f1880 Henry Gomez FSP

F-1880/B-1309
Henry Gomez
Forest Stewardship Plan
Forest Stewardship Plan for Henry Gomez
Landowner address: 901 Stage Road P. O. Box 311, New Gretna, NJ 08224
Contact person: Henry Gomez; Home #: 609-705-2023
Prepared by Kyle Caccamesi and Vinh Lang, State Approved Forester

Pine Creek Forestry, LLC
1405 Chews Landing Road, Suite 31, Laurel Springs, NJ 08021
Phone #856-352-2090; Cell # 609-231-3650; Email vinh@pinecreekforestry.com
Property address: 400 E Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ 08087

Total acreage: 39.59; Forest land acreage: 22.20
Owner will submit farmland assessment application to: Borough of Tuckerton Tax Assessor
Block 63, Lot 15; Tuckerton, Ocean County, NJ
Plan Period: January 1, 2022 thru December 31, 2031

Plan Date: January 1, 2022
NJDEP Farm No: B-0608
Pinelands Application # [Exemption 4.1(a)16.iv]
Pine Creek Forestry File No. F-1880
PLEDGE: As a forest landowner, I believe the right to own land also carries the responsibility for
stewardship of the natural resource in my care. I have read the attached ten-year Forest Stewardship
Plan and agree to implement it to the best of my ability.
LANDOWNER’S CERTIFICATION: I certify that I am the owner of the property or am authorized by

the owner to make this certification. I have read the within forest stewardship plan and the information
contained in the plan is true. To the best of my knowledge, the plan meets the requirements of the Forest
Stewardship Program rules at N.J.A.C. 7:3-5 and applicable Federal and State law. I agree to implement
the plan, as approved or as subsequently amended.
_____________________________________ __________
Landowner Date
APPROVED FORESTER’S CERTIFICATION: I prepared the within forest stewardship plan in

consultation with the owner of the property. I certify that, to the best of my knowledge, the plan meets the
requirements of the forest Stewardship Program rules at N.J.A.C. 7:3-5 and applicable Federal and State
law.
_____________________________________ ___________
Kyle Caccamesi Date
_____________________________________ ___________
New Jersey Approved Forester Date
Vinh Lang, MF, SAF
Gomez Forest Stewardship Plan

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Table of Contents
Forest Stewardship Plan Checklist 4
2. Background and Goals 5
2a. Directions 5
2b. History of the Property 5
2c. Wetlands, Hydrology, and Easements 5
2d. Long term Goals and Acknowledgment 6
3. Property Overview 6
3a. Physical Description 6
Threatened and Endangered Species 7
3b. Stewardship Principles 12
4. Forest Stands 18
Stand 1 Early Successional Pine 18
Stand 2 Pine/Oak 21
Stand 3 Maple/Cedar 25
5. Management Schedule 29
Appendix 32

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Forest Stewardship Plan Checklist
1. Title Page
❏ 1a. Title for the plan e.g. Forest Stewardship Plan for Jetson Farm
❏ 1b. Owners legal name, mailing address, and phone number.
❏ 1c. Name of the Approved Forester with whom the owner prepared the plan.
❏ 1d. The property’s address, total and forest land acreage, whether the owner intends to submit for farmland assessment,
county(s) and municipality(s), and for each municipality, each block and lot numbers.
❏ 1e. Two certifications and signatures, one for the landowner and one for the Approved forester. See page 2.
❏ 1g. For properties under NJ Pineland’s jurisdiction add the Stewardship pledge signed by the landowner. See page 2.
❏ 1f. Space for the NJ Forest Service to record: received date, date of notice of approval, start and end dates of the plan, and ID
number.
2. Background and Goals
❏ 2a. Directions provided for ease of locating property for inspections (e. g. house number, distance from intersection etc.) and
a statement to indicate if property is within the Highlands or Pinelands.
❏ 2b. History of the property including present condition, past ownership, past forest management activities, and if applicable
past plan type, reason past plan ended, past plan stand objectives/monitoring data/trends.
❏ 2c. Whether the property includes wetlands and/or associated transition areas, flood hazard areas or riparian zones,
easements that could constrain forest management, and any other relevant factors.
❏ 2d. Long term goals of the property including ensuring the sustainability of the land, whether the property will be managed
in coordination with other properties, and acknowledgment of monitoring, record keeping, and reporting.
3. Property Overview
❏ 3a. Including, how the boundaries are marked, forest use (current and/or proposed), acreage, location of the forest on the
property, topography, hydrology (resource value, TA and RZ widths etc.), ecology and biodiversity (including fire), state and
federally listed threatened and endangered species*, threats to sustainability including pests, diseases, storms etc.
❏ 3b. Stewardship principles including carbon sequestration, cultural resources, recreation, fish and wildlife habitat, timber,
forest products, aesthetics. Agroforestry, and estate planning.
4. Forest Stands
❏ 4a. For each stand: A unique identifier, acreage, and soil characterization.
❏ 4b. A forest inventory including; species of the overstory and understory, forest type, stand structure (age class, DBH class,
crown class), stocking level, volume, growth, site index.
❏ 4c. For stands prescribed treatment during the plan period: A stand and stock table, vigor, density, status of biodiversity,
status of regeneration, invasive species, damage causing agents, and litter cover.
❏ 4d. If an access route to a stand will cross a waterbody, wetland and associated transition area, flood hazard area or
riparian zone, the infrastructure to be used in such crossing.
❏ 4e. Desired future condition of each stand and relationship to the goals, set measurable objective(s) to achieve such goals.
❏ 4f. For each objective, parameters to be measured, how the parameters will be measured (including constraints or
conditions to be observed), units to be recorded and a baseline value for each parameter.
❏ 4g. If the stand will receive management: rationale (silviculture) and extent of prescription, whether the treatment could
adversely impact or potentially impact a regulated area, State or Federally listed threatened or endangered species, or any
cultural resource. Include any mitigation measures used to avoid impact.
5. Management Schedule
❏ 5a. Schedule shall be presented in table format in chronological order. The table shall indicate the stands in which the
practices will be carried out, the extent of the practice and the years or range of years in which the practice will take place.
6. Appendices
❏ 6a. A copy of the State and Federal threatened and endangered species searches*.
❏ 6b. Maps including Soils map, locator map, property map. Such maps shall include: scale, at least one map on color
photography, title, owner's name and address, date prepared, north arrow, source, and legend

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2. Background and Goals
2a. Directions
The Gomez property consists of Block 63, Lot 15 (Borough of Tuckerton, Atlantic County, NJ).
The 39.59-acre woodland is located in Ocean County, New Jersey (Refer to Location Map and
Tax Map in Appendix). This property is located on Route 9 across from Bayview Mobile Home
Park and is best accessed from its dirt driveway on Route 9. This property is not located within
the Pinelands or Highlands Area. A cultural resource and threatened and endangered species
review can be found in the appendix of this report.
2b. History of the Property
The Gomez forest has been cut over several times since colonial development. Presently, the
property is mostly undeveloped, with 22.20 acres forested and occupied by three stand types;
Early Successional, Pine/Oak, and Maple/Cedar Henry Gomez is the current owner of the
property. Previously, portions of this land were used for agricultural production. Drainage ditches
were constructed in portions of the property previous to the 1930’s. The property has been
managed under a formal management plan previously. The previous plan was in place January 1,
2012 to December 31, 2021. The woodlands will be the targeted subject of this forest
stewardship plan.
2c. Wetlands, Hydrology, and Easements
According to the NJDEP GIS streams layer the property is approached and crossed by unnamed
tributaries of Jesses Creek, most of which were man made prior to the 1930s for drainage to
increase agricultural space. The property contains hydrologic features, riparian areas, wetlands,
and transition areas. On the wetlands part of the property are flood hazard zones that may
constrain forest management activities (refer to Hydrology and Flood Hazard Map in Appendix).
Site visits verify wetland indicator species are present in portions of the property.

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2d. Long term Goals and Acknowledgment
The long-term goal for the property is management of the forest to sustain ecological integrity,
maintain reasonable biological diversity, and encourage the diversity and extent of ecologically
preferable floristic assemblages. This long-term goal will ensure the sustainability of the land
into the future. The property will be managed in the context of its broader surroundings however
it will not be managed in coordination with adjacent properties.
The owner understands the obligation that, with the assistance of a forester, record keeping and
monitoring the results of management actions will be kept ensuring that it will eliminate any
excessive or unnecessary cutting of trees. This acknowledgement carries the intention of
ensuring the sustainability of the land and its resources.
3. Property Overview
3a. Physical Description
This is a contiguous and diverse forested property located within a mosaic of residential,
forested, and agricultural land cover types. Currently, woodlands are the primary use and no
other uses are proposed. The boundaries are not well defined. The north and south borders are
not clear, but the east and west sides are marked by Route 9 and a tributary. The boundary lines
will be posted, marked, and/or painted as needed with respect to forest management activities.
According to tax documentation the total acreage of the property is 39.59 acres as described in
the Forest Stand Map in the Appendix section.
The property occupies a slight slope (<10’) downward of topographic position from west to east.
Streams, riparian zones, wetlands and associated transition areas, and flood hazard zones have
been identified with respect to the property; Wetlands of intermediate value have been identified

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and 50’ buffers have been delineated. Hydrologic features have been identified and 50’ riparian
zones have been delineated.
The ecology of the land is a soil, hydrology, and disturbance dependent, mixed species forest
with three well-defined stands associated with distinctive cover types resulting from different
disturbance histories and age/stand structures. Stand 1 is early successional as a result of the
underlying soil/hydrology complex, plantings, past anthropogenic activities, and suppression of
fire. Stand 2 is dominated by pine and oak as a result of the underlying soil/hydrology complex,
past anthropogenic activities, natural successional processes, and suppression of fire. Stand 3 is
dominated by maple and cedar forest as a result of the underlying soil/hydrology complex,
abundance of standing brackish water, naturally occurring waterway ecotones, and past
anthropogenic activities. Overall, composition across the property is relatively uniform in
respective stands in terms of species, age class, and stand structure but diverse across stands.
At present, there are moderate threats to the forest via damaging agents. Potential damaging
agents might include southern pine beetles, gypsy moth infestations, and flooding. No apparent
signs of current gypsy moths or southern pine beetles were witnessed on the property at present.
The property remains susceptible to damage via storms, wind, flooding, and wildfire. While
native phragmites are present in the marsh portion of the property, invasive species are not a
primary concern in the forested portions of the property.
Threatened and Endangered Species
While this document addresses species individually, management decisions have taken into
account the spectrum of species occurring on the property and devised management strategies to
enable the spectrum of species to thrive. Forestry is used to manipulate habitat for the benefit of
species, namely matching successional stages to meet species requirements, managing prey
habitat to benefit both predator and prey abundance, and maintaining structural and functional
diversity across the landscape to meet requirements for variable species. As Aldo Leopold

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suggested, there are at least four tools to arrest succession for wildlife management: “ax, cow,
match, and plow.” When requisite, succession can be promoted by similar means, plantings, and
passive conservation efforts towards structural and functional “climax communities.”
The range of tolerance or ecological amplitude of the array of species has been considered when
designing management strategies to alter the patterns in which energy and matter flow through
the ecosystem. Lastly, acknowledging that plants and animals dependent on fire are not stable
entities that can be preserved in an unchanging form but instead are dynamic communities
continually undergoing natural processes of maturity, destruction, and rejuvenation is a foremost
consideration for management of forest resources in disturbance dependent ecosystems such as
the Pinelands ecosystems and surrounding lands.
After review of the Office of Natural Lands Management (ONLM) Natural Heritage Program
data, and US Fish and Wildlife Service Information for Planning and Consultation (IPAC) the
following threatened and endangered species need to be addressed with respect to this Forest
Stewardship Plan.
American Chaffseed (Schwalbea americana)
Forest inventory/site visits show poor potential for suitable habitats on the property. American
Chaffseed is generally found in early successional habitats described as open, moist pine
flatwoods, fire-maintained savannas, ecotonal areas between peaty wetlands and xeric sandy
soils, bog borders, and other open grass-sedge systems. Planned activities are expected to
promote early successional habitat and eventually create suitable open environments ideal for
this species. Management activities proposed will not have any adverse irreversible impacts on
the species.
Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)

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Forest inventory/site visits show no suitable nesting habitats, large cavity trees or large stick
nests, on any stands designated for activity on the property; However, there is potential for
suitable roosting habitat along the ecotone of the forest and marsh. The woodlands are located on
the periphery of this habitat; any potential roosting or perching trees along the marsh will be
protected. Management activities proposed within this plan will not adversely impact the habitat
within this drainage and would enhance potential nesting habitat. Prior to any forestry work the
proposed work area will be reviewed and inventoried to ensure no suitable nesting sites are
present. Currently, there are no suitable nesting sites in areas designated for active management.
If suitable nesting sites are found, they will be identified, retained, and buffered from adverse
activities.
Black Skimmer (Rynchops niger)
Forest inventory/site visits show poor habitat suitability for this species at this time. Black
skimmers are nesting shorebirds which require open sandy beaches, inlets and offshore islands.
This habitat type is absent from this woodlot at this time. Forestry activities will avoid
irreversible adverse impacts on habitats that are critical to the survival of any local populations.
Black-crowned Night-heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)
Forest inventory/site visits show potential nesting habitat in the marsh area of this property.
Black-crowned Night-herons forage and nest in close proximity to coastal marshes, pond edges,
and streams. These habitat types occur on the woodlot but are on the periphery of forestry
activities. Before any activity occurs in the vicinity, an inspection survey of the area will be
conducted to find any Black-crowned Night-heron nesting sites. If suitable nesting sites are
found, they will be identified, retained, and buffered from adverse activities. Forest activities will
not cause any irreversible adverse impacts to the habitat.
Eastern Black Rail (Laterallus jamaicensis)

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Forest inventory/site visits show potential habitat suitability on site. Eastern black rail typically
nest in elevated marsh, preferably with low growing grasses, salt hay, and rushes that provide
thick mats of overlapping vegetation. Black Rail may use the marsh area in the eastern region of
the property. Forest activities are on the periphery of this habitat type. Forest activities will not
cause any irreversible adverse impacts to the habitat.
New Jersey Rush (Juncus caesariensis)
New Jersey Rush is a wetland obligate species similar to the common rush in appearance. The
distinctly rough perennial inhabits wetlands, open sphagnum bogs, streamside savannas, and
Atlantic White-cedar swamps. Forest inventory/site visits show poor potential habitat in the form
of open, early successional habitats on or near proposed actively managed sites. Planned
activities may promote early successional habitat and eventually create suitable open
environments ideal for this species. Management activities proposed will not have any adverse
irreversible impacts on the species.
Northern Long-eared Bat (Myotis septentrionalis)
Forest inventory/site visits show unsuitable hibernacula or roosting habitat for the species. No
platy barked trees are present within or adjacent to this woodland; if potential roosting trees,
dead and dying trees are found they will be marked and retained. Management activities
proposed within this plan would benefit summer habitat for this species by providing habitat
heterogeneity for bats through diversification of stand structures and successional phases.
Knieskern’s Beaked-rush (Rhynchospora knieskernii)
Forest inventory/site visits show poor habitat for Knieskern’s Beaked-rush at this time.
Knieskern’s Beaked-rush occurs in early successional wetland habitats. This habitat type is not
present on the property. Management activities proposed will not have any adverse irreversible
impacts on the species.

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Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
Forest inventory/site visits show evidence of suitable roosting habitat along the ecotone of the
forest and marsh. Osprey, formally known as the “fish hawk,” are one of the most widely
distributed birds in the world which preferentially roost and nest in dead/live trees along the
ecotones of marsh/woodlands and on man-made structures. Forest activities are located on the
periphery of this habitat; any potential roosting or perching trees along the marsh areas will be
protected. Management activities proposed within this plan will not adversely impact the habitat
within this drainage and would enhance potential nesting habitat. Prior to any forestry work the
proposed work area will be reviewed and inventoried to ensure no suitable nesting sites are
present. Currently, there are no suitable nesting sites in areas designated for active management.
If suitable nesting sites are found, they will be identified, retained, and buffered from adverse
activities.
Red Knot (Calidris canutus rufa):
Forest inventory/site visits show potential foraging habitat for this species in the marsh area. The
Red Knot is a migrating shore bird dependent on coastal sandy beaches, spits, and inlets. This
habitat type is marginal on the property and these areas occur on the periphery of the woodlands.
Management activities proposed will not have any adverse irreversible impacts on the species.
Swamp Pink (Helonias bullata)
Forest inventory/site visits show poor habitat suitability for Swamp Pink at this time. Swamp
pink habitat, vegetative associates, and site conditions for this species are absent on the property;
the woodlands do not contain suitable microtopography (hummocks) and freshwater hydrology
for this species. Before any activity occurs in the vicinity, an inspection survey of the area will be
conducted to find any swamp pink. If suitable sites are found, they will be retained and buffers of
300 feet will be established to avoid adverse impacts. Management activities proposed will not
have any adverse irreversible impacts on the species.

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3b. Stewardship Principles
Carbon sequestration: Forests, forest soils, and forest products are valuable sinks of carbon.
Carbon is sequestered in wood as a product of photosynthesis, especially as they grow. Since the
amount of carbon in the world is constant, when there is more carbon sequestered in long-term
sinks such as trees and forest products, there is less carbon exchanged into the atmosphere. Once
wood is burned for energy, or when trees begin to stagnate, decay and die, or on the occasion
wood products reach the end of their useful life and are disposed of, stored carbon is recycled
within the environment. Since these products are not adding new carbon to the atmosphere, they
are considered carbon-neutral in comparison to burning fossil fuels which add new carbon to the
atmosphere.
This forest, through active management, may help reduce atmospheric carbon by yielding forest
products that store carbon, reducing use of fossil fuels by providing biomass energy, increasing
carbon storage in soils and healthy, resilient, and diversified standing trees. The primary strategy
is management of the forest resources for adaptation to climate changes and resilience to losses
from present and future disturbance regimes/stressors. A dynamic risk averse strategy to
diversify forests in terms of biodiversity, age classes, and successional phases that maintain the
socio-ecological integrity of forests and takes into account disturbance regimes is the best
management strategy for carbon sequestration and averting carbon flux.
Trees generally increase in productivity with warmer temperatures and increased water
availability. However, productivity declines in response to stresses such as water and nutrient
limitations, defoliation and disease, and disturbance intensities. Over time, trees may be able to
compensate for limited resources, stressors, and increasing disturbance intensities; however it is
a strong possibility that productivity will decline and susceptibility of carbon losses to stressors
and disturbances will increase. It is unknown if large and/or mature trees will be able to adapt to
the increases of respiration, episodic stressors such as insects, and diseases, drought and extreme
weather events, and changing frequency, intensity, and severity of disturbance regimes. Through

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forest management we can diversify forest structures and functions to be more resilient to
increased losses from climate change. Climate change and forest policies dedicated to carbon
sequestration on private and public lands are topics beyond the scope of this stewardship plan.
However, it is important that landowners be aware of their potential to be mindful participants
and understand the benefits their forests can possibly provide with regards to carbon
sequestration.
Cultural resources: Implementation of this forest stewardship plan does not require any soil
disturbance beyond a minimal depth. Furthermore, there has been a long history of this land
being disturbed already. There are no old historical relics.
Recreation: The landowner uses the property for low-impact recreational activities such as
walking/hiking, wildlife watching, and hunting. The planned stewardship activities are
supportive of these recreational activities and over time may enhance them.
Fish and Wildlife habitat: Unnamed Tributaries of Jesses Creek cross the property via
tributaries and drainage ditches established in the 20th century (See Appendix for Hydrology and
Flood Hazard map). Individuals and evidence of white tailed deer, turkey, turtles, coyotes, and
various songbirds were witnessed during site visits. Forest activities will not adversely impact
the resources. Activities may promote enhanced floristic diversity and wildlife habitat throughout
the property.
Timber and forest products: The owner would like to encourage the growth of structurally and
functionally desirable trees and enhance the overall health of the forest. At present, low-grade
firewood/pulpwood is the primary forest product produced from this forest.
Agroforestry: The owner has no plans for agroforestry during the duration of this plan.
Estate planning: Presently, there are no plans for transferring the property during the duration of
this plan. However, should circumstances emerge that necessitate the sale of the property, this
forest stewardship plan and potential accompanying rollback taxes are transferable to the new

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landowner who may choose to continue participation in the program or decline to participate in
the program. Should circumstances change for the landowners in which they no longer wish to
participate in the forest stewardship program, they can opt out by allowing forestry activities to
idle and/or ceasing submission of farmland applications. The present landowners and subsequent
landowners may choose to alter the forest stewardship plan to meet changes in values or changes
to the landscape such as disturbances and development through submission and approval of
formal forest management plan amendments.
Aesthetics principles: The aesthetic appeal of management activities can make an impact on
the perception of forest management in your community and across the state. Managing
aesthetics can also be integrated with your plans for wildlife habitat, threatened and endangered
species, and biological diversity. Forestry operations are highly visible and subject to the
perceptions and opinions of an environmentally aware public. Careful planning is recommended
as a proactive approach to improving forest aesthetics. Conducting forestry operations of all
manners is important to the future of forestry. Although it is impossible to list everything a
landowner might do to manage the visual quality of management activities, what follows are
some of the more significant potential actions for consideration:
● Do not allow trash to accumulate around the site.

● During a harvest, use a feller designated for removal that is economically and
operationally feasible.
● Do not allow excessive amounts of mud on public paved roads.
● Keep logging slash at least 50 feet away from lakes, recreational waterways, and public
roads.
● In aesthetically sensitive locations, minimize rutting or churning of the soil even if there
are no water quality concerns.
● A modified harvest plan may be required in sensitive high-visibility areas such as along
designated scenic highways.
● Locate loading decks out of public view.

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● Configure harvests with irregular shapes to break up the impact and match existing
terrain.
● Consider alternative harvesting systems and vegetative screens in highly sensitive areas.
Biodiversity principles: Although it may not be required or explained specifically in the

silvicultural prescriptions within this Forest Stewardship Plan, all planned activities will include
an assessment of the following critical forest biodiversity issues and standards. All wetlands,
streams, endangered species, and natural communities if found on this land are provided
consideration.
1. Access and identify key components of biodiversity
Forest Stand Structure Features
● Are exotic/invasive species present?

● How varied, or diverse, are the age classes of trees in the forest?
● Can a range of tree sizes or diverse stocking levels be sustained?
● Will the stand be sustained in an even or uneven-aged structure?
● Will mature mast-bearing trees, if present, be sustained in the forest?
● Are there visible signs of wildlife use of trees?
● Can standing dead and down wood be retained in any given stand?
● Can wildlife trees be retained in the forest?
● Are there live trees with decay?
● Are there snags to be retained?
● Are trees with large stock nests present?
● Are there cavity trees present?
2. Planning for management that supports biodiversity. Implementation of this Forest

Stewardship Plan will consider the following:
● Landscape – level forest biodiversity.

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● Major landscape features.
● What opportunities exist to enhance biodiversity?
● What stand level diversity may be missing?
When planning for activity implementation, consideration related to regeneration, forest stand
improvement, fire issues, seasonal operations, access issues, buffers, canopy cover, and required
Best Management Practices will be reviewed.
Wetland principles: To ensure compliance with the forestry provision of both wetland and
floodplain regulations, the following are part of this plan:
1. No change to topography will occur.

2. No change in groundwater or surface water hydrology will occur.
3. No temporary stream crossings will be installed.
4. The activities are part of a forest stewardship plan (FSP) approved by the state forester
prior to their occurrence.
5. The activities are conducted in compliance with and consistent with the approved FSP.
6. The FSP is designed and activities included are conducted in accordance with the NJDEP,
Division of Parks and Forestry, State Forest Service, New Jersey Forestry and Wetlands
Best Management Practices Manual, dated October 1995.
7. No removal of stumps is proposed or undertaken.
8. The plan identifies and addresses any threatened or endangered species, or their habitat
found on site by minimizing any adverse impacts.
9. The plan does not allow a change in use to horticulture, agriculture or other development
activities.
Failure to meet the above provisions and conditions when conducting these forest management
activities means that the forestry activities are not exempt from the FWPA or the HWPPA and
that a permit must be obtained from DEP prior to undertaking any forestry management

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activities. If a permit is not obtained, the work is a violation of the FWPA and possibly the
HWPPA and may result in enforcement action.

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4. Forest Stands
NOTE: Activity schedules are dependent upon economics, weather, and regulatory processes and will vary over the
life of this plan.
Stand 1 Early Successional Pine
Stand # Area Forest Type Stand Structure Age Structure Age Class
1 11.20 acres Early Successional Stand initiation Two-Aged +/- 60 years &
Pine +/- 10 years
DBH Class Stocking Crown Closure BA TPA Cords/Acre

Distribution Level
1-4 inches Understocked 0% 0 ~ 600 0
4a. Identifier, acreage and soil

characterization
Stand 1 is 11.20 acres of early

successional pine planting supported
by well-drained soils: Hammonton
loamy sand (HbmB), 0-5 percent
slopes, well drained. Soils of this type
have a site index of 70 and support
pine and oak.
4b. Forest Inventory: Species, structure, volume, growth, site index
The stand consists mostly of pitch pine (Pinus rigida) seedlings and young trees through
previous plantings. Scarlet oak (Quercus coccinea), white oak (Quercus alba), black gum (Nyssa
sylvatica), and red maple (Acer rubrum) dominate the stand structure of the property buffer.

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Sassafras (Sassafras albidum) and Bigtooth Aspen (Populus grandidentata) are also found
sparsely scattered in this stand. While not much understory exists in the main part of this stand
highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum), huckleberry (Vaccinium membranaceum), sedges
(Carex sp.), and greenbrier (Smilax sp.) compose the herbaceous understory of the surrounding
buffer. The understory consists of light coverage of herbaceous, light coarse woody material
(CWM), and light needle/leaf litter.
This stand regenerated following heavy wood cutting continually until the turn of the century.
The stand structure can be classified as relatively two-aged with an approximate +/- 60-year age
class from the buffer trees not continuously cut and a +/- 10-year age class of newly planted pine.
Crown closure is 0% and growth rates are fair with most new plantings surpassing breast height.
(Refer to stand and stock tables for detailed information).
4c. Vigor, density, biodiversity, regeneration, invasive species, damage causing agents, and
litter cover
Currently, the stand is reacting well to the pine plantings and their growth over the last 10 years
has been good. Most of the pines have been able to reach their expected growth factor. While the
stand was mostly barren prior to the plantings, since the planting, the stand composition has
changed for the better. There is not much herbaceous growth on the ground but when the pines
begin to cast larger shaddows, they will begin to out compete the grasses. Further, opportunities
to improve the conditions of the composition, structure and function of canopy dominants and
intermediates exist. Pests, pathogens, invasive species, and wildfire are not primary concerns at
present. Storm, wind, and damage remain a concern.
4d. Access across regulated areas and infrastructure to be used
All areas of the property can be accessed directly for forestry purposes using the existing trail
network; no additional stream crossings are proposed for forest activities. Temporary corduroy
roads will be used as necessary. Operations will follow the NJ Forestry and Wetlands Best

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Management Practices Manual if necessary for continued access (Refer to Forest Stand Map in
the Appendix).
4e. Desired future condition, relationship to goals, and measurable objectives
The desired future condition of the stand is a maturing, closed canopy, mixed species pine/oak
stand supportive of natural succession, wildlife, and recreation, sustaining the natural forest
aesthetics, and resilient to climate change. Large emergent good formed pines above, maturing
structurally preferable and ecologically viable diversity in the midstory, and eventual quality
regeneration below (stem exclusion to understory reinitiation of development) promoting
structural, functional, and age class diversity is the goal for forest resiliency. The desired future
conditions require modest forest stand improvement and brushwork for encouragement of
structurally and functionally favorable floristics and habitat throughout the overall stand. The
stand provides a unique opportunity to support natural forest succession and improvements to the
natural forest aesthetic.
These goals will support the long-term goals for the property to sustain ecological integrity,
preferable floristic assemblages.
Stand one will not receive management during the duration of the plan. Efforts to reach the
desired future conditions involve passive conservation management, continued monitoring and
assessment of stand vigor and resiliency. Treatment of this stand in the prescribed fashion will
not adversely impact regulated areas, State or Federally listed T&E species, or any cultural
resources.
Treatment of this stand in the prescribed fashion will not adversely impact regulated areas, State
or Federally listed T&E species, or any cultural resources.

Page 20
Stand 2 Pine/Oak
2 4.50 acres Pine/Oak Understory Uneven Aged +/- 60 years

reinitiation

Distribution Level
3-26 inches Very 90% 150 576 42.2

Overstocked
4a. Identifier, acreage and soil characterization
Stand 2 is 4.50 acres of pine and oak supported by well-drained soils: Hammonton loamy sand
(HbmB) and Downer loamy sand (DocBO). Soils of this type have a site index of 70 and support
pine and oak.
The stand consists mostly of black gum (Nyssa sylvatica), red maple (Acer rubrum), and pitch
pine (Pinus rigida). Scarlet oak (Quercus coccinea), white oak (Quercus alba), black cherry
(Prunus serotina), American holly (Ilex opaca), and Eastern red cedars (Juniperus virginiana)
can also be found in grouping throughout the stand. Highbush blueberry, greenbrier, and
honeysuckle compose the herbaceous groundstory. The understory consists of moderate coverage
of herbaceous, moderate CWM, and moderate leaf/needle litter.
This stand occupies a single compartment and was regenerated following anthropogenic and
natural disturbances previous to the 1930’s. The stand structure can be classified as mostly
Uneven-aged with an approximate +/- 60-year age class, with poor growth in the overstory and
the midstory resulting from limited growing space. There is poor recruitment in the understory
due to capture of the site by herbaceous brush cover and deer browse. Crown closure is +/- 90%

Page 21
and growth rates are slowed from overstocking. (Refer to stand and stock tables for detailed
information).
litter cover
Overall, the stand structure can

be defined as a multi-cohort
mixed species hardwood stand
in the understory reinitiation
phase of development with
maturing dominant and
co-dominant hardwoods above
and intermediate and
suppressed mixed hardwoods
below. This is the result of
natural stand dynamics and
natural selection via
competition for growing space
in addition to intense past
anthropogenic disturbance.
There is poor regeneration on
the forest floor, which is
occupied primarily by moderate herbaceous brush cover and shrub species, moderate leaf litter,
and moderate CWM. Overall, tree structure is fair throughout the stand with potential
fire/pulpwood grade products currently. Further, opportunities to improve the conditions of the
composition, structure and function of canopy dominants and intermediates exist. Pests,
pathogens, invasive species, and wildfire are not primary concerns at present. Storm and wind
damage remain a concern.

Page 22
the Appendix)
The desired future condition of the stand is a maturing, mixed hardwood reserve stand supportive
of wildlife, sustaining the natural forest aesthetics, and resilient to climate change. Large
emergent good formed mixed pine and oak above, maturing structurally preferable and
ecologically viable diversity in the midstory, and eventual quality regeneration below (understory
reinitiation to complex phase of development) promoting structural, functional, and age class
diversity is the goal for forest resiliency. The stand provides a unique opportunity to support
natural forest succession and improvements to the natural forest aesthetic.
preferable floristic assemblages. Measurable objectives include reduction of basal area, acres
treated vs untreated, and forest stand improvement to a practical extent.
4f. Parameters to be measured, how they will be measured, units, and baseline values
Measurable objectives to achieve these goals will include a reduction in stand basal area by up to
+/- 25 sq.ft. (see Objective 1 below), and an average of +/- 4.50 acres treated in multiple entries
over the management period. Parameters measured will use current BA (sq.ft.) and acreage

Page 23
(treated vs. untreated) as a baseline for comparison. Baseline values are less than 0.50 acres
mimicked disturbance, and 150 sq.ft. BA.
4g. Management, silviculture, extent of prescription, and impacts to land and T&E
Objective 1: Stand two will receive management during the duration of the plan. Efforts to reach
the desired future conditions outlined above include: single and group selection regimes and
brushwork in multiple entries over this management period +/- 1.00 acres treated will be
instituted until the target acreage treated over time (+/- 4.50 acres) is completed. Harvesting of
the poor formed, suppressed, and intermediates will regulate the present composition of this
mixed species stand and promote diversity and growth in favorable residual trees. Primarily
focus on reducing black gums, holly, and red maples, then select across all species and DBH
classes.
Spatially, treatment is planned to occur as a patchwork mosaic across the property to further
promote structural diversity and soft edges. This planned silvicultural treatment will likely leave
nutrients to be cycled back into the system; reduction of stand basal area by +/- 25 sq. ft and no
more than +/- 7.0 cords on average per treated acre would be removed (up to a total of +/- 31.5
cords for the entire stand over 10 years).

Page 24
Stand 3 Maple/Cedar
3 6.50 acres Maple/Cedar Understory Uneven Aged +/- 60 years

reinitiation

Distribution Level
3-24 inches Overstocked 90% 130 468 37.2
4a. Identifier, acreage and soil characterization
Stand 3 is 6.50 acres of maple and cedars supported by poorly-drained soils: Mullica sandy loam
(MumA), 0-5 percent slopes. Soils of this type have a site index of 90 but only support
hydrophilic trees.
The stand is composed of red maple (Acer rubrum), black gum (Nyssa sylvatica), Eastern red
cedar (Juniperus virginiana), and Atlantic white cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides), dominating
the overstory with sweetbay magnolia (Magnolia virginiana) and similar species in the
co-dominate and intermediate strata. Greenbrier, highbush blueberry, bayberry (Morella
pensylvanica), and sweet pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia) compose the herbaceous groundstory.
The understory consists of moderate coverage of herbaceous, moderate coarse woody material
(CWM), and moderate leaf/needle litter.
This stand occupies one compartment on previously disturbed wetlands (former agricultural
fields) and regenerated following natural and anthropogenic disturbances until the present. The
stand structure can be classified as relatively even-aged with an approximate +/- 60-year age
class, with poor growth in the overstory and midstory. There is poor recruitment in the
understory due to capture of the site by herbaceous brush cover, water pooling, and deer browse.

Page 25
Crown closure is +/- 90% and growth rates are slowed from overstocking (Refer to stand and
stock tables for detailed information).
litter cover
Overall, the stand structure can be

defined as a single-cohort mixed
species maple/cedar stand in the
understory reinitiation phase of
development with maturing
dominant and co-dominant red
maple, black gum, cedar above
and sweetbay magnolia and
American holly below. This is a
result of the abundance of water
from being right up against the
bay along with natural stand
dynamics and anthropogenic
disturbances/salvage activities.
There is little regeneration on the
forest floor in some areas of the
stand and average in others.
Overall, tree structure is good throughout the stand with firewood/pulpwood products currently.
Further, opportunities to improve the conditions of the composition, structure and function of
canopy dominants and intermediates exist. Pests, pathogens, wildfire, and displacement by
invasive species are not primary concerns at present. Storm, wind, and flooding damage remain a
concern.

Page 26
the Appendix)
The desired future condition of the stand is a maturing, mixed hardwood stand supportive of
wildlife, sustaining the natural forest aesthetics, and resilient to climate change. Large emergent
good formed mixed maple, gum, and cedar above, maturing structurally preferable and
ecologically viable diversity in the midstory, and eventual quality regeneration below (understory
reinitiation to complex phase of development) promoting structural, functional, and age class
diversity is the goal for forest resiliency. The desired future conditions require a combination of
single and group selection and passive conservation strategies. Wildlife habitat would benefit
from a 1.00 acre reserve along the ecotone. The stand provides a unique opportunity to support
natural forest succession and improvements to the natural forest aesthetic.
preferable floristic assemblages. Measurable objectives include reduction of basal area, acres
treated vs untreated, and forest stand improvement to a practical extent.
4f. Parameters to be measured, how they will be measured, units, and baseline values
Measurable objectives to achieve these goals will include a reduction in stand basal area by up to
+/- 15 sq.ft. (see Objective 1 below), and an average of +/- 5.50 acres treated in multiple entries
over the management period. Parameters measured will use current BA (sq.ft.) and acreage

Page 27
(treated vs. untreated) as a baseline for comparison. Baseline values are less than 0.50 acres
mimicked disturbance, and 150 sq.ft. BA.
4g. Management, silviculture, extent of prescription, and impacts to land and T&E
Objective 1: Stand three will receive management during the duration of the plan. Efforts to
reach the desired future conditions outlined above include: single and group selection regimes
and brushwork in multiple entries over this management period +/- .75 acres treated will be
instituted until the target acreage treated over time (+/- 5.50 acres) is completed. Harvesting of
the poor formed, suppressed, and intermediates will regulate the present composition of this
mixed species stand and promote diversity and growth in favorable residual trees. Primarily
focus on selecting poorly formed and suppressed pines and oaks and secondarily focusing on
reducing red maples and black gums, then select across all species and DBH classes t prompte
growing space for favorable residuals.
Spatially, treatment is planned to occur as a patchwork mosaic across the property to further
promote structural diversity and soft edges. This planned silvicultural treatment will likely leave
nutrients to be cycled back into the system; reduction of stand basal area by +/- 15 sq. ft and no
more than +/- 4.50 cords on average per treated acre would be removed (up to a total of +/- 29.25
cords for the entire stand over 10 years).

Page 28
5. Management Schedule
Management Schedule
General
● Monitor annually for gypsy moths and southern pine beetle.
● Monitor stand years 3, 6 & 9 to be kept as records.
Stand # Treated acres / Recommended Action Year of

Total Acres Recommended
Action
1 +/-0.00 / 11.20 Objective 1: No Activity; Passive Annually over

conservation. management
period
(2022-2031)
2 +/-4.50 / 4.50 Objective 1: Forest stand improvement Annually over

thinning, weeding, and brushwork; reduction management
of approx. 25 sq.ft. BA and no more than +/- period
7.0 cords on average per treated acre would be (2022-2031)
removed (up to a total of +/- 31.5 cords for the
entire stand over 10 years). +/- .50 acres
treated per year. Access and operations on foot
and/or with a small tractor/brush mower.
3 +/- 5.50 / 6.50 Objective 1: Forest stand improvement Annually over

thinning, weeding, and brushwork; reduction management
of approx. 15 sq.ft. BA and no more than +/- period
4.5 cords on average per treated acre would be (2022-2031)
removed (up to a total of +/- 29.25 cords for
the entire stand over 10 years). +/- .75 acres

Page 29
treated per year. Access and operations on foot
and/or with a small tractor/brush mower.
Note #1: All forest management schedules are dependent upon annual weather conditions, economics and
regulatory review process.
Note #2: Woodland boundaries in the vicinity of proposed forest management activities will be marked
with paint and/or posters as needed.
Note #3: The farmland tax assessment compliance for this land is not dependent upon existing poor
firewood or pulpwood markets. These products may be grown but not sold over this ten-year management
period.
Note #4: This schedule is intended to be a guideline or framework to work within. It is not, nor should it
be taken, as a lockstep schedule. With any forest management plan, things change, and schedules need to
be flexible and adaptive. All forest plans need to adapt to changing conditions when unknown
circumstances occur. Some things may even be extended into the next management period.

Page 30
Stand and Stock Tables Cruise Summaries
Plots were taken in those stands with standing timber. Those harvested stands, stands of mostly
brush, extremely under stocked, and regeneration stands were also not sampled. The
corresponding volumes are presented in standard cords of 128 cubic feet (CDS), and thousand
board feet (MBF), and basal area (cross section in square feet). Data has been calculated using
methods set forth by Avery and Burkhart (2002) and processed in Excel.
NOTE: Timber cruising was done utilizing a variable-plot sampling method. Cruising was
performed for management purposes. It is recommended that higher intensity cruises be
performed prior to individual timber sales.

Page 31
Appendix
A. Natural Heritage Database Review Letter
B. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service IPaC Resource List
C. Location Map
D. Road Map
E. Township Tax Map
F. USGS Quadrangle Map
G. Soil Survey Map
H. USDA Soil Information
I. Hydrology Map
J. Flood Hazard Map
K. Wetlands Map
L. Forest Stand Map

Page 32

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F-1880/B-1309

Prepared by Kyle Caccamesi and Vinh Lang, State Approved Forester

Property address: 400 E Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ 08087

Block 63, Lot 15; Tuckerton, Ocean County, NJ

Plan Period: January 1, 2022 thru December 31, 2031

LANDOWNER’S CERTIFICATION: I certify that I am the owner of the property or am authorized by

APPROVED FORESTER’S CERTIFICATION: I prepared the within forest stewardship plan in

Gomez Forest Stewardship Plan

Gomez Forest Stewardship Plan

Gomez Forest Stewardship Plan

2b. History of the Property

2c. Wetlands, Hydrology, and Easements

Gomez Forest Stewardship Plan

3a. Physical Description

Gomez Forest Stewardship Plan

Threatened and Endangered Species

Gomez Forest Stewardship Plan

American Chaffseed (Schwalbea americana)

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)

Gomez Forest Stewardship Plan

Black Skimmer (Rynchops niger)

Black-crowned Night-heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)

Eastern Black Rail (Laterallus jamaicensis)

Gomez Forest Stewardship Plan

New Jersey Rush (Juncus caesariensis)

Northern Long-eared Bat (Myotis septentrionalis)

Knieskern’s Beaked-rush (Rhynchospora knieskernii)

Gomez Forest Stewardship Plan

Red Knot (Calidris canutus rufa):

Swamp Pink (Helonias bullata)

Gomez Forest Stewardship Plan

Gomez Forest Stewardship Plan

Gomez Forest Stewardship Plan

● Do not allow trash to accumulate around the site.

Gomez Forest Stewardship Plan

Biodiversity principles: Although it may not be required or explained specifically in the

1. Access and identify key components of biodiversity

Forest Stand Structure Features

● Are exotic/invasive species present?

2. Planning for management that supports biodiversity. Implementation of this Forest

● Landscape – level forest biodiversity.

Gomez Forest Stewardship Plan

1. No change to topography will occur.

Gomez Forest Stewardship Plan

Gomez Forest Stewardship Plan

Stand 1 Early Successional Pine

DBH Class Stocking Crown Closure BA TPA Cords/Acre

1-4 inches Understocked 0% 0 ~ 600 0

4a. Identifier, acreage and soil

Stand 1 is 11.20 acres of early

4b. Forest Inventory: Species, structure, volume, growth, site index

Gomez Forest Stewardship Plan

4d. Access across regulated areas and infrastructure to be used

Gomez Forest Stewardship Plan

4e. Desired future condition, relationship to goals, and measurable objectives

Gomez Forest Stewardship Plan

2 4.50 acres Pine/Oak Understory Uneven Aged +/- 60 years

DBH Class Stocking Crown Closure BA TPA Cords/Acre

3-26 inches Very 90% 150 576 42.2

4a. Identifier, acreage and soil characterization

4b. Forest Inventory: Species, structure, volume, growth, site index

Gomez Forest Stewardship Plan

Overall, the stand structure can