FORESTS FOR THE FUTURE - Winter/Spring 2019/2020- NJ.gov
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Winter/Spring
2019/2020-
FORESTS FOR THE FUTURE
Newsletter for the New Jersey Forest Stewardship Program
Contents
Beech Leaf Disease: A True Forest Health Mystery.......................... 3
Forest Fire Season................................................................................... 5
2018 New Jersey Tree Farmer of the Year
Stag Lake Corporation............................................................................ 8
Enrique Hernandez Accepts The George Pierson
Outstanding Forest Steward Award..................................................... 9
New Jersey Urban and Community Forestry Q&A....................... 10
Combo Logging...................................................................................... 13
Invasive Plant: Oriental Bittersweet................................................... 15
Editor’s Log Tree Feature: American Basswood............................... 16
Stewardship Leaves Forests for the Future
New Jersey Forest Stewardship Program Virtual Backyard Forestry
Editor: Kristen Caggiano in 90 Minutes - Free Program
Articles and photos by: Kristen Caggiano, unless otherwise identified.
To register visit:
Please send questions, comments, or ideas for future articles to: www.njforestry.org/mybackyard
Kristen Caggiano, kmh0222@gmail.com or
Jon Klischies, Jon.Klischies@dep.nj.gov (Forest Stewardship Program)
Held monthly every second thursday
and third thursday
7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Sponsored by: Rutgers Cooperative Extension, New
New Jersey Forest Jersey Forest Service, New Jersey Forestry Association
Stewardship Program
New Jersey Department of
Environmental Protection
New Jersey Forest Service
Mail code 501-04 P.O. Box 420
Trenton, N.J. 08625-0420
Untimely leaf discoloration from Bacterial leaf scorch
Beech Leaf Disease: A True Forest Health Mystery
By: Rosa Yoo, Forest Health Specialist, New Jersey Forest Service - updated July 30, 2020
A few years ago, I was attending a multi-state forest early leaf drop. Eventually, the few leaves that do
health meeting, and the forest health specialist develop, are small, curled, and necrotic, and the
from Ohio gave his state update. He brought up infected tree will shortly succumb to the disease.
something called “Beech Leaf Disease (BLD)”. The
causal agent was unknown, its origin was unknown, Recently, a nematode (Litylenchus crenatae
its host range was unknown, and its impact on mccannii) has been linked to BLD. This nematode
beech trees was unknown. It was a true forest is thought to be native to Japan. The nematodes
health mystery. This was the first time I had heard have been found in symptomatic leaf tissue, and
of this disease, but unfortunately, not the last. usually in large numbers. These nematodes have
also been detected in the buds of asymptomatic
The symptom of BLD is a dark striping, or banding, leaves, but in lower numbers. In laboratory studies,
of the leaf tissue either in-between the leaf veins, nematode inoculated buds cause BLD symptoms
or on the leaf veins. This is best seen when the on emerging leaves the following spring. However,
leaf is held up to the sunlight. In the early stages of it is yet to be determined if the nematode is
infection, only a few leaves will exhibit the banding, the causal agent, or if it is simply a vector for an
but the leaves will maintain their normal shape and unidentified, unknown organism. But it appears the
size. Infections tend to start on the lower branches nematodes play and important role in the BLD
and progress upward. As BLD progresses, more cycle.
leaves exhibit the dark striping within the entire
crown, and eventually parts of the heavily infected Lake Metroparks in Ohio have been observing
leaves start to curl and turn brown and necrotic. BLD and its progression and impacts on beech
Advance stages of this disease causes aborted trees since 2012, when it was first observed in
buds, where leaves do not emerge, as well as Ohio. They have noticed that symptomatic leaves
Continued on next page
3
Continued from the previous page
can emerge with banding straight out of the bud. and spreading within beech tree canopies every
Also, leaves emerging from the same bud, have the year. Possible vectors for the movement of
same level of symptoms. However, various levels of nematodes include rain, invertebrates - such as
infection can be found on the same branch or tree, mites and insects that carry the nematode, or birds
ranging from asymptomatic to heavily infected and feeding on these invertebrates or beech nuts that
everything in-between. Although crown dieback may contain nematodes. Research is on-going to
is visible within years of initial detection in all age better understand BLD, possible treatment options,
classes, mortality in saplings and young trees has and its impacts on the ecosystem. The best we can
been observed 2-5 years after initial detection. do for now is to monitor for BLD and report it as
soon as possible.
To date, known hosts include American, European,
and Oriental beech are susceptible to BLD. BLD symptoms persist on beech leaves, even after
However, Japanese beech remains asymptomatic, leaf senescence. Look for these symptoms on
even after exposure to BLD. leaves that are retained on beech trees through
the winter, or on fallen beech leaves on the ground.
One of the main concerns about BLD is that it Report any suspect leaves to the Tree Health
continues to be detected in new locations every Survey app, where Cleveland Metroparks and Lake
year. As of June 2020, BLD has been confirmed in Metroparks are tracking BLD detections via the
Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut, Rhode app. Photographs with location descriptions can
Island, and Ontario. In addition, in areas where BLD also be emailed to me at rosa.yoo@dep.nj.gov.
was detected, symptoms appeared to be worsening
An example of a thinning live crown which is indicative of Oak wilt
Forest Fire Season
The forests of northern New Jersey have not only invasive plants, stands of trees impacted by insect
evolved with fire, they have been shaped by it. outbreaks such as Gypsy Moth, and woodland
Frequent and sometimes intense fire events have pathogens like Beech Bark Disease. Evolutionarily
influenced genetic adaptations in trees and plants in fire played an essential role in maintaining the
the state. It has contributed to the physiochemical dynamic ecosystem balance critical to countless
properties of our soil and had influence on wildlife species of plants and animals. As human
population trends along with complex hydrological population exponentially expanded in New Jersey,
processes. Evidence in the form of fusain, which forests became fragmented and societal pressure
are ancient charcoal deposits remaining in the soil, led to construction and development within fire
indicate naturally occurring wildfires date back dependent ecosystems. Consequently, emphasis
as far as 400 million years ago. These pre-historic and funding became allocated to the protection
events were primarily ignited by lightning strikes of our investments. Protection measures have
and other natural occurrences, although humans historically excluded fire from areas that require it
may claim responsibility for starting most fires for survival. Unfortunately, the longer fire remains
in recent history. Regardless of how it is ignited, absent in these dependent environments, it’s flora,
ecologists and foresters know that fire brings fauna, and other natural processes will continue to
reprieve to plant life and wildlife communities decline in diversity and productivity.
under stress. Common ecological stressors
Continued on next page
may include areas overgrown with non-native
Continued from the previous page
The 2018 fire season in California was its most
deadly in recorded history. A combination of
increased quantities of combustible fuels and
consistently dry conditions, linked to climate
change, led to a series of damaging fire events.
While statistical correlative fire models in California
remain quite dissimilar to the Garden State, there
are some unnerving commonalities in terms of fuel
loading. Wildland fuels are typically comprised of
live and dead biomass from plants and range in size,
structure, and compaction. Common fuels include
pine needles, leaves, grasses, shrubs, and larger
course woody debris. Jeremy Caggiano, a Forester
for NJ Forest Service explained, “The combination
of small fires being rapidly suppressed before fuels objective of RxB for NJFFS is to help reduce fuel
are fully consumed, combustible biomass left behind loading. It can also help partners reach other
from storm events like Hurricane Sandy, and trees land management objectives at the same time.”
continuing to be rapidly killed by insects, especially Recently, within the section of the state that Matt
Emerald Ash Borer, has led to dangerous fuel oversees, approximately 126.5 acres of land owned
loading within our forests.” Forest conditions and by Morris County Parks has received RxB. Well
fire models are becoming reminiscent of the Great known and heavily used woodlands such as Lewis
Smokey Mountains of Gatlinburg,TN in November Morris Park, Loantaka Park, Pyramid Mountain Park,
2016. If the northern third of New Jersey incurs Frelinghuysen Arboretum, and Mt. Paul Memorial
a minor drought coupled with high winds and an Park have successfully implemented burn plans
ignition source, firestorms of historic significance and are safer and healthier for it. According to
could become a reality. Fortunately, appropriately NJFFS, building and maintaining communities that
trained agencies, like NJ Forest Fire Service (NJFFS), are compatible with their natural surroundings
are proficient with the use of prescribed burning is equally as important as RxB and remains an
techniques (RxB). RxB is a powerful tool with essential component of their programing. NJFFS’s
the ability to safely mimic natural gap disturbance knowledge and ability is appreciated and well
events in fire dependent ecosystems. RxB can supported by several of the state’s environmental
also efficiently reduce fuel loads hence preventing organizations.
catastrophic, life-threatening wildfire events like
California experienced in 2018. New Jersey Audubon’s (NJA) Stewardship
Department works to conserve wildlife and
Wildland firefighters have long been experts at habitat through the active management, restoration
suppressing fire with fire but what few people and enhancement of public and private lands
realize is that they are also exceptional at applying throughout the state. Currently, NJA is working
it, through RxB, in a preventative rather than with NJ Forest Fire Service and NJ Forest Service
reactive fashion. NJFFS is working closely with to incorporate RxB into Forest Stewardship Plans
government agencies and private land owners for their ownerships in southern New Jersey. In
alike to incorporate this principal. NJFFS Control the north they are helping to educate, plan, and
Technician Matt Watson works at NJFFS’s Division facilitate RxB on publicly managed forests and
A Headquarters in Andover Township. Matt privately held tracts such as Hudson Farm, which
stated, “With positive working partnerships, we is over 3,000 acres and spans several townships
can reduce the loss of life, property, and damage in Sussex County. The environmental organization
to natural resources from wildfire. The primary
Continued on next page
6
Continued from the previous page
has teamed up with Todd Sacchiero who works is that where there is an unacceptable level of
for NJFFS as their Division A, Section 4 Firewarden. competing vegetation, these plants uptake water
Todd continues to educate staff at Hudson Farm, which becomes rapidly lost to evapotranspiration.
NJA, and conservationists with Natural Resource The hypothesis is that RxB will effectively thin these
Conservation Service (NRCS) on how to safely stems and in turn improve recharge capacity and
and effectively implement RxB Burn Plans. He water quality in wetlands and first order woodland
believes that areas of Hudson Farm’s woodlot can streams. Water quantity and quality improvements
benefit from RxB both in terms of fuel loading and will coincide with enhancement to bird and other
ecological enhancement. Over the past half-decade, wildlife habitats, a concept that NJA vigorously
Hudson Farm, in cooperation with Natural Resource promotes.
Conservation Service (NRCS) and Gracie and
Harrigan Consulting Foresters, Inc., has implemented All of those involved with RxB, including Hasko,
several even-aged Seed Tree harvests with an eye explain that the most challenging component
to diversifying stand age classes and increasing the of using fire as a management tool is ensuring
availability of quality young forest wildlife habitat on all those involved understand the process and
the landscape. Under Todd’s watch fire is now being have a reasonable expectation of outcomes. It is
introduced to some of these redeveloping stands important to first understand that conditions are
to not only reduce fuel loads, but to also ensure the not always ideal for RxB. The right combination of
regeneration of hard mast bearing species like red fuel, humidity, atmospheric conditions, and time of
oak are favored over other competing vegetation year all play a role in the success of a burn. Forcing
like black birch. Lately, NJA has been promoting the RxB in less than ideal conditions may not only
use of RxB in a new and exciting way. Ryan Hasko, be unsafe but can result in precious fuels being
NJA’s Stewardship Project Coordinator, was able partially consumed in a smoldering fire. A weak fire
to help secure funding for his organization through will often fail to accomplish the original ecological
North American Wetlands Conservation Act Small objectives of eradicating unwanted fuels, invasive
Grants Program. An interesting grant deliverable vegetation, or unacceptable regeneration.
consists of incorporating RxB into hydrological areas.
Hasko took the time to explain, “By reintroducing NJ Forest Service is hopeful more responsible RxB
fire to hydrological areas and transitional areas, projects will occur on state owned woodlands as
our goal is to begin reducing invasive plant species well as on privately held parcels. On December
cover, improve species composition of the forest 18th, 2017 the New Jersey Stewardship Program
canopy, increase forest resiliency, and enhance rules were officially enacted. These rules, according
adjacent wetland function.” Generally, the idea to NJ Forest Service, will help further enable
woodland owners to incorporate RxB into the
management they need to do to remain enrolled
in the Farmland Assessment Program. Forest
management prescribed in an approved NJ Forest
Stewardship Plan does not have to produce
income. In lieu of income deriving management
activities, new management approaches like RxB
can fit neatly into plan activity schedules. RxB in
New Jersey’s northern region can serve as a tool
to not only make our communities safer but to also
control invasive plants, improve wildlife habitat, and
foster silviculturally appropriate regeneration. For
more information about conducting RxB on your
property or how to apply for an RxB permit, please
contact your local NJ Forest Fire Service office.
2018 New Jersey Tree Farmer
of the Year Winner
Stag Lake Corporation
Andy Kimm accepting award from Dennis Galway on behalf of Stag Lake Corp
Stag Lake Corporation’s forest is located off Stag which yielded roughly 80 thousand board feet
Pond Road in Andover and Byram Townships, of sawtimber and 100 cords of firewood. The
New Jersey. The 1,030 acre private woodlot property has been owned by the same family for
contains five ponds including Stag Lake and over 100 years and forest management has been
Duck Pond which make up roughly 93 acres of in place within the woodlands for approximately
the property. According to NJ Forest Service 75 years. The property contains a mixture of uses
records, they have participated in the Farmland including 16.65 acres which is used for agriculture.
Assessment Program since 1989. The property is Agricultural operations include activities such as
managed by Ridge and Valley Forest Management the annual harvesting of hay. Management goals
Services. In 2017 and 2018, the owner’s along for the property include sustainably harvesting
with New Jersey Approved Foresters Andrew forest products such as firewood, maple syrup,
Bennett and Dylon Borger, Ridge and Valley Forest cedar posts, and timber while improving wildlife
Management, successfully implemented a 60 acre habitat and generally enhancing the condition of
commercial Timber Stand Improvement harvest the forest.
8
Enrique Hernandez Accepts The George
Pierson Outstanding Forest Steward Award
Joe Bruschetta accepting award on behalf of Enrique Harnandez from NJ Forest Service’s Todd Wyckoff and Jon Klisches
Mr. Hernandez and his forester Joe Bruschetta the owner has taken the initiative to interplant
have been managing this nearly 15 acre woodlot trees, especially within riparian zones. Invasive
in Pohatcong Township, New Jersey since 2011 species such as ailanthus have been targeted for
together. According to Joe, responsible woodland eradication and wildlife habitat enhancement
management activities have been geared towards efforts have included the creation of brush piles
establishing a program that will result in a throughout the woodlot and timing Timber Stand
productive, sustainable, and healthy forest for the Improvement during winter months to encourage
21st century. Over the past several years ash and stump sprouting for forage while limiting impacts
other dead and dying trees have been removed to breeding reptiles and amphibians utilizing nearby
from the forest to create favorable light conditions Pohatcong Creek.
for natural regeneration to take hold. In areas
where natural regeneration has remained absent,
9
Q&
New Jersey Urban and Community Forestry
Q: What is an urban and
community forest?
A
A: An urban forest is all the trees and forests educational opportunities, and offers grants for tree
within a local jurisdiction. They include urban parks, related actions, such as reforestation. The goal of the
street trees, landscaped boulevards, gardens, river program is for all New Jersey communities to have a
and coastal promenades, greenways, river corridors, healthy, safe and sustainable tree and forest resource,
wetlands, nature preserves, shelter belts of trees, and a self-sustaining local urban and community
and working trees at former industrial sites. A forestry program. Local governments that meet
community forest is a forest owned and generally certain requirements can become accredited with
managed by a community, the members of which the NJUCF program.
share its benefits. Since every county in New Jersey
qualifies as urban according to the federal census, all
New Jersey residents live in an urban forest.
Q: What is accreditation and
why is it beneficial for my
community?
Q: What is urban and
community forestry? A: Municipal and county governments can
become accredited with the NJUCF program by
A: Urban and community forestry is the art, meeting certain criteria regarding management
science, and technology of managing trees and plans for their town’s tree resources, training and
forest resources in and around urban community education, and annual reporting. Towns which are
ecosystems for the physiological, sociological, accredited with the NJUCF program have access to
economic, and aesthetic benefits trees provide grants for development and implementation of their
society. (~ Helms, The Dictionary of Forestry) Community Forestry Management Plans and a basis
for liability protection.
Q: Does NJDEP have
a program to help
communities manage
Q: What are some of the
benefits of a healthy urban
their urban and & community forest?
community forests?
A: A healthy urban and community forest
A: Yes. The NJ Urban & Community Forestry provides many environmental, social, and economic
(NJUCF) Program encourages and supports benefits for its residents, from cleaner air and water,
the stewardship and effective management of stormwater management, better overall health,
trees and forest ecosystems. It is a statutorily recreation opportunities, increased business and
established program in NJDEP’s Division of Parks housing values, energy savings, and so much more.
and Forestry Forest Service that works with local
governments throughout the state. The program
helps communities plan for the management
of their tree resources, provides training and
Continued on next page...
10Continued from the previous page Q: I’ve noticed some
problems with the trees
in my yard. How can
Q: How can I get involved
with urban and community
I find a qualified tree
care company to come
forestry in my town? out and check my trees?
A: The most effective way to become involved A: As noted above, the NJ Board of Tree Experts
is to become a member of your town’s Shade licenses tree care companies. You can get more
Tree Commission/Committee, (or if no Shade Tree information about the companies servicing your
group, your town’s Environmental Commission, or area on their website. Licensed Tree Experts can
Green Team). If none of these groups exist in your perform tree expert services which means and
town, consider working to create one. While the includes tree pruning, repairing, brush cutting or
role of these groups varies from municipality to removal, tree removal, stump grinding or removal,
municipality, in general they are responsible for the tree establishment, fertilization, cabling and
regulation, planting, care, and control of the shade bracing, lightning protection, consulting, diagnosis,
and ornamental trees in the town. You can also and treatment of tree problems or diseases, tree
volunteer to assist with tree planting and related management during site planning and development,
tree initiatives in and near your town. tree assessment and risk management, and
application of pesticides or any other form of tree
maintenance. Licensed Tree Care Operators can
Q: Who is responsible for
maintenance/removal of
perform tree care operator services which means
and includes tree pruning, repairing, brush cutting
street trees in my town? or removal, tree removal, and stump grinding or
removal.
A: The responsibility for the maintenance and
removal of street trees varies from municipality to
municipality. You will need to check your municipal
and county ordinance(s) for the specific rules on Q: I’ve noticed my town has
a “Tree City USA” flag.
tree planting, care, and removal.
What is Tree City USA?
A: Tree City USA is a recognition program for
Q: Can I trim the branches
off a neighbor’s tree that
cities and towns. It was started by the National Arbor
Day Foundation to help communities better manage
overhang my property? their trees. NJ’s Urban and Community Forestry
Program works with the Arbor Day Foundation to
A: Always be a good neighbor and work with assist local governments in achieving this recognition.
your neighbors if you have any issues with their trees. The benefits of becoming an Arbor Day Tree City
You have the right to have tree branches trimmed USA Community are many--
up to the property line provided you do not harm from helping you to educate
the health or the structure of your neighbors’ tree. those in your community
You may not go onto the neighbor’s property or about the value of trees and
destroy the tree itself. Also, please be aware that the importance of sustainable
you are required to hire a licensed tree expert tree management; to reducing
for such removal. A list of licensed tree experts costs for energy; stormwater
is available from the NJ Board of Tree Experts at: management; and erosion
https://njtreeexperts.org/ or by calling (732)534-0982.
Continued on next page...
11Continued from the previous page
control. And Tree City USA status comes with
exclusive grant opportunities and yearly recognition
materials to help your community get the word
out. More information about Tree City USA can be
found at: www.communityforestry.nj.gov
Q: I just planted some trees.
What is the best way to
ensure that they survive? Q: Can’t anything be done
about the way that the
A: Planting the right tree in the right place and street trees are pruned
giving it the right care and pruning make all the under the power lines?
difference to ensuring it thrives. Trees usually take
at least three years to get established, which means
they need some care during this time period. In
A: Large trees and overhead utilities do not co-
exist well and periodic line clearance work is required
the absence of regular rainfall (during the summer to maintain electric lines as well as provide a safe
months and winter droughts), a newly planted tree environment around the tree. New Jersey utilities
will need about 10 gallons of water per week. Also, are regulated by the NJ Board of Public Utilities and
it is important to make sure that there is enough must have approved vegetative management plans
mulch around the base of the tree.You should try to for their tree maintenance activities. These plans
have about 3-4 inches of mulch for at least a 2 foot have requirements in them for town and resident
radius around the base of the tree; add more mulch notification prior to tree pruning. Ideally, the answer
as it decomposes to maintain the proper depth; to this situation is planting the right tree in the right
keep the mulch two inches away from the trunk of place.This means that the type of tree to be planted
the tree so that it does not cause the base of the is selected based on the location where it will be
trunk to rot. Mulch provides nutrients, suppresses planted. Trees planted under utility lines should only
weeds and, most importantly, acts as a “moisture be those which will mature at or below the height
trap,” keeping the soil beneath it moist. of the lower lines (approx. 25 feet or less). This
way, the trees won’t need to be trimmed for line
clearance. A useful publication on avoiding tree and
Q: There is a big development
/project near me where
utility conflicts is available at: http://www.treesaregood.
com/portals/0/docs/treecare/Avoiding_Conflicts.pdf
a lot of trees are being
removed. Can you stop
them from cutting down Q: How can I get more
information about NJDEP’s
the trees? What should I
do? urban and community
forestry program?
A: NJDEP’s urban and community forestry
program does not have the authority to prevent the A: To learn more about the New Jersey Urban
removal of trees. Contact your local government & Community Forestry Program, visit: www.
for information on your town’s tree ordinances to communityforestry.nj.gov. We also send out
see what is required prior to tree removal. updates and useful information via our email
list (signup available through our website) and
our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/
12 NJurbanandcommunityforestry/Combo Logging
By: Jeremy Caggiano
There are many factors which influence the to presume that current profit margins are tight
feasibility of a responsible commercial timber for logging contractors even when operating
harvest. Site operability, municipal permitting, and in Pennsylvania on woodlots with average sizes
recommended timing restrictions for significantly greater than those
threatened and endangered wildlife typically encountered in New
species are few such examples of In an era that includes Jersey. Now layer on the cost of
hurdles to overcome. In New Jersey fuel it requires for a contractor to
the challenge is exasperated by the Emerald Ash Borer, haul wood from far away project
fact that many available contractors sites and the cost of fuel and
and wood procuring businesses Spotted Lantern permits to move equipment out
are not located in state. Woodland of state.There are other overhead
owners and their respective Approved Fly, and a host of expenses like depreciation,
Consulting Foresters often know inherent repairs of valuable
the logging equipment which would other tree pests and equipment, and out of state
be best suited for projects on their liability insurance riders. The list
properties. Certain woodlots are diseases, it is essential goes on and often unfortunately
situated on rocky ground, slope sides, results with a well-matched
seasonally unstable soils, or within to maintain access and conscientious contractor
regulated areas of hydrology. These concluding that the economics
project sites require contractors to viable wood of working in New Jersey across
with the correct machinery and state lines is financially untenable.
connections to log buyers willing to markets in order to In an era that includes Emerald
fund post-harvest stabilization and Ash Borer, Spotted Lantern Fly,
remediation efforts. It is a well-known appropriately manage and a host of other tree pests and
fact that it has become increasingly diseases, it is essential to maintain
difficult to find properly equipped over stressed forest access to viable wood markets in
businesses locally. order to appropriately manage
lands in New Jersey. over stressed forest lands in New
Out of state wood buyers and logging Jersey.
contractors have expressed interest
in New Jersey’s high-quality timber Fortunately, certain foresters over
as well as low-grade forest resources. time have found a solution in the
However, the average Farmland Assessed woodlot concept of economies of scale. These foresters
under management in New Jersey is less than 10 often maintain geo-spatial databases which enable
acres. Under single tree selection silviculture, a them to visualize and accurately predict when
woodlot of this size may only be able to sustainably neighboring private woodland owners could be
yield 1,000 to 1,500 bd/ft of sawtimber and 1.25 combined to form a single, commercially viable
to 2.5 tons of pulpwood per acre in an individual logging operation. While economically it may be
operation. According to 2019 quarterly stumpage beneficial to combine multiple ownerships into
reports provided by the Penn State Extension, a single timber sale contract, this is often not a
average sawtimber values are approximately necessity. More importantly, when wood using
$275 per MBF and pulpwood has been yielding
slightly greater than $1.50 per ton. It is reasonable Continued on next page
13Continued from the previous page
businesses and contractors have developed solid, been logged commercially due to the lack of size
trusting relationships with foresters, these foresters of their property and the limited access offered
can help them envision the fact that they have the on each site. It is helpful to note that though this
possibility to work in a specific area for weeks if project was successful, the administrative burden on
not months at a time. When it is no longer critical a consultant increases significantly as it is critical that
to shuffle equipment from one small woodlot to each involved party understands and agrees to the
another, overhead costs and time spent on logistics rules of engagement for a project such as this.
are dramatically reduced. Suddenly, new found
interest is expressed and once infeasible projects It is important to understand that not every property
become revenue generators for small woodlot is well suited to commercial management activity.
owners.This revenue can then be reinvested into the Species composition, size, quality, operability, timing,
property in the form of non-native invasive species and long-term sustainability and ability to remain
control, afforestation projects, and much more. compliant with Farmland Assessment requirements
are all key variables which need to be taken into
In North Jersey, an example of this approach recently consideration. Sales of wood products can be an
occurred in Green Township where a harvest was excellent by-product of a well-planned forestry
successfully conducted on four different properties program on your property. However, great caution
by one logging contractor. The consulting foresters should be exercised as poorly executed timber sales
on the project were Andy Bennett and Dylon could have very long-lived negative effects on the
Borger of Ridge & Valley Forest Management. In ecological integrity of woodlands. It is critical to work
planning the harvest, they were able to establish a closely with an Approved Consulting Forester and to
common landing for staging and hauling logs which have all commercial operations incorporated into a
enabled the project to be an attractive one for the NJ Forest Service approved Woodland Management
logging contractor. The properties ranged in size or Forest Stewardship Plan. Further questions about
from 6 acres to 48 acres with two of the four being combined logging efforts can be directed to the
less than 8 acres in size. Each landowner received appropriate NJ Forest Service Regional Office or to
fair value for their timber because the contractor a New Jersey Approved Consulting Forester. A list
viewed this as though it was one large harvest of NJ Approved Consulting Foresters can be found
(rather than four individual harvests). It is unlikely online here: https://nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/forest/
that the smaller three properties could have ever ACF.pdf.
14NEW JERSEY INVASIVE SPECIES STRIKE TEAM
Oriental Bittersweet WWW.NJISST.ORG
Family name:
Celastraceae - Staff-tree family
Native range: Asia
Latin name: Celastrus orbiculatus
NJ Status: Widespread and
highly threatening to native plant
communities
Description:
• Fast growing climbing vine up to
4” in diameter at maturity
• Bark can vary in color from dark
to reddish brown
• Can girdle or pull down mature trees
and branches
Leaves:
• Alternate sharply toothed
• Mature leaves are rounded
• Young leaves narrow and tapered at tips
Flowers:
• Small and greenish colored
• Appear from May to early June
Fruit:
• Abundant and yellow
• Appear September to November and
may persist through winter
• 0.25” round
• At maturity, yellow to deep orange arils
(fleshy seed covering) are exposed
Habitat:
• Roadsides, forest edges, woods,
fields and meadows
• Thrives in sunny locations and
tolerates shade
Look-alike:
American bittersweet, Celastrus scandens
• Flowers and fruits are located at the
end of the branches rather than the
axils of the leaves
• Fruits are larger and a deeper red-orange
ALL PHOTOS by Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University
of Connecticut, Bugwood.orgEditor’s Log | Tree Feature
By: Kristen Caggiano
American Basswood, Tilia americana,
is a native deciduous tree often found among
hardwood forests in New Jersey. It is a large
and rapid growing tree that can be found
in mixed stands of trees, rarely forming
pure stands in the forest. It produces very
fragrant flowers that attract bees and other
pollinating insects. It is a popular choice
for planting as it provides abundant shade
and can grow to a large size. The American
Characteristics
Basswood is a complex tree. It is mostly *Certain information directly obtained from Department of Environmental
found in rich soil upland slopes, but can Protection’s “Trees of New Jersey” by Christopher T. Martine
also be found in swamps. The roots of the
basswood are lateral, not usually forming a Size
60 -80 feet in height
taproot. Fire suppression has encouraged an
increase in the population of this species as Leaves
it prefers to live in forests with long fire-free Alternate, simple, broad ovate. Unequally heart shape at the base,
intervals. long pointed at apex, 4-8 inches long, almost as wide. Sharply
toothed, dark green above, light beneath with hair tufts on veins.
Other common names include: Turning yellow to pale yellow in autumn.
Basswood, linden
Twigs
Range and distribution Moderately stout, smooth grey brown, shining brown or
(according to the US Forest Service) greenish red.
The native range of American basswood
extends from southwestern New Flowers
Brunswick and Maine west to southern Perfect, yellowish fragrant, ½ inch long. 5-10 flowered, 2-3 inches
Quebec, southern and western Ontario, wide, drooping clusters attached to a 4-5 inch leaf like bract by a
long slender stalk. Mid to late June.
Michigan, Minnesota, and southeastern
Manitoba; south to eastern North Dakota,
Fruit
northern and eastern Nebraska, eastern
Grayish wooly nut like structure, 1/3 -1/2 inch diameter.
Kansas, and northeastern Oklahoma; east Woody, thick shelled, without ribs, usually contains a single
to northern Arkansas, Tennessee, western seed attached to a slender stalk, ripening early fall.
North Carolina, and New Jersey.
Native americans uses:
Bark
Gray to brown, broken into many long, narrow, flat topped,
Basswood bark sheets were commonly used by
native communities as covers for wigwams. Honey scaly ridges. Very tough and fibrous.
was also harvested from hollow basswood “bee
trees.” The flowers could be used to produce Wood
medicines and teas and the inner bark used for The wood is soft and light and is highly valued for hand
bandaging. Some native communities would boil carving. As an economically important timber species, the
the sap for sweet syrup and eat the winter buds wood can also be used for boxes, barrels and casks as well
as a source of vegetable. Because the wood is light as pulp.
and easy to carve, the Iroquois tribes would often
carve masks into the trunk, cut the mask and hollow
out the back.
Colonists and pioneers uses:
In addition to being planted as an ornamental tree,
the fibrous inner bark of the American basswood has
been used to make fiber for ropes, mats, fish nets and
woven baskets.
Value to Wildlife:
Preferred browse for white-tailed deer. Honeybees
visit for nectar. Cavity-nesting animals commonly
take advantage of the disproportionate number
of cavities basswood provides, including the wood
duck, pileated woodpeckers and small mammals.
game birds and deer.You can also read
