In recent weeks, we discussed the concept of old growth forests and its application in New Jersey. We provided some examples from Davis (1993, 2003r) and recent observations and developments in those areas. We asked several questions. In this final installment, we attempt to tie it all together and speak…...
What Does “Old What Does “Old-Growth” Really Mean? It depends. Example 3, Bear Swamp (Installment 5 of 6)
In southwestern NJ, along the Delaware Bay, Davis (1993) described two areas of possible old-growth broadleaf swamp forests. According to Davis, Bear Swamp West is 100 acres of possible old growth forest containing some 400 to 500-year-old black gum, 300-year-old sweetgum, large red maples, and large sweetbay magnolia trees (of unknown…...
What Does “Old-Growth” Really Mean? It depends – Example 2 – Eastern Hemlock Forests of Northern NJ (Installment 4 of 6)
Another example of older forests in New Jersey that have suffered significantly due to lack of management are forests comprised of Eastern hemlock. Davis (1993, 2003) discussed that many of NJ’s historically old growth forest had been dominated by Eastern hemlock, which is a conifer species that can live up…...
