the northernmost portions of the land. The Downer Loamy Sand
areas of the property can reach slope up to 5%.

Soils

Refer to the soils map in appendix 4 to see the different soil types on this property and which
stand they occur in. There are five different soil types on this property. Stand 1, the cedar
swamp, is entirely Manahawkin Muck (Mu). This soil is composed primarily of organic matter, is
very poorly drained, highly acidic, and is positioned on slopes between 0-2%. Stand 2, the
coniferous forest, is composed of only Downer Loamy Sand (DoA), which is positioned on
slopes between 0 to 5%. This soil is composed of mostly sand, is well drained, and extremely
acidic. Stand 3, the coniferous/deciduous forest, is also only DoA. Stand 4, the
deciduous/coniferous, is composed of some DoA, but also, Klej Loamy Sand (KmA) which is
positioned on slopes between 0 to 3%. This soil is poorly drained and extremely acidic. Stand 5,
the coniferous wooded wetlands, is composed of four different soils, Mu, DoA, Berryland Sand
(Bp) and Atsion Sand (Ac). Bp is another poorly drained soil, is rarely flooded, extremely acidic,
and is positioned on slopes between 0 to 2 %. Ac is poorly drained, contains moderate organic
matter, and is positioned on slopes between 0 to 2%.

Hydrological Characteristics

This property has two streams running through it both of which are branches of Morses Mill
Stream (see Appendix 5). Morses Mill Stream feeds into a small lake on the northern section of
the property. The 8.05 acre section of the Atlantic white-cedar swamp is considered wetlands.
Any silvicultural activities conducted around these areas will be done by following the New
Jersey’s Best Management Practices (BMP’s).

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 Fire

Fire is an important component of forest ecosystems, especially in the New Jersey Pinelands.
Fire has been used as a management technique since before colonial times. Research has
found that in New Jersey, Lenape Indians used fire caused by lightning to maintain their forests.
During current times, Ms.Sure’s property is part of an area that is fire excluded. The area has
become developed in the last century and this property’s proximity to infrastructure has caused
fire suppression. This fire suppression has led to long term impacts in the forest, especially a
build up of forest fuels. One of Ms. Sure’s concerns is protecting against severe wildfires.With
those concerns in mind, this plan includes bringing back prescribed burning to this property to
help meet various management objectives. Controlled burns will be used to prevent severe
wildfires, create early successional habitat for threatened and endangered species, and
selection for fire tolerant species such as the shortleaf and pitch pine. Other benefits include:
reducing risks of loss of life, property, bioversity, reduction in forest fuel loads, and creating
habitat for wildlife through the creation of diversity and decadence.

Prescribed burns must be conducted under specific environmental conditions. There are some
limitations associated with prescribed burns. These limiting factors can include, but are not
limited to: wind speed/direction, air mass stability, ambient temperature, humidity, and
precipitation. Ash and smoke created during a prescribed burn can cause health issues for
individuals. Smoke created can cause visibility issues for the developed surroundings and local
traffic. These issues can be mitigated by conducting the prescribed burns during specific
weather conditions and giving proper warning beforehand to Stockton University officials.

State Threatened and Endangered Species

Appendix 13 shows data from the threatened and endangered species surveys conducted on
the property in 2008 and letters from the state. Ten threatened and endangered species were
located within a quarter mile of this property, they are listed in the table below. Of these ten
species, the barred owl was found to be roosting and foraging on campus and the Cooper’s
hawk was nesting near Delaware Avenue. No forest management activity within 600 feet of the
nesting area except for prescribed burning is an acceptable management practice for the
nesting area, which we will be monitoring. Osprey were found to use the small lake for foraging.
The other threatened and endangered species listed are found within a vicinity of the property
and could possibly make their way to this property if specific conditions are created through
management practices.

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State Threatened and Endangered Species:
Northern pine snake (​Pituophis melanoleucus) Pine Barrens treefrog​ (H​yla andersonii)

Bald eagle (​Haliaeetus leucocephalus) Barred owl (​Strix varia)

Red-headed woodpecker (​Melanerpes Cooper’s hawk (​Accipiter cooperii)

erythrocephalus)

Red-shouldered hawk (​Buteo lineatus) Osprey (​Pandion haliaetus)

Little ladies’ tresses (Spiranthes tuberosa) Pine Barrens gentian (Gentiana autumnalis)

Federally Threatened and Endangered Species

There are two federally endangered species that are located in the vicinity of this property.
These include the knieskern’s beaked-rush and the pale beaked-rush.

Federally Threatened and Endangered Species:

Knieskern’s Beaked-rush (​Rhynchospora Pale Beaked-rush (​Rhynchospora pallida)
knieskernii)​

Other Threats

No serious threats currently exist in the area or on the property. Previous large southern pine
beetle outbreaks have occurred within 5 miles of the property between 2000 and 2012 but none
affected Ms. Sure’s property (see Appendix 7). Monitoring will occur for southern pine beetle,
gypsy moth, and ​Phytophthora cinnamomi​, a known threat to Atlantic white-cedar stands and
shortleaf pine, recently spotted in southern New Jersey. Clearcuts in the cedar stand will be
surrounded by a buffer zone where selective thinning will occur. Deer could pose a threat to
regeneration of clearcuts, especially in the cedar swamp where seedling regeneration is the
objective of the clearcut. A deer fence may be installed if absolutely necessary.

Carbon Sequestration

This management plan is not focused on carbon sequestration, however, carbon sequestration
is an important function of all forest ecosystems. By developing uneven aged stands in two of
the forest plots Green For Trees is increasing long-term carbon sequestration (see Appendices
8 and 10). While this forest’s impacts on carbon sequestration are outside the scope of this
plan, forest landowners should still be conscious of the effects of their forests on carbon.

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 Cultural Resources

Ms. Sure’s property is located in the New Jersey Pinelands National Reserve. The land in the
Pinelands National Reserve is protected under the Pinelands Comprehensive Management
Plan. There is no ground penetration recommended in this plan, unless a deer fence is
implemented. This would only be done if the deer are destroying the Atlantic white-cedar
regeneration. Any potential cultural resources on the property will not be disturbed by the
planned forest management. No new development will be taking place.

Fish and Wildlife

Wildlife habitat, specifically for threatened and endangered species, is the focalized objective for
Ms. Sure. The silvicultural activities planned for this forest keep habitats for these species in
mind. Most threatened and endangered species are early successional species. This plan is
focusing on creating habitat for these early successional species by clearcutting small areas
and thinning to create a more open understory. Several stands will also experience prescribed
burning multiple times over the ten year period in order to continue opening the understory.
Prescribed burning will also help mitigate against pests.

Timber and Wood Products

The silvicultural activities that yield wood products are the ½ acre clearcut planned for stand 1,
the cedar swamp, and the 3 acre clearcut in stand 3, the coniferous deciduous stand (see
Appendices 8 and 10). The clearcut in stand 1 will yield 30 cords of Atlantic white-cedar, while
the clearcut in stand 3 will yield 120 cords. While Ms. Sure is concerned with incorporating
ecological forestry principles into the silvicultural activities, she is not concerned with profiting off
of the wood products.

Forest Stands

Stand 1: Cedar Swamp

The cedar swamp is 8.05 acres and straddles Morse’s Mill Stream up the center of the property
and in the northwest corner. Dominant tree cover type is the Atlantic white-cedar, it is also the
most common tree in the stand mostly occupying the higher DBH classes (Table 1.3). There are
also isolated occurrences of red maple and blackgum. AWC regeneration is present but may be
browsed by deer, very few individuals are present in lower DBH classes making the future of the
Atlantic white-cedar stand questionable. Understory is composed of sweet pepperbush,
highbush blueberry, sweetbay magnolia, and a sphagnum moss carpet. Site index for the stand
is 50-60 indicating an average to above average growing site for the species. While surveying
the five separate stand types, a collection of core samples were taken from each dominant tree
species. From the samples taken in the cedar swamp, displayed in table 1.2, ten year growth of
the Atlantic white-cedar over the last ten years is on average 0.216 inches.

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 Stand Number 1 DBH Class Distribution 3-18”

Forest Stand Cedar Swamp DBH Class Average 11”

Age Structure Even Crown Class Distribution Suppressed-

Dominant

Age Class Distribution 88-100 Density 263 sq ft/acre

Age Class Average 93.6 Site Index 50-60

Table 1.1: Stand 1 Attributes

Table 1.2: Average 10 Year Growth of Dominant Species in Stand 1.

Table 1.3: DBH Stand Table

Table 1.4: Stand and Stock Table for Stand 1.

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No present invasive species or damage causing agents are present within the stand, however
there should be lookout for ​Phytophthora cinnamomi,​ since that affects Atlantic white-cedar.

Management objectives for the Cedar Swamp are as followed:

● Objective 1:​ Clearcut one-half acre plot every 20 years in stand 1 (see Appendix 8).

● Objective 2​: Monitor the unmanaged five acres every year.

● Optional Objective 1​: Construct Deer fences around cedar swamp plots if deer
browsing causes limited regrowth.

● Optional Objective 2:​ Apply herbicides to deter species competition with respect to the
regeneration of Atlantic white-cedar.

One of the main objectives is to clearcut one half acre plot every 20 years. A 20-year interval
was chosen to allow ample time for regeneration by not completely clearing out the area. Within
120 years at the end of the rotation interval, there should be a multi-aged cedar swamp.
Clearcutting such small areas, and creating thinned out buffer zone at the edge of each clearcut
will help prevent windthrow. The stand surrounding the cedar swamp, the coniferous wooded
wetlands, is not being thinned or clearcut which will serve as an effective barrier against
windthrow. The regeneration of the Atlantic white-cedar in this area could become an issue due
to deer browsing. The regeneration will be continuously monitored to determine if deer browsing
is a problem. The optional objective 1, the deer fence, would only be implemented if absolutely
necessary. By clearcutting these areas, it will allow sunlight into the cedar swamp. This creates
suitable habitat for wetland early successional species. Optional objective 2 is to apply
herbicides to deter species competition with Atlantic white-cedar in the clearcut areas.The other
section of the Atlantic white-cedar swamp, about five acres, will not be actively managed. Over
the course of the ten years, that area will be monitored for pests and deer browsing. The main
goal in this area is to create an old growth stand.

Different age classes will be achieved through rotating clear cuts. Old growth cedar stands will
start to appear in the 5 acres untouched by thinning. Regeneration in the cedar swamp may
take some time to establish with the white-tailed deer presence, but in ten to twenty years time
the beginning of a young forest stage should be present, with an extremely high number of trees
per acre and little light touching the ground. DBH average will fall extremely low in the clearcut
stands. Meanwhile, average DBH will continue to increase in the unmanaged 5 acres as will
basal area. However, tree density in this area of the stand should continue to decrease (see
Appendix 8). Herbicides may be used to stop other species from shading out Atlantic
white-cedar regeneration. In the meantime there should be a number of early successional
colonizers observed by ourselves and Ms. Sure such as sundews, and pitcher plants.

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Ms. Sure, as a specialist in T&E species will use her expertise to identify any and all T&E
species on her property with the aid of Green For Trees. This number of observed species is the
most important metric and the primary objective of our management plan. In the cedar stand,
Green For Trees hopes the clearcuts will bring in the sunlight needed for T&E wetland species
such as knieskern’s beaked rush, which has been spotted in the immediate area of Ms. Sure’s
property. Shade tolerant wetland species, such as the swamp pink, may find more habitat in the
5 acres that will remain unmanaged, where the cedars will grow old. Pine Barrens tree frogs
have been seen on Stockton University’s campus and will be monitored for, as disturbances in
the cedar swamp may create a critical habitat for the amphibian. Plot sampling on a 5 year basis
will keep track of basal area, understory species, trees per acre, and stand table values (DBH
and species composition). The stand table values can be seen above in table 1.4. Current
values for average DBH, basal area, and trees per acre are as follows:
● Average DBH: 11.7 in.
● Average Basal Area: 263 sq ft/acre
● Trees/acre: 620

Stand 2: Coniferous

The coniferous stand is 9.52 acres in total and sits in the northwestern corner of the property,
bordered by Pomona Road to the west, and the coniferous/deciduous stand to the north, east,
and south. The dominant tree cover type is the pitch pine, with shortleaf pine being the only
other dominant tree on site. Pitch pine, scrub oak, and American holly fill the codominant and
intermediate crown classes. Tree regeneration on the ground level was limited to scrub oak,
scarlet oak, and white oak. Other understory plants include: highbush blueberry, buckleberry,
teaberry, and one sweet fern individual. The majority of underbrush at ~ 65% labeled as
unidentified. With the majority of the tree species being larger pitch pine, the average DBH class
lies in the range of 13-14 inches as shown in table 2.3. Site index for pitch pine was between 40
and 50. Site index for shortleaf pine was 40, indicating a less than ideal growing site typical of
Southern New Jersey (Table 2.1). While surveying the five separate stand types, a collection of
core samples were taken from each dominant tree species. From the samples taken in the
coniferous stand, displayed in table 2.2, ten year growth of four dominant trees were derived.
Over the last ten years the average growth of the shortleaf pine is 0.5908 inches, white oak is
0.34 inches, and pitch pine is 0.836 inches.

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 Stand Number 2 DBH Class Distribution 3-20”

Forest Stand Coniferous DBH Class Average 4.61”

Age Structure Uneven Crown Class Distribution Suppressed-

Dominant

Age Class 73-131 Density 125.84 sq ft/acre

Age Class Average 89 Site Index Pitch pine:40-50

Shortleaf pine: 40
Table 2.1: Stand 2 Attributes

Table 2.2: Average 10 Year Growth of Dominant Species in Stand 2.

Table 2.3: DBH Stand Table

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Table 2.4: Stand and Stock Table for Stand 2

No invasive species or damage causing agents are present within the stand, however there
should be a look out for ​Phytophthora cinnamomi,​ pine loopers, and southern pine beetle.

Management objectives specific for the coniferous stand are as followed:

● Objective 1​: Starting on year one, in a yearly rotation burn plot A, then plot B, and finally
plot C (see Appendix 9)

This coniferous stand will receive an active management approach. There is only one objective
for this stand, burning the entire stand on a rotating interval. Plot A, 3 acres, will be burned the
first year. The following year, plot B will be burned, and finally during the third year, plot C will be
burned. This rotation will continue throughout the ten year plan. Burning these areas will open
the understory to sunlight and create ideal habitat for threatened species. It will also help
remove ladder fuels that could lead to severe wildfires and rid the stand of pests.

Elimination of remaining hardwoods and hardwood regeneration, decrease in trees/acre while

maintaining basal area, create gaps in the understory allowing for early successional species in
the understory. These goals will be achieved through frequent burning. Basal area for white oak,
scrub oak, and holly will likely decrease. Basal area for shortleaf pine and pitch pine should
increase (14.22 and 29.33 sq ft/acre, respectively), with overall basal area for the entire stand
staying the same. Trees per acre of 13,020 should decrease. Monitoring will be done for gaps in
the understory and the increased decadence and early successional species associated with
such gaps. The values for basal area, trees per acre, and stand table values (DBH and species
composition) will be monitored for key differences. The stand table values can be seen above in
table 2.4.

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Ms. Sure, as a specialist in T&E species will use her expertise to identify any and all T&E
species on her property with the aid of Green For Trees. This number is the most important
metric and the primary objective of the management plan. In the coniferous plot, the opening of
the forest will attract plant species previously identified in the area such as Pine Barrens
Gentian and Little Ladies’ Tresses, which grow best in full sun disturbed areas. The frequent
fires will exposed mineral soil in some areas, creating critical burrowing habitat for the northern
pine snake. Plot sampling on a 5 year basis will keep track of basal area, understory species,
trees per acre, and stand table values (DBH and species composition). The DBH should
increase on average, as living individuals will benefit from the decrease in competition as fire
eliminates any remaining hardwoods and unhealthy conifers in the stand, leading to an increase
in decadence in the form of snags and boles. The measure of gaps and an open understory will
be observed and noted, but not quantitatively measured. Current values for average DBH, basal
area, and trees per acre are as follows:
● Average DBH: 5.86 in.
● Average Basal Area: 125.84 sq ft/acre
● Trees/acre: 13,020

Stand 3: Coniferous/Deciduous

The coniferous/deciduous stand is 36.01 acres in total and sits in the western half of the
property. The stand engulfs the coniferous stand and follows Pomona Road. The stand is
bordered by the coniferous wooded wetlands stand to the east. Dominant tree cover type is the
pitch pine. Both white oak and scarlet oak are common in the higher DBH classes 9-12, with the
lower DBH classes being occupied mostly by white oak, sassafras and some pitch pine (Table
3.2). Other trees species present in order of square feet of basal area/acre are: white oak,
scarlet oak, and sassafras. Tree regeneration on the ground consists of low numbers of pitch
pine and oak saplings. The understory is quite diverse with species including: bracken fern, cat
briar, highbush blueberry, huckleberry, sheep laurel, sweet pepperbush, and teaberry. Most
trees are in the 11-12 DBH class closely followed by the 9-10, and 13-14 DBH classes
respectively (Table 3.2). Site index for pitch pine was between 30 and 40. Site index for white
oak was 50 and 40 for scarlet oak (Table 3.1). This indicates that the soil is more suited to oaks
than to pitch pines, however frequent fire should shift stand composition away from oaks
regardless of site index. While surveying the five separate stand types, a collection of core
samples were taken from each dominant tree species. From the samples taken in the
deciduous/coniferous stand, displayed in table 3.2, ten year growth of four dominant trees were
derived. The pitch pine is the only dominant tree species recognized and over the last ten years
the average growth is 0.7383 inches, making this stand the most productive in terms of tree
growth.

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 Stand Number 3 DBH Class Distribution 3-18”

Forest Stand Coniferous/ DBH Class Average 10.2”

Deciduous

Age Structure Uneven Crown Class Distribution Suppressed-

Dominant

Age Class 73-134 Density 139.16 sq ft/acre

Age Class Average 93.5 Site Index Pitch pine: 30-40

White oak: 50
Scarlet oak: 40
Table 3.1: Stand 3 Attributes

Table 3.2: Average 10 Year Growth of Dominant Species in Stand 3.

Table 3.3: DBH Stand Table.

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Table 3.4: Stand and Stock Table for Stand 3.

No invasive species or damage causing agents are present within the stand, however there
should be a look out for pine loopers, southern pine beetle, and gypsy moth.

Management objectives specific for the coniferous/deciduous stand are as followed:

● Objective 1​: Clearcut six- half acre plots in the first year of management.

● Objective 2​: Starting at year one, burn Plot A and repeat on a 3-4 year interval with the
goal of burning three times in the next ten years (see Appendix 10).

● Objective 3​:Starting at year one, burn Plot B and repeat on a 1-2 year interval with the
goal of burning ten times in ten years (see Appendix 10).

The coniferous/deciduous stand is the largest on this property, 36 acres, and allows space for
the most management practices. Six- half acres plots will be clearcut during the first year of the
management plan. These clearcuts will be done with variable retention, keeping the largest and
healthiest trees. During the clearcut, dead snags will also be left on the plot. These dead snags
will serve as habitats for certain threatened and endangered species. Keeping the large trees
will serve to the creation of different age classes through this stand. Clearcutting the six plots
will allow more sunlight to hit the ground, creating an early successional habitat. This stand is
being split up into two - 18 acre sections to create two different early successional habitats. Plot
A will be burned on a 3-4 year interval while plot B will be burned on a 1-2 year interval (see
Appendix 10). Burning the entire stand will remove a majority of the understory and remove
dangerous ladder fuels. By burning this stand on two different intervals, two different habitat
types will be created. Ms. Sure and Green For Trees will be able to monitor this area to see how
the different disturbance regimes are affecting the area and what species will come into the
stand.

Several clearcuts will contribute to regeneration of early successional species and eventually to
different age classes within the stand. Some clearcuts will be burned, and should remain open
and receiving full sun. Different burn regimes on each half of the property will be monitored for

15
effectiveness thinning out the understory and creating an ideal habitat for species such as
Red-headed woodpecker, Cooper’s hawk, and several plant species. We expect to see a
decrease in the number of low DBH trees associated with the intermediate and suppressed
crown class and subsequent decrease in trees per acre. The live standing individuals will make
up for the initial decrease in basal area with growth. The overall DBH of the stand should shift
upwards.

The most important metric for this stand, as for the others, is the number of T&E species sighted
here. This will be monitored passively by Ms. Sure as well as by Green For Trees. In the
coniferous/deciduous stand specifically, species such as the Knieskern’s beaked rush,
Pale-beaked rush, Pine Barrens gentian, or little ladies’ tresses will be monitored for in all the
clearcuts. Plot sampling on a 5 year basis will keep track of basal area and trees per acre any
changes in stand composition, understory species, and T&E species sighted. The values for
basal area, trees per acre, and stand table values (DBH and species composition) will be
compared to see the differences between plot A and plot B, which will experience different burn
regimes in an effort to thin out the understory and create habitat for T&E species (see Appendix
11). The stand table values can be seen above. Current values for average DBH, basal area,
and trees per acre are as follows:
● Average DBH: 10.20 in.
● Average Basal Area: 139.16 sq ft/acre
● Trees/acre: 224

Stand 4: Deciduous/Coniferous

The deciduous/coniferous stand is 16.66 acres and straddles the easternmost edge of the
property. Dominant tree cover type is the pitch pine, which mostly occupies the higher DBH
classes. The most frequently occurring species is the Blackgum, which dominated the lower
DBH classes (Table 4.3).Other trees present in the stand include: white oak, shortleaf pine, red
maple. Tree regeneration is almost exclusively blackgum. Understory composition is mostly
sweet pepperbush and highbush blueberry. Other species include mountain laurel, bracken
fern, teaberry, striped wintergreen, ​smilax​ spp., sheep laurel, mountain fetterbush, and
pincushion moss. Site index for pitch pine is 40, indicating a less than ideal growing site (Table
4.1). While surveying the five separate stand types, a collection of core samples were taken
from each dominant tree species. From the samples taken in the deciduous/coniferous stand,
displayed in table 4.2, ten year growth of four dominant trees were derived. The pitch pine is the
only dominant tree species recognized and over the last ten years the average growth is 0.6639
inches.

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 Stand Number 4 DBH Class Distribution 0-18”

Forest Stand Deciduous/ DBH Class Average 9.5”

Coniferous

Age Structure Uneven Crown Class Distribution Suppressed-

Dominant

Age Class 73-105 Density 183.76 sq ft/acre

Age Class Average 92 Site Index Pitch pine: 40

Table 4.1: Stand 4 Attributes.

Table 4.2: Average 10 Year Growth of Dominant Species in Stand 4.

Table 4.3: DBH Stand Table

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Table 4.4: Stand and Stock Table for Stand 4.

No invasive species or damage causing agents are present within the stand, however there
should be a look out for pine loopers, southern pine beetle, and gypsy moth.

Management objectives specific for the deciduous/coniferous stand are as followed:

● Objective 1: ​Perform a low thin throughout the entire plot every five years.

This stand will receive active management. The only management conducted here over the ten
years is a low thin throughout the entire 16.66 acres. This low thin will help remove excess
ladder fuels that have built up in this stand. It has a very dense understory and that is a concern
to the landowner because it could potentially fuel a severe wildfire. Burning was an option for
this stand, but it is not the best option due to this stand’s proximity to the buildings on the
adjacent property. Along with safety concerns,burning this stand could cause a loss of the
hardwood species. Maintaining the hardwoods of this stand will bring the stand back to its
historical composition and ensure that the pitch pine will not become the dominant species. This
low thin will also open up the understory for different species.

The plan refrains from burning to retain hardwoods, and because of the proximity to Stockton
University buildings. A low thin will be applied to the entire stand to decrease the risk of forest
fire, and will open up the understory for species like the Red-headed woodpecker which nest in
old hardwoods. All snags, large trees, boles, and slash will be retained. The average DBH
should shift upwards, tree density should decrease, as should the number of suppressed crown
class individuals (i.e. blackgum). Basal area should stay the same. The numbers will be
monitored through plot sampling.

The most important metric for this stand, as for the others, is the number of T&E species sighted
here. This will be monitored passively by Ms. Sure as well as by Green For Trees. In the
deciduous/coniferous stand specifically the red-headed woodpecker and wildflowers such as
little ladies’ tresses and pine barrens gentian. The low thinning will clear out the understory and
allow for the strongest dominant individuals to grow old. This could become critical nesting

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habitat for the red-headed woodpecker. This plot borders parking lot 7 on Stockton campus,
with an easement running along the length of the border of Ms. Sure’s stand (see Appendix 1).
If posted to reduce trespassing, this area could become critical habitat for full sun, early
successional upland flowers. Plot sampling on a 5 year basis will keep track of basal area,
understory species, trees per acre, and stand table values (DBH and species composition). The
stand table values can be seen above in table 4.3. Current values for average DBH, basal area,
and trees per acre are as follows:
● Average DBH: 6.62 in.
● Average Basal Area 183.76 sq ft/acre
● Trees/acre: 588

Stand 5: Coniferous Wooded Wetlands

The coniferous wooded wetlands stand is 26.70 acres in total and runs down the center of the
property, surrounding the cedar swamp, with the deciduous/coniferous plot to the east and the
coniferous/deciduous plot to the west. Dominant tree cover type is the pitch pine, however, the
most frequently occurring species is the blackgum, which dominates the lower DBH classes
along with red maple (Table 5.3). Other trees present in the stand include: Atlantic white-cedar,
eastern red cedar, white oak, sassafras, and shortleaf pine. Tree regeneration included red
maple and pitch pine. The understory composition included: sheep laurel, american holly, fern
(species unknown), sphagnum moss, huckleberry, highbush blueberry, fetterbush, and sweet
pepperbush, with the majority being huckleberry and sweet pepperbush. Site index for pitch
pine was between 40 and 50 (Table 5.1). While surveying the five separate stand types, a
collection of core samples were taken from each dominant tree species. From the samples
taken in the coniferous wooded wetlands, displayed in table 5.2, ten year growth of four
dominant trees were derived. The pitch pine is the only dominant tree species recognized and
over the last ten years the average growth is 0.5641 inches.

Stand Number 5 DBH Class Distribution 0-22”

Forest Stand Coniferous DBH Class Average 5.92”

Wooded
Wetlands

Age Structure Uneven Crown Class Distribution Suppressed-

Dominant

Age Class 63-113 Density 312 sq ft/acre

Age Class Average 91.4 Site Index Pitch pine: 40-50

Table 5.1: Stand 4 Attributes.

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Table 5.2: Average 10 Year Growth of Dominant Species in Stand 5.

Table 5.3: DBH Stand Table

Table 5.4: Stand and Stock Table for Stand 5.

No invasive species or damage causing agents are present within the stand, however there
should be a look out for pine loopers, and southern pine beetle. Additionally, the stand should
be monitored for ​Phytophthora cinnamomi​ since this is wetlands transition area.

Management objectives specific for this stand are as follows:

● Objective 1: ​Perform a controlled burn throughout the 10 acre plot A every three years.
Leave the following 16.7 acres to grow old (see Appendix 12).

The coniferous wooded wetlands stand will receive active management throughout the ten year
plan in the form of controlled burns on the 10 acre plot A of the property (see Appendix 12). The

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controlled burns will be in a three year interval and will be performed a total of three times
during this management plan. Hardwood species have begun to take over the species
composition of this stand. Prescribed burning will be used to remove hardwoods and return this
stand to the historical coniferous stand type. Runoff from the controlled burns have the potential
to affect the Cedar swamp wetlands in an undetermined capacity. Any state and federally listed
threatened and endangered species should be positively impacted by the burns, as many prefer
an open understory and early successional habitats that can be provided by controlled burns. If
these burns were to inadvertently negatively impact a threatened or endangered species, 16.7
acres (plot B), will be left alone. No cultural resources exist in this stand. This management plan
prescribes no active management to plot B of coniferous wooded wetlands, new objectives will
be examined at the expiration of this plan in December 2028.

Burning 10 of 26 acres on a three year interval will serve to remove hardwood species and fuel
loads in the understory as there is currently almost 40 hardwoods per acre with a DBH of 0-3
(Table 5.3). This will hopefully encourage regeneration of fire resistant conifers and leave only
the healthiest and largest hardwood individuals behind. Fire will likely kill many hardwoods over
time, especially those of a lower DBH class, increasing decadence in the form of snags and
boles. This will create better habitat for T&E species such as the barred owl which prefers a
more open and wet understory with high DBH older trees. The other 16 acres of the stand will
be left to grow old and eliminate suppressed crown classes over time through shading. Ideally,
average basal area will remain the same as, increased vigor and growth in the conifers in plot A
will make up for the lost hardwoods. However, a loss of overall trees per acre can be expected.
For plot B, average DBH and basal area can expect to increase as the trees will be left to grow
(see Appendix 12). Average number of trees per acre will in plot B will decrease overtime as the
intermediate and suppressed crown classes are shaded out, consistent with management
goals.

The most important metric for this stand, as for the others, is the number of T&E species sighted
here. This will be monitored passively by Ms. Sure as well as by Green For Trees. In the
coniferous wooded wetlands specifically, we hope to see the red-headed woodpecker nesting in
the unmanaged sections (plot B) where large deciduous trees will be allowed to grow and form
decadence without the threat of fire (see Appendix 12). Over time, we might also expect to see
the barred owl nesting in this stand as snags with cavities are either created by the fire in plot A
or are created over time in plot B, the unmanaged plot (see Appendix 12). Plot sampling on a 5
year basis will keep track of basal area and trees per acre any changes in stand composition,
and T&E species sighted. The values for basal area, understory species, trees per acre, and
stand table values (DBH and species composition) will be monitored for key differences
between plot A and B. The stand table values can be seen above. Current values for average
DBH, basal area, and trees per acre are as follows:
● Average DBH: 5.92
● Average Basal Area: 312 sq feet per acre
● Trees/acre: 624

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 Management Schedule

Ten-Year Activity Schedule

General
- Monitor annually for presence of threatened and endangered species.
- Monitor annually for southern pine beetle, gypsy moths, and other pests.
- Inspect annually for hazardous trees.

Stand No. of Recommended Actions Year of Recommended

No. Acres Action

1 8.05 - Clearcut 1, half acre irregularly shaped, patch Once/20 years

with variable retention, 30 cords

- Monitor for Atlantic white-cedar regeneration Ongoing/10 years

2 9.52 - Prescribe burn Once/10 years

3 36.01 - Clearcut 6, half acre irregularly shaped patches Once/10 years

with variable retention
Once/10 years
- Prescribe burn

4 16.66 - Low thin of the understory Once/10 years

5 26.7 - Prescribe burn Once/10 years

- General monitoring Ongoing

Note: This schedule is intended to be a guideline for the management activities on this property. Things can
quickly change in forest management plans and the schedule needs to be flexible.

Timeline

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 Appendices

1. Finances
2. Roads Locator Map
3. Forest Type Property Map
4. Forest Stand Map
5. Soils Map
6. Hydrology Map
7. Land Use Map
8. Southern Pine Beetle Risk Map
9. Stand 1 Map
10. Stand 2 Map
11. Stand 3 Map
12. Stand 4 Map
13. Stand 5 Map
14. Threatened and Endangered Species List

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Finances

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Finances By Stand

Table 3

Table 4

Table 5

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Table 6

Table 7

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Appendix 1

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Appendix 2

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Appendix 3

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Appendix 4

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Appendix 5

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Appendix 6

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Appendix 7

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Appendix 8

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Appendix 9

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Appendix 10

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Appendix 11

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Appendix 12

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Appendix 13

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