Upcoming Activities

2026/27 Planned Activity

Stand 9b Open-canopy Forest Restoration: In accordance with the 2021 Addendum and the approved 2017 Sparta Mountain WMA Forest Stewardship Plan , forest management activities in the form of a shelterwood prescription will be implemented on 10 acres within Stand 9 next fall/winter (November 2026 – March 2027). This prescription will likely retain around 40 sq. ft. of basal area per acre across the 10-acre site to promote the growth of young oak trees and native shade intolerant and mid-tolerant understory vegetation, resulting in an open-canopy oak forest that will provide habitat for many wildlife species.

Oak and hickory trees in the co-dominant or dominant size classes that are of good vigor will be retained as well as some trees that have high wildlife value (i.e. stems with advanced decay, cavities or exfoliating bark). Desirable trees that are underrepresented in the area (e.g. white oak and black cherry) may also be retained. Additionally, white ash stems that do not already exhibit characteristics of Emerald Ash Borer infestation may be preserved to retain genetic diversity in the event those individuals are resistant to the insect.

NJDEP Fish & Wildlife is seeking feedback on this specific activity during the public comment period, which will be open January 31 through March 31, 2026.

Please note the draft location depicted in the maps is larger than acres in size and in compliance with the site-selection criteria (outside the buffers) outlined in the July 2021 Addendum. Management activities will occur only on 10 acres within the designated area. The boundaries of the 10-acre site where management activities will occur will be finalized after the comment period ends. Due to contract procedures and costs, and as identified in the 2021 Addendum, once the location is field marked no further comments or changes can be entertained.

Work will begin on or after November 16, 2026, and all tree felling will be completed by or before March 31, 2027. Any tree stands, blinds, or other items remaining in this area when work begins will be removed. For safety reasons, this area will be temporarily closed to unauthorized personnel while work is being conducted.

More information about previous management activities, including site-specific reports, can be found online at https://dep.nj.gov/njfw/sparta/stewardship-plan/.

Completed Activities

Information about all the completed forestry activities on Sparta Mountain Wildlife Management Area can be found on the Sparta Mountain WMA Forest Stewardship Plan Implementation website.

More Information

2017 Sparta Mountain WMA Forest Stewardship Plan
Addendum to the 2017 Sparta Mountain WMA Forest Stewardship Plan
Sparta Mountain WMA Forest Stewardship Implementation
Sparta Mountain WMA Forest Stewardship Homepage