SUSSEX COUNTY – The Division of Fish and wildlife recently hired a vendor to hydroax two parcels of land in the Flatbrook-Roy Wildlife Management Area located in Sandyston and Walpack Townships in Sussex County.
The hydro-ax machines mow down small and mid-sized trees and brush, spurring a dense regrowth of smaller trees and shrubs. The two parcels total approximately fourteen acres and are located near Struble and Brook Roads.
Both parcels were last cut approximately twenty-five years ago and in order to maintain early successional forest habitat, upon which so many species depend, it is necessary to periodically cut trees to set forest succession back. Golden-winged warblers, ruffed grouse and other species rely on this early successional habitat.
Today, only 5% of New Jersey’s forest remains in early-successional stages of development, and many of our grassland or early-successional species of wildlife are on the decline. Providing this habitat will help these species rebound.
