
Section of Sparta Mountain Trail closed through March 31
SPARTA TOWNSHIP, NJ (Sussex County) – A 27-acre area that includes just over 1/3-mile of trail on the southern part of Sparta Mountain WMA is temporarily closed to the public through March 31, 2025.
“Pay attention to the posted signs in this area, and do not enter the restricted zone,” officials said.
The purpose of the temporary closure is for a habitat restoration project that will open the forest canopy to allow for the growth of young oak and hickory trees, blackberries, sedges, and a variety of other native shrub and sapling plants.
This habitat will become breeding and/or foraging habitat for numerous wildlife, including the 80 different bird species that have been observed using other sites of restored open-canopy forest on Sparta Mountain WMA.
“NJ Fish & Wildlife regrets having to close the area. However, during previous management activities, spectators entering the work area and disregarding posted signs created significant safety concerns that result in the current closure during the entire work period,” officials said.