New Jersey Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council
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Section 3. Highlands Region BMPs and New Jersey Statewide
Guidance
3.1 Introduction
The New Jersey Highlands Region is designated as a special resource area of the state on par with
the Pinelands and Meadowlands, and has been set aside for enhanced natural resource protections
through the New Jersey Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act (N.J.S.A. 13:20-1 et seq.).
The Highlands Act created the Highlands Council and provided it with the authority to transmit to
the Commissioner of Environmental Protection recommendations for standards pertaining to the
lands and natural resources of the Highlands Region as the Council deems appropriate (see N.J.S.A.
13:20-6m).
While the New Jersey Forestry and Wetlands Best Management Practices Manual (Manual)
prepared by the New Jersey Bureau of Forest Management (October 1995) provides far-reaching
and comprehensive guidance for the proper management of New Jersey’s forests and wetlands,
additional protections are required in the Highlands region to meet the mandates of the Highlands
Act.
The Highlands Council has worked in collaboration with numerous stakeholders including relevant
departments within the NJDEP, professional foresters, researchers, and ecologists to develop these
Highlands Region-specific BMPs that reflect the statutory guidance provided in the Highlands Act,
the regulatory guidance provided in the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act Rules
(N.J.A.C. 7:38), and the regional planning guidance provided by the Highlands Regional Master
Plan (RMP).
The information that follows has been divided into two sections: Areas where statewide guidance
diverges from what’s required in the Highlands, and areas where the Highlands Act and RMP
require considerations that are not currently included in the statewide guidance.
3.2 Highlands Region Diversions from the Statewide Guidance
Sections 3.2.1 through 3.2.7 identify areas discussed in the Statewide Guidance that require
additional consideration in the Highlands Region.
3.2.1 Wetland Buffers
There are many types of wetlands, including swamps, marshes, bogs, and vernal pools, but they all
have 3 important characteristics which include water, hydric soils and hydrophytic vegetation.
Water levels can be just below the ground surface (high water table), at or above the ground surface
and it can be intermittent. This can include flooding by nearby waterbodies or seasonal pools, such
as vernal pools. Hydric soils are formed due to prolonged periods without oxygen and tend to have
characteristic colors that are used to identify them. Hydrophytic vegetation refers to plant species
that are adapted to survive in areas that flood or have hydric soils. These plants can be graminoids,
forbs, shrubs, or trees. Some plants have been added to “The National List of Plants that Occur in
Wetlands” and given a “Wetland indicator status” that designates how likely a plant is to occur
within a wetland. This list was developed by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers, The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the USDA Natural Resources
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Conservation Service. In the current NJ Forestry and Wetland BMP manual (1995), the buffer size
of wetlands is determined by the value given to the wetland.
NJ Forestry and Wetland BMP guidance for Wetland Buffers
Wetlands of exceptional resource value – 150ft buffer
o Those wetlands documented habitat of certain endangered or threatened
species, or adjacent to FW1 and FW2 trout production waters or their
tributaries
Ordinary resource value wetlands – no buffer
o Ditches and swales
o Detention basins
Small, isolated wetlands surrounded by at least 50 percent development
o Wetlands of intermediate resource value – 50ft buffer
These buffers are associated with all other wetlands
NJ Highlands Region BMPs Wetland Buffers
In the NJ Highlands region, all wetlands, excluding ditches, swales and detention basins, require a
300-ft buffer regardless of their wetland classification of exceptional, ordinary or small. The NJ
Highland Council’s interactive map is a tool that foresters, private landowners and the general
public can use to help identify potential wetland areas. A project that is in an area and is mapped as
a Wetlands on the NJ Highland Council’s interactive map should obtain a Letter of interpretation
(LOI) from the NJDEP to confirm the wetland boundary. Vegetated cover conversion shall be
regulated by NJDEP Wetland mitigation.
In the NJ Highlands region, activities that are permitted within the wetland buffer include the
removal of hazardous trees, invasive species management, and deer management. The removal of
stumps is not permitted within the wetland buffer. The conversion of vegetation type within a
wetland requires a wetland permit obtained through the NJDEP. The application of
pesticides/herbicides is dependent on whether the compound is permitted to be used within a
wetland area in accordance with NJDEP guidelines.
It should also be noted that Vernal Pools are considered separately and distinctly from wetlands in
the Highlands RMP. Please see section 3.3.1 for Vernal Pool guidance.
3.2.2 Streamside Management Zones
NJ Forestry and Wetland BMP guidance for Streamside Management Zones (SMZ)
Designed to protect a water body from adjacent land-use activities by providing a relatively
undisturbed vegetative zone to trap and filter out sediments and other pollutants before they enter
the water resource.
The width of SMZ ranges between 25ft on each side of a streambed in slightly erodible
soils to 50 feet in severely erodible soils.
Minimum SMZs:
o Slope 0-10%, minimum SMZ is 25 ft up to 50 ft
o Slope 11-20%, minimum SMZ is 40 ft up to 130 ft
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o Slope 21-45%, minimum SMZ is 70 ft up to 200 ft
NJ Highlands Region BMPs Open Water Protection Areas
Highlands Open Water protection areas require a 300-ft buffer regardless of slope. Activities that
are permitted within the riparian buffer include the removal of hazardous trees, planting native bare
root stock and native plants up to 1 gallon in size, invasive species management, and deer
management. Removing stumps is not permitted within the Highlands Open Water Protection
Areas. Activities that cause soil disturbance are not permitted within the Highlands Open Water
Protection Areas.
3.2.3 Road Maintenance and Construction
NJ Forestry and Wetland BMP guidance for Road Maintenance and Construction
Locate access roads outside the SMZ and wetlands, unless no other alternative exists.
Stabilize exposed soil on roads within the SMZ.
Avoid road construction during wet periods.
NJ Highlands Region BMPs for Road Maintenance and Construction
In the Highlands Region, all forestry road maintenance and construction must adhere to the
Highlands Open Water buffers and Critical Habitat buffers.
3.2.4 Skid Trails
NJ Forestry and Wetland BMP guidance for Skid Trails
Skid trails should be well-planned.
Avoid skidding on slopes greater than 20%.
NJ Highlands Region BMPs for Skid Trails
In the Highlands Region, all skid trails must adhere to the Highlands Open Water buffers and
Critical Habitat buffers. Skidding will not be permitted on slopes greater than 40%. Skid work shall
only be conducted while the ground is frozen to minimize soil disturbance.
3.2.5 Timber Harvesting
NJ Forestry and Wetland BMP guidance for Timber Harvesting include recommendations for following
SMZs however, the NJ Highlands open water buffers must be used in place of the NJ Forestry and
Wetlands BMP manual’s recommended SMZs.
NJ Highlands Region BMPs for Timber Harvesting
In the Highlands Region, timber harvesting plans must adhere to the Highlands Open Water
Buffers and not disturb soils within those buffers. Timber Harvesting plans must also outline the
location and size of wetlands on site, location and buffers of vernal pools on site, where the access
roads and landing sites will be located, an inventory of both canopy and understory woody species,
an inventory of non-native invasive species and a plan for how the landowner will manage the
invasive species and how will the land-owner address herbivory from deer. The Highlands Council
encourages the use of adaptive management planning due to effects of invasive species, diseases
and white-tailed deer herbivory on the ability of the forest to regenerate successfully. It should be
anticipated that disturbances will occur, and that the landowner is aware that due to these possible
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disturbances, that the management plan of the forest may have to be adjusted in order to reach the
regeneration goals.
3.2.6 Pesticide Use
NJ Forestry and Wetland BMP guidance for Pesticide Use
For aerial spray applications, maintain and mark a buffer area of at least 50 ft around all
ponds, lakes, streams and marshes to avoid drift or accidental application of chemicals
directly into a water surface.
NJ Highlands Region BMPs for Pesticide Use
In the NJ Highlands region, a 300-ft buffer is required for aerial pesticide application around
Highlands Open Waters. Hand application may be applied within the 300-ft buffer if state pesticide
application guidelines are followed within Wetland use zones.
3.2.7 Reseeding Disturbed and Compacted Areas
The current NJ Forestry and Wetland BMP manual (1995) include many highly invasive, non-native
plants as well as the application of fertilizers. It is critical that non-native plants are not introduced
into our forests as well as the addition of fertilizers which are known to negatively impact water
quality.
NJ Highlands Region BMPs for Reforestation, Reseeding Disturbed and Compacted Areas
In the NJ Highlands region, all seeding mixes must be exclusively plants that are native to this
region of the United States, and it is not permitted to use fertilizers as amendments to any areas of
disturbance.
3.2.8 Forest Protection
NJ Forestry and Wetland BMP guidance for Forest Protection
The current recommendations for prescribed fire in the NJ Forestry and Wetland BMP manual
focus on the elimination of or reduction or unincorporated organic matter on the forest floor.
NJ Highlands Region BMPs for Forest Protection and Prescribed Fire
In the NJ Highlands region, wildfire was historically part of the forest landscape. Prescribed
burning (RxB) can have a multitude of benefits such as forest regeneration, invasive species
management as well and managing wildfire risks. If a landowner decides to incorporate RxB into
their forest management/woodland management/forest stewardship plan, they must evaluate what
invasive species are present on the property and understand that some invasive species respond
positively (increase growth) as a response to fire, as well as how deer density will impact forest
regeneration post-fire. It will also be important to consider any vernal pools and natural heritage
priority sites within the burn area or closely surrounding it due to the impacts of fire on the plants
and animals that are utilizing those areas. While it is not prohibitive to use prescribed fire within
these areas, the timing of the burn for the protection of these organisms must be taken into great
consideration, and burning within these areas must only be done when the ground is frozen so that
it protects over-wintering amphibians that are subterranean, and that rare plant species receive the
greatest amount of protection for their underground root systems during the burn.
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3.3 Not Specifically Addressed in Statewide Guidance
Sections 3.3.1 through 3.3.10 discuss areas or resources not mentioned in the statewide guidance
that require special consideration in the Highlands Region.
3.3.1 Vernal Pools
Vernal pools are critical habitat for many species, including some that are rare and threatened. It is
important to address how to best protect these important habitats by taking additional precautions
than that of other wetlands. Amphibians are known to utilize a large radius around vernal pools,
thus making these areas vital for protection, particularly when the ground is not frozen. In the
Highlands Region, vernal pools receive a 300m buffer to ensure not only the protection of the
vernal pool basin itself, but also the habitat for the amphibians that are utilizing that vernal pool
(Ecosystem management technical report, page 58).
NJ Highlands Region BMPs for Vernal Pools
Activities that would be permitted within the vernal pool buffer include the removal of hazardous
trees, invasive species management, and deer management. Activities that would cause soil
disturbance and the use of pesticides are not permitted within the Highlands Open Water
Protection Areas or the Highlands vernal pool buffers.
The Highlands Council has chosen to use the NJDEP’s guidance on mapped vernal pool buffers
(300m) instead of the Highlands Regional Master Plan’s buffer of 1,000ft. The Highlands Council
finds that the difference in distance, 984ft (300m) and 1,000ft is negligible and thus will be
consistent with NJDEP mapping conventions.
The Highlands Interactive Map and the Highlands ERI web applications can both be used to
determine if there are verified vernal pools within a project area. There may also be unverified
vernal pools on the property, and it will be important to identify all vernal pools on a property and
grant them the same buffer protection.
Vernal pools generally are dry during part of the year, so it is important to look for characteristics
of vernal pools while assessing a project area. Not all vernal pools have been certified by the
NJDEP, however, that does not mean that there are not functioning vernal pools in a project area.
The following criteria to identify a vernal pool comes from the Pennsylvania Vernal Pool
Identification Guide:
To identify a vernal pool during a dry phase, look for areas that have some of the following
characteristics. However, you do not need all of the characteristics to be present for it to be a vernal
pool:
1. Depression of water-stained and decomposing leaves and debris
2. Trees with buttressed trunks
3. Tree trunks with stains that mark high water levels
4. Hydric soils
5. Wetland plants growing in dry soil
There are three protection zones within the vernal pool buffer, the vernal pool basin that contains
the breed pool, the 50m zone, and the 300m zone (The following recommendations are based
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upon the NRCS – Vernal Pool Habitat in Conservation Planning (Vermont Biology Technical
notes 1, 2010).
1 Vernal pool basin/breeding pool: This area is defined as the vernal pool
depression to the high-water mark measured in the spring. This can be evaluated
by looking for obvious changes in topography around the edge of the vernal
pool or water-stained and compressed leaves. Do not disturb this area during any
season. This includes the removal of woody debris or application of herbicides
within this area.
2 100m zone. This area is defined from the edge of the spring high-water mark out
to 100m away. Retention of canopy cover is important in this zone, so only hand
removal of invasive species without the use of herbicide will be permitted.
Ensure canopy coverage of at least 80% within this area, even if that means
leaving some non-native species. Non-native species can be removed over a span
of years while allowing for native regeneration (or planting) to ensure that
adequate canopy coverage shades this area. Work done in this area should only
occur when the ground is frozen completely in mid-winter.
3 The 100m - 300m zone. Adequate amphibian habitat will require a minimum of
60% canopy coverage with a combination of large mature trees, shrubs, and
woody material on the forest floor. Abundant coarse woody material of various
sizes, deep leaf litter, and canopy coverage will allow for a moist forest floor that
is critical for amphibians. Hazard trees may be removed from this area, and
invasive species management and native plantings may occur in this area,
however, there should be no heavy equipment or pesticides used within the
100m - 300m zone. It is important to not alter the hydrology of the vernal pool
by creating roadways or directing additional run-off to this area because it can
introduce pollutants and sediments to the vernal pool.
3.3.2 Natural Heritage Priority Sites
Natural Heritage Priority sites are currently noted in Woodland Management plans and forest
stewardship plans and a report from the Natural Heritage Priority. These sites provide critical
habitat and/or have unique features that need an additional level of protection.
NJ Highlands Region BMPs for Natural Heritage Priority Sites
In the Highlands region, if the project site or parcel contains a Natural Heritage Priority Site, the
following activities are restricted from this area:
1. Foliar spraying or broadcast spraying of herbicide
a. Targeted herbicide treatment such as cut and dab or ex-ject is permitted, however
the risk of overspray from foliar or broadcast spraying is too great and shall not be
permitted.
2. Heavy machinery, including forestry mowers, are not permitted in these areas.
a. Walk-behind mowers and weed whackers are allowed.
3. Removal of canopy trees
a. Exceptions are given in the cases of hazard trees or for the explicit need to allow
more light to the canopy floor to a support a species that is already residing at that
location (example: bog turtle)
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4. The creation of roads, skid trails or landing areas are not permitted within Natural Heritage
Priority sites.
3.3.3 Invasive Species
Invasive species have become an increasingly important issue in New Jersey. Invasive species
negatively impact the forest ecosystem by out-competing native species due to lack of natural
controls and herbivory pressure from white-tailed deer. Non-native invasive species can have
negative impacts by affecting the hydrological and fire cycles, as well altering the patterns of natural
succession (New Jersey Forest Action Plan). Due to changing climate and unprecedented pressure
from invasive species and white-tailed deer, it has become imperative to address invasive species
when conducting any type of Forestry work in New Jersey. Invasive species are likely to colonize
newly disturbed areas and will often over-take an area quickly especially with the excessive deer
browse on native plants (New Jersey Forest Action Plan). Controlling and preventing non-native
invasive plants will be vital elements of any forestry activities in the Highlands (Highlands MPRR
page 14).
NJ Highlands Region BMPs for Invasive Species
Conduct a survey throughout the planned stand area to identify species of invasive species
and approximate quantities of these species.
Treat the area and a 50ft buffer of the area for invasive species at least two weeks prior to
disturbance of the site.
Wash all equipment (vehicles, tools, etc) to reduce the risk of non-native seeds, pests and
diseases are not being accidentally introduced into the stand or landing area.
Follow up one (1) year after management and treat for any resprouting /re-emergence or
new invasive species at the site.
Document and record all findings and treatments at the stand.
Write plan for how to deal with invasive species on site, including how to deal with invasive
species within Highlands open water buffers and critical habitat areas (vernal pools)
Monitor and treat invasive species at site and landing areas for a minimum of 2 years post
treatment
3.3.4 Deer Management
Deer populations in NJ have grown dramatically in the last 50 years. Historically, most of NJ
naturally supported populations of deer of approximately 10 per square mile, and now populations
in some areas are exceeding 200 per square mile. The increased number of deer in addition to a
reduction in available habitat from fragmentation as a result of development has led to enormous
pressure on forest ecosystems (NJ Highlands MPRR page 14, New Jersey State Forest Action Plan).
White-tailed deer are a native and natural part of New Jersey’s landscape, but the current
population size is unsustainable for the deer and the for the resources that they share with other
animals and plants. Deer are having a large selective force on our NJ forests and are impacting
forest regeneration (New Jersey State Forest Action Plan).
NJ Highland Region BMPs for Deer Mangement
Deer density studies to quantify deer populations in the treatment area or use current data
from the municipality (preferable) or county to estimate deer density.
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Deer management must be part of forest stewardship plans/woodland management plans.
If the landowner does not want active deer management on their property, they shall
employ other deer deterrents such as fencing or allow deer drives to take place on their
property to allow for active deer management on adjacent properties.
Deer exclusion (fencing and repellent) shall be used in conjunction with active deer
management when deer densities exceed 50 per square mile to allow for forest regeneration.
Write plan for how to manage for deer density on site (hunting – how many deer need to be
harvested per year/per acre, deer fencing/tubes, deterrent sprays)
Write a plan stating how you will monitor and how often you will monitor for deer
herbivory
If deer herbivory reaches a given threshold, how are you going to adapt your management
plan to ensure the landowner will reach their forest regeneration goals?
3.3.5 Forest Soils
Forest soils are the basis for the health of the entire forest, and it is critical to manage these soils
proactively when conducting forestry work in the Highlands (MPRR page 14). When a location is
being considered for forestry work, whether it is harvesting, restoration, enhancement or
stewardship, a standardized soil test to understand the soil conditions as well as to determine
whether these soils have been plowed. Plant selection for a particular site should be based on what
species are native to the site’s soil conditions rather than to alter the soil or site conditions to
encourage a selected species (Stewardship, Restoration and Mitigation of Forest Habitat in the NJ
Highlands).
NJ Highlands Forestry BMPs for Soil Management
Soil testing to assess the soil conditions of the site
Prohibit the disturbance of primary forest soils except in the incidences of the removal of
hazard trees
Limit disturbance of any forest soils by conducting forestry work when the ground is frozen
Soil enhancement techniques for degraded soil such as leaving generous amounts of woody
material and inoculating the soil with beneficial microbes via compost tea area appropriate
measures that should be considered.
3.3.6 Steep Slopes
Steep slopes defined within the Highlands Regional Master Plan are any slope having a grade of
15% or more, or if situated in a Riparian area, of 10% or more. The disturbance of a steep slope
can cause soil erosion which can result in siltation in water bodies as well as the loss of topsoil.
Flooding and landslide issues can also arise as a result of steep slope disturbance from changes in
draining patterns. It is important to protect steep slopes in the NJ Highlands due to the negative
impacts that can be caused by the disturbance of this natural landscape (Highlands RMP, page 147).
Slopes as defined in the Highlands RMP are grouped into the following categories.
Constrained Slopes – All non-Riparian Area lands having a slope of 15% to less than 20%
which are non-forested and exhibit one or more of the following characteristics: a) highly
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susceptible to erosion; b) shallow depth to bedrock; or c) a Soil Capability Class indicative
of wet or stony soils.
Limited Constrained Slopes – All non-Riparian Area lands having a slope of 15% to less than
20%, which are non-forested, are not highly susceptible to erosion, and do not have a
shallow depth to bedrock or a Soil Capability Class indicative of wet or stony soils.
Moderately Constrained Slopes – All forested non-Riparian Area lands having a slope of 15% to
less than 20%.
Severely Constrained Slopes– All lands having slopes of 20% or greater and all lands within
Riparian Areas having slopes of 10% and greater.
o The only forestry activities permitted within severely constrained slopes are invasive
species management, deer management, planting and hazard tree removal.
NJ Highlands Forestry BMPs for Steep Slopes
Activities that would disturb soils are prohibited on Severely Constrained Slopes. Such activities
would include skidding, timber harvesting, or any other silvicultural activity that would disturb the
soil. Activities that would be allowed include invasive species removal with the exclusion of
machinery such as a brush hog, planting, deer exclosures and deer management.
3.3.7 Habitat Creation & Enhancement
Habitat creation and enhancement activities shall only be permitted in the Highlands Region after a
consistency determination is issued by the NJ Highlands Council. A consistency determination is a
formal review process that the NJ Highlands Council undertakes to assess the impacts of a given
project on NJ Highlands resources. Any habitat creation or enhancements will be evaluated not
only for the benefit of a particular species or set of species but considers how this habitat
creation/enhancement will impact other Highlands resources.
NJ Highlands Forestry BMPs for Habitat Creation and Enhancement
An approved application for a consistency determination from the Highlands council is required
for any habitat creation and enhancement projects in the Highlands region.
3.3.8 Core Forest, Older-growth forests and forest fragmentation
Core forest is the innermost forested areas in the Highlands and provides critical habitat for forest
interior species. These forests generally also contain older-growth forests per the Vermeule Maps.
Due to its relatively lower “edge effects” caused by human disturbances, it is important to keep
core forests intact. Core forests are beneficial because they are not fragmented like the majority of
NJ forests, and it is important to keep the forest and the canopy intact.
NJ Highlands Forestry BMPs for Core Forest, Older-Growth Forests and Forest Fragmentation
Activities such as invasive species management, deer management and tree planting are permitted
within core forests, however the creation of canopy gaps larger than 0.5 acres will not be permitted
within Highlands core forests without review by NJ Highlands Council staff to ensure that
Highlands resources are not being impacted by the project.
3.3.9 Historical, Archeological, and Cultural Resources
The Highlands Region has played an important part in the history of New Jersey. The cultural and
historic resources that this region provide tourism opportunities, education, and allow residents and
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visitors alike to take a glimpse into the regions past. Historic resources in the region include
buildings, statues, historically important town districts, or sites. The Highlands region has over 600
listed historic resources, 4 of which are listed as national historic landmarks. Cultural and
archeological resources such as ruins, structures, graves, or human remains are spread throughout
the Highlands. As time progresses the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) anticipates that
even more sites in the Highlands will be added to the registry. The continued protection and
preservation of these resources is required to maintain the unique character of the New Jersey
Highlands. The Highlands Council interactive map uses a grid system to identify the locations of
these sites. The list of these resources described in the Highlands Regional Master Plan (RMP page
93-95) is as follows:
Agricultural Historic Districts and Farmsteads, including farm buildings such as houses,
barns, windmills, spring houses, corn cribs, fields, fence lines, etc.;
Historic Landmark Districts and architecture that represent a significant period in American
History such as Ringwood Manor, Skylands Manor, Craftsman Farms, early stone houses,
log cabins, churches, and schools;
Archaeological sites, including early American settlements, such as the prehistoric Black
Creek site in Sussex County, rock shelters, and historic mill and farm ruins;
Designed landscapes attributed to a significant landscape architect or designer;
Health and public welfare facilities, including Greystone Park (State Asylum for the Insane)
and Morris County Alms House and Hospital;
Industrial facilities or complexes, including Long Pond Ironworks, saw mills, grist mills,
manufacturing sites, dams, quarries, mines, lime kilns, paper mills, and forge sites;
Military installations and places of significance such as Picatinny Arsenal and American
Revolutionary War Encampments, Battlefields, and skirmish sites;
Recreational landmarks such as the Appalachian Trail, the White Deer Plaza and Boardwalk
in Sparta Township, or Civilian Conservation Corps facilities;
Transportation structures representing a significant period of time in history or unusual
engineering type, such as the Morris Canal, and stone or steel truss bridges; and
Water supply facilities such as the Wanaque Reservoir dam.
Ground disturbing activities near a waterway are subject to formal regulatory review through the
permitting process and would have a formal review from the State Historic Preservation Office for
impacts on cultural resources. Please review LUCY cultural resource GIS viewer here to inform the
regulated public to areas of known archaeological sensitivity (see the archaeology grid squares) here:
https://njdep.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=6706acec2a7e46489f6d4dabb
a02fc9c
NJ Highlands Forestry BMPs for Historical, Archeological, and Cultural resources
In the Highlands Region, if a project area is within a Highlands Archaeological grid, the State
Historic Preservation office must be contacted for review prior to the start of work.
Areas of high archaeological sensitivity for Native American and colonial period habitation sites are
on moderate- to well-drained soils, less than 15-percent slope, and within 500 feet of a water course
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and/or large wetland and ground disturbing activities should be limited. There can also be upland
activity areas such as Native American rock shelters and/or Native American and historic period
mining activities.
Protective matting shall be used around wetlands for temporary roadway/access projects also
protects archaeological resources and is recommended. For large scale replanting/reforestation
projects, use bare root stock or up to 1 gallon size since this work does not have the potential to
penetrate below the agricultural plow zone into lower intact soils. A professional archaeologist
will/is required to review the area after the ground disturbing activity is completed.
Review is required for the replacement of any culvert made of stone or brick to ensure they are not
a historic property.
3.3.10 Climate Change Considerations
The New Jersey Highlands region is characterized by extensive forested areas that support
biodiversity, water quality, and ecosystem services and serve as an important carbon sink for the
region and the state. Forests and natural lands in NJ store an estimated 8.1 million metric tons of
carbon dioxide equivalent (MMTCO2e) annually and are the sole identified carbon sink in the
state’s 2022 Report of the Greenhouse Gas Inventory, representing an 8% annual sink of CO2
compared to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Preserving forests and other natural lands as a
carbon sink is a key element of the New Jersey strategy for mitigating GHG emissions. However,
the functionality, health, and resilience of the New Jersey Highlands forests face growing threats
due to climate change.
The ecosystem disturbances due to climate change increase the vulnerability of forests to stress and
tree mortality events. Climate change causes interconnected threats, such that one factor alone may
not cause mortality, but in combination, trees are more susceptible to stressful events. Rising
temperatures and changing precipitation patterns may adversely affect the phenology, growth, and
distribution of tree species, negatively impacting forest health. Additionally, warmer temperatures
can facilitate the expansion of diseases and invasive species. Altered climate conditions may also
influence the frequency and intensity of wildfires, potentially resulting in significant changes to the
forest's structure and overall composition. Such changes may lead to shifts in the composition of
tree species, favoring some that are more adaptable to warmer temperatures while pushing others
out of their traditional habitat.
Changes in precipitation patterns due to climate change are of particular concern in the Highlands
region. A study on projected changes in extreme rainfall in New Jersey finds that under moderate
atmospheric warming, projected precipitation associated with the 100-year storm may increase by as
much as 37% to 50% in Highlands counties. Compounding the threats of increased rainfall, much
of the topography of the Highlands region is characterized by steep slopes, narrow valleys, and
rocky terrain, rendering these areas highly vulnerable to flooding and flash flooding conditions.
Given the substantial risks to human health associated with flooding, the natural systems that
attenuate flooding, including wetlands, riparian buffers, and forested steep slopes, must be
preserved and protected.
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In light of these challenges, it is imperative to implement practices that prioritize biodiversity,
native species, the maintenance of forest structure, and the protection of Highlands Open Water
Areas to enhance the resilience of forests in the New Jersey Highlands Region. Strategies that
promote ecological connectivity between forest fragments through wildlife corridors and
contiguous protected areas can facilitate species migration and genetic exchange, aiding forests in
adapting to changing climatic conditions. Preserving the integrity of watersheds by safeguarding
open water buffers and forested steep slopes within the region is important for maintaining water
availability, quality, and ecosystem services while mitigating the impacts of increased rainfall and
vulnerability to flooding.
NJ Highlands Forestry BMPs for Climate Change Resilience
Preserve or restore biological diversity and forest structure to enhance native species
diversity.
Restore a diverse range of native species in highly disturbed areas.
Minimize soil and steep slope disturbances.
Prevent the encroachment of invasive species, especially after disturbance.
Promote ecological connectivity by focusing on preserving or establishing habitat corridors.
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Appendix I Summary Comparison of Highlands BMPs and Statewide Guidance
The following table provides a high-level summary comparison of Highlands BMPs and Statewide
Guidance. Complete details can be found in Section 3 of the Highlands Forestry and Wetland BMP
manual.
Areas where standards are the same Filter strips
Stream crossings
Log decks and portable sawmill sites
Areas where Highlands BMPs diverge from
Statewide Guidance
(see sections 3.2.1 through3.2.7 for details)
Stream side management zones
All SMZ for riparian areas are 300 ft
Wetlands
All wetland buffer are 300ft
Access roads
Must adhere to Highlands Open water
buffers
Timber harvesting
Must include inventory of canopy and
understory woody species – including
non-native invasive plants,
invasive species management plan
Plan for how the landowner will
address deer herbivory as it may
impact forest regeneration.
Skid Trails
Consistent with current standards
except skidding on slopes greater than
40% is prohibited
Site preparation
Consistent with additional steps
Improve compacted soils
Adhere to Highlands Open water
buffers and critical habitat buffers
Forest pesticides
Consistent except that aerial spray
must adhere to the Highlands Open
Water buffers and critical habitat
buffers.
Reforestation
All seeding mixes must include 100%
native plant species
Forest Protection
Prescribed fire may also be used to
promote vegetation regeneration and
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control of some invasive species
Precautions must be in place to
protect vernal pools and natural
heritage priority sites
Areas not specifically addressed in
Statewide Guidance
(see sections 3.3.1 through 3.3.10 for details)
Vernal Pools
All vernal pool buffers are 300m
3 zones of protection
Basin/Breeding pool zone
100m zone
100-300m zone
Natural Heritage Priority site
In the Highlands region, if the project site or
parcel contains a Natural Heritage Priority
Site, the following activities are restricted from
this area:
Foliar spraying or broadcast spraying
of herbicide
Heavy machinery, including forestry
mowers, are not permitted in these
areas.
Removal of canopy trees
The creation of roads, skid trails or
landing areas are not permitted within
Natural Heritage Priority sites.
Invasive species
Inventory non-native species on site
Write plan for how to deal with
invasive species on site, including how
to deal with invasive species within
Highlands open water buffers and
critical habitat areas (vernal pools)
Clean all equipment to remove
invasive species seed and debris prior
to entering site
Monitor and treat invasive species at
site and landing areas for a minimum
of 2 years post-treatment
Deer Management
Conduct deer density survey or obtain
deer density data from municipality or
county
Write plan for how to manage for deer
density on site (hunting – how many
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deer need to be harvest per year/per
acre, deer fencing/tubes, deterrent
sprays)
Write a plan stating how you will
monitor and how often you will
monitor for deer herbivory
If deer herbivory reaches a given
threshold, how are you going to adapt
your management plan to ensure the
landowner will reach their forest
regeneration goals?
Forest Soils
Soil testing to assess the soil
conditions of the site
Prohibit the disturbance of primary
forest soils except in the incidences of
the removal of hazard trees
Limit disturbance of any forest soils
by conducting forestry work when the
ground is frozen
Soil enhancement techniques for
degraded soil such as leaving generous
amounts of woody material and
inoculating the soil with beneficial
microbes via compost tea are
appropriate measures that should be
considered.
Habitat Creation & Enhancement
Requires a consistency determination
from the Highlands Council
Core Forest, Older-growth forests and
fragmentation
Activities such as invasive species
management, deer management and
tree planting are permitted within core
forests.
Creation of canopy gaps larger than
0.5 acres will not be permitted within
Highlands core forests without review
by NJ Highlands Council staff to
ensure that Highlands resources are
not being impacted by the project.
Historical and Cultural significant areas,
the archeological grid
Areas of high archaeological sensitivity
for Native American and colonial
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period habitation sites are on
moderate- to well-drained soils, less
than 15-percent slope, and within 500
feet of a water course and/or large
wetland and ground disturbing
activities should be limited.
There can also be upland activity areas
such as Native American rock shelters
and/or Native American and historic
period mining activities.
If a project area is within a Highlands
Archaeological grid, the State Historic
Preservation office must be contacted
for review prior to the start of work.
Climate Change Considerations
Implement practices that prioritize
biodiversity, native species, and
maintenance of forest structure to
enhance the resilience of forests in the
New Jersey Highlands Region.
Promoting ecological connectivity
between forest fragments through
wildlife corridors and protected areas
can facilitate species migration and
genetic exchange, aiding forests in
adapting to changing climatic
conditions.
Preserving the integrity of watersheds
within the region is crucial for
maintaining water availability, quality,
and ecosystem services
