Friday, December 8, 2023

NJ Highlands Council Draft "Best Management Practices for Forestry and Wetlands"

 New Jersey Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council

DRAFT/CONFIDENTIAL BMPs for Forestry in the New Jersey Highlands Region, Release Date: [Month] 2023

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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