HOPEWELL TWP., N.J. – The Mercer County Park Commission has recently approved a prescribed burn plan at Baldplate Mountain, which has been implemented by the New Jersey Forest Fire Service (NJFFS).
— Courtesy photo
The areas for burning at Baldplate had been closed to the public during those times. The Park Commission, township, and emergency officials have been planning for this to take place prior to May 1, or otherwise will be after Oct. 1, 2021.
According to a press release from the County, “The Forest Fire Service has worked in collaboration with the Park Commission’s Stewardship Dept. in recent months to develop the plan, which is tailored to improve the ecological condition of the Park Commission-managed natural area.”
The primary goal of this prescribe burn is to perform large-scale invasive species management in forest blocks that have high ash tree composition.
The Park Commission is planning to restore the forest areas affected by the Emerald Ash Borer, an invasive insect.
In some parts of the forest on Baldplate Mountain, ash is one-quarter of the forest’s canopy, and in small areas, up to 75 percent of the canopy.
Prescribed fire will assist in the preparation of these sites for future reforestation efforts by controlling non-native invasive understory plants and promoting regeneration of native species.
The prescribed burn is planned for approximately 126 acres of the park.
Forest Fire Service officials who have undergone rigorous training and are experienced in conducting safe and effective prescribed burns, will light, monitor and manage the fires.
Those performing the burn, will adhere to all the appropriate safety measures and precautions, meeting the specific conditions that include temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed direction.
The NJFFS estimates one to three days of this burning during the prescribed timeframes.
There will be closure notices on the Park Commission website and social media pages; also on park entrances, crossings and trailheads about 48 hours ahead of the burning times. The park will remain closed until the NJFFS determines the location is sage to reopen.
Upon reopening of the park to the public, visitors are required to remain on marked trails while using the park because of heaving smoldering and falling trees. It is normal for standing dead trees and downed logs to smolder and produce smoke after the prescribed burn.
The burning activity encourages native seed germination, reduces invasive plant pressure, and cycles nutrients into the soil. These effects all help to increase habitat quality and diversity, while promoting forest regeneration and understory establishment.
In recent years, land managers throughout the state have increasingly been using this management tool for its ecological benefits and to reduce forest fires.
For more information on the Baldplate Mountain prescribed burns, including frequently asked questions, maps and resources, please visit www.mercercountyparks.org.