SPARTA TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Sussex County) — State environmental officials are seeking public input on planned forest management activities at the Sparta Mountain Wildlife Management Area, with comments due by March 31, 2026.
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection announced that the comment period is open for proposed work in Stand 9 of the wildlife management area, in accordance with a 2021 addendum to the Sparta Mountain WMA Forest Stewardship Plan.
Under the plan, forest management using a shelterwood prescription is scheduled to be carried out on 10 acres within Stand 9 during the fall and winter of 2026-27, between November 2026 and March 2027. The approach is intended to promote the growth of young oak trees and native understory vegetation by retaining approximately 40 square feet of basal area per acre, resulting in a more open-canopy oak forest that provides habitat for wildlife.
Officials said healthy oak and hickory trees in dominant or co-dominant size classes will be retained, along with select trees that provide high wildlife value, such as those with cavities, advanced decay or exfoliating bark. Trees that are underrepresented in the area, including white oak and black cherry, may also be preserved.
Some white ash trees that do not show signs of emerald ash borer infestation may be retained to help preserve genetic diversity in the event they prove resistant to the invasive insect, officials said.
Maps showing the draft location of the proposed work are available on the Sparta Mountain updates webpage. Officials noted the mapped area exceeds 10 acres but complies with site-selection criteria outlined in the 2021 addendum. Final boundaries for the 10-acre management area will be determined after the comment period closes.
Officials said no further changes can be made once the site is field-marked due to contract requirements and costs.
Work is expected to begin on or after Nov. 16, 2026, and all tree felling must be completed by March 31, 2027. The affected area will be temporarily closed to unauthorized personnel during operations, and any tree stands, blinds or other items left in the area will be removed.
Public comments regarding the proposed activities can be submitted by email to sharon.petzinger@dep.nj.gov by March 31, 2026.
