Sarah MagnusonNovember 7, 2013

Habitat Management Plan for Oak Ridge Reservoir and surrounding areas

Property DescriptionThe management area of interest is in Jefferson, New Jersey, which lies in the

northern most part of Morris County. The property can be divided into two management

units. One unit is wetlands and contains a watershed in a large, publically owned lake.

The other unit is predominantly forested but extends into a fielded area before reaching

the closest highway, The Paterson Hamburg Turnpike. This area is public land and

belongs to Jefferson Township.

The entire property under speculation neighbors a couple of developments that are

the source of disturbances. The Paterson Hamburg Turnpike lies right on the edge of both

the wetland management unit and the forested management unit. In addition, there is a

heavily populated suburban neighborhood just south and southwest of the site and its

roadways extend within 50 meters of the site via Reservoir road and Oak Ridge Road.

The lake possesses a few small streams that exit the lake and flow through both

management units (Figures 1).

At the end of the nearest roadway, Reservoir Road there is a neighborhood. A

hidden hiking trail commences at the dead of Reservoir Road that extends about 75

meters along the edges of the wetland unit and the forest unit. It wraps above and around

Oak Ridge Reservoir up to the highway. This path is unique because it essentially divides

the management area into both management units, which allows complete evaluation of

the property from inside to outside.

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Landowner ObjectivesUnder the instruction of Mrs. Hanzo, a nearby homeowner, three major management

goals have been developed to improve the community structure on her property and the

neighboring forest unit. Based on research, evaluation of the area’s species, and the

current habitat allows for the three management objectives which include:

1) Double the population of wild turkeys.

2) Reduce the population of whitetail deer by one third.

3) Increase the nesting success of the Pileated Woodpecker by 30%.

Current Conditions

While walking down the

hidden trail and evaluating both

habitat units, it is impossible to not

notice the prevalent habitat

destruction from the October 2012

storm, Hurricane Sandy. Dozens of

trees have fallen in the site and the area appears to be in the state of recovery due to the

damage. There are many tree limbs and full trees down blocking the trail. There is also

an abundance of riparian vegetation consisting of small saplings and shrubs hanging onto

the coast of Oak Ridge Reservoir in a few spots. The damage from the Hurricane

increased the woody debris covering the forest floor, which increased habitat options for

some smaller wildlife species, but destroyed the homes of many other species as well.

Image 1: This image shows the damage resulting from Hurricane Sandy. Many trees have been uprooted due to the high winds from the hurricane.

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The forested unit consists of deciduous tree stands with a distinct forest edge.

There are signs of early succession in the young, immature plants and saplings. There

was also signs of old, mature forests in many robust, mature trees that did not take too

much damage in the storm. There is clear evidence of timber harvest in many cut down

mature trees and many other that have been tagged for future removal from the area. As a

result of the storm, there is a balance between larger stature vegetation and small stature

vegetation including ground cover.

The wetland area contains the large lake, which is about 7,500 meters in length

by 100 meters in width. The lake becomes overcome with algae particularly in the

summer due to the large

amount of sunlight, mainly

along the edges. The lake

contains riparian vegetation

on about 75% of the lake’s

coast. The southern coast of

the lake is nearest to the

residential area, while the

northern and western coasts

contains attached stream

that flows through the

wetlands and forested unit. The lake is fed miles offsite by a few small streams that come

from many other bodies of water including the Clinton Reservoir.

Image 2: The image above is taken in management unit one on the southern edge of the Oak Ridge Reservoir.

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The entire management area is under primary succession with one exception. The

fielded part of the forest management unit that is west from Oak Ridge Reservoir was

victim to minor human induced wildfire about thirty years ago. The fielded area has gone

through secondary succession, but has begun to regrow many of the primary tree species.

The rest of the area is under primary succession and has remained relatively unchanged.

The majority of the forest contains many Oak and Maple tree species with a younger,

developing understory and forest floor. Leaf litter covers the forest floor from the larger

tree species. The forest floor also consist of dense shrubbery vegetation existent in

various patches of the area such as lowbush blueberry and many other shade tolerant

species. There are many issues that these management areas face such as pollution.

Pollution effects in the lake are visible and the habitat area is shrinking annually due to

the expansion of the neighboring community, addition of trails, and effects of the major

highway.

Current wildlife species that have been observed on site while visiting or are

known to inhabit the area include many birds and mammals. There are 90 species of

mammals found in New Jersey such as white-tailed deer, lack bear, red fox, raccoons,

beaver and woodchucks, all which can be seen in the Oak Ridge area (New Jersey).

There are also 400 species of birds such as the piping plover, red cardinal, turkey, and the

pileated woodpecker (New Jersey). There are also many species of amphibians, reptiles

and fish that can be found in this area. Fishing is a huge part of the Oak Ridge

community due to the large amounts of bass and other species of game fish.

One of the major reasons for the depletions of certain species abundance numbers

in this management zone is due to the overabundance of white-tailed deer. The existence

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of limit harvest in addition to little pressure from their main predators, the coyote and

black bear, permits the deer to do very well. There is enough space for the deer to

flourish regardless of the existence of the local communities. Sufficient food sources are

available for the deer due to their very diverse herbivorous diet ranging from wild berries

to acorns and nuts to the buds and twigs of woody plants (Nature Works). The deer are

able to outcompete other species due to their wide range of food options. They are known

to feed primarily in the early morning and dusk but have been known to feed during

daylight hours also (White-tailed). The sources of water are idyllic for many species to

stay hydrated. Even though the habitat cover is shrinking due to human development

there is still plenty of space for the deer to move around. It has been recorded that many

groups of deer are moving to the north into a more secluded area. The deer nearest to the

residential areas are adapting and have become safety hazards in the streets, backyards,

and becoming pests to gardens. Action must be taken to reduce the overabundance of

deer in these management units to protect the way of life in the local communities and

chosen management areas. During an on-site evaluation of about 90 minutes through

and around the management units, a total of 26 deer were spotted.

While visiting the management area, a family of three Wild Turkeys were spotted

just off the trail in the forested management

unit. This was not a usual sighting for the

area due to the drop of the turkey

population. However it is not as rare as a

Pileated Woodpecker sighting. This is

precisely why Mrs. Hanzo would like to

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see a double in the number of wild turkey that inhabit this area and an increase in the

nesting success of the Pileated Woodpecker by 30% because they are not known to be

abundant in this area. Human developments and interspecific competition have depleted

essential resources for both species in terms of food, cover, and space. As previously

stated, there is a balance between the forest floor, canopy, and understory with what

appears to be enough room at first glance. The problem is that the environment is

shrinking and forcing the entire management area to further condense. The Paterson

Hamburg Turnpike and suburban development in addition to the private roadways and

trails are creating even more habitat loss.

By the mid 1800s, the Wild Turkey was completely disappeared in New Jersey

due to the loss of habitat and killing

for food (NJDEP). In 1977 there was a

reintroduction of 22 birds. The

population grew with the help of

managers and by 1977 a limited

harvest season was established. Wild

Turkeys are a very sensitive species

because only 30-40 percent of the

turkey young live past the first four

weeks of hatching. In addition, they

are heavily preyed on by foxes, coyotes, and larger prey which are all found within the

management area. Today, they have become a game species with about 20,000- 23,000

birds total and about 3,000 harvested annually (NJDEP). Their diet should be easily

Image 4: This large mature tree has been removed for timber harvest.

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fulfilled in this area, as there are a variety of plants and insects. The key fact about the

Wild Turkey is that they can move long distances to find food but will remain in a

smaller area if the food source is locally abundant (NJDEP). Although, the management

area does have the food source available, food sources tend to be under a lot of pressure

from higher trophic levels, there is no further territory for the turkeys to go except for

northwest which will cause issues because they will run into other communities. If they

were to move any other direction they would come in contact with highways or extensive

communities.

The Pileated Woodpecker is in a very similar position to the Wild Turkey, but on

a larger scale due to their habitat requirements. This species can be a rare sighting in this

management area because their territory size ranges between 1000 and 4000 acres. They

occupy mature forests, which this management area has, but the number of dead mature

trees for them is not high enough to sustain the population. Many mature trees tend to be

cut down for timber harvest or have fallen because of Hurricane Sandy. Every spring a

pair of Pileated woodpeckers will excavate the nest cavity, which they reproduce in and

later sleep in. Their nest cavities are key to their survival, but there are not currently

enough in the area or over enough territory for multiple birds to occupy. Their necessary

food source is primarily

carpenter ants, beetle larvae,

fruits, and nuts. Fledglings stay

in the nest for about three and a

half weeks until they move to a

location and broad territory of

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their own (Pileated Woodpecker Central). Their roosting and nesting cavities are pivotal

to their survival through mating, feeding, and protection from weather or predators.

Habitat Management Practices:

Currently, there are only a couple signs of current management in this zone for

example, there is one sign at the end of Reservoir Road that prohibits dumping, littering,

alcohol consumption, overnight camping, and campfires. The sign basically prohibits

signs of human evidence.

The last sign of management in these two areas are the abundance of trees that

have been cut down and cleared out. The removal of these trees are make room for

human expansion, production of timber, reduction of room for deer to thrive, which is

beneficial. The problem with this is that it destroying the necessary habitat space and

cover for species of concern such as the Pileated Woodpecker and Wild Turkey.

Management of deer density must be managed in different ways because as their

population density continues to grow many other resources, factors, and species are

negatively affected as a result. The deer are grazers and are ingesting important

vegetation at a much quicker rate than the ecological carrying capacity can account for.

Furthermore, the high density of deer is causing safety hazards on the local roadways,

Reservoir Road, Paterson Hamburg Turnpike, and other local roads. To reduce deer

population abundance by about one-third, trapping and removal along with limited

harvest in certain areas needs to be implemented within the management zones. Trapping

and removing individual deer is not the ideal management form but due to the nearby

suburbia and restricted wooded area it is a best choice. A limited harvest is possible but

could create an issue because of the close proximity to the local residential areas.

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Harassment or an exclusion-fence could be effective because if placed properly it would

keep the deer away from the roads and communities and push them into more secluded

areas. However, that could cause an issue with deer abundance in that area. This

management area is almost completely surrounded by human developments. By rocket

netting or tranquilizing in both management units and relocating approximately 20

percent of the deer population to other wooded areas outside of the area, improvements in

the entire habitat may be observed. Individuals will be chosen and removed based on age

structures, selecting individuals of all ages to maintain balance but focusing on removing

mostly matures and juveniles to prevent high reproduction rates in the near future.

Limited harvest of about 20 percent of the deer population will also help keep the

deer population down one-third. Locals should be surveyed to gage their reaction to the

possible harvest and the best ways to do so. All the harvested deer should be safely

harvested and accounted for to make sure that they are not over harvested. Trapping and

removal will occur under ideal weather conditions for the safety of the deer during fall

and spring months. To best account for the changes, it is best to tag many of the deer,

especially the relocated ones, so that the managers can keep a proper count of how many

deer are being harvested. Also there should be many deer counts and surveys done such

as deer browse and pellet surveys.

In order to double the Wild Turkey population and increase nesting success of the

Pileated Woodpecker by 30 percent, there are many strategies that can be used. The

planting and transplanting of mature trees to account for the mass number of trees

harvested for timber, cleared for human development, and lost in Hurricane Sandy. The

aerial map shows that there are plenty of trees and vegetation in the area however it is not

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up to date and the age of the stands cannot be seen in this picture (Figure 1). The Pileated

Woodpeckers require mature stands that have trees with a high diameter for nesting and

feeding. Therefore, many trees of different ages should be moved into and out of the area

to maintain a proper forest age structure. By doing so it would ensure the present of the

pileated woodpeckers but also would ensure the future for this species. To make a

substantial impact, at least 1,000 influential tree species should be planted in the area to

replenish habitat for the Pileated Woodpecker. Trees will need to be planted early to

allow the woodpeckers to adjust to the change in habitat in time for the mating season.

To increase the abundance and browsing of the Wild Turkey, seeds of a number

of understory plant species will need to be planted. The additions to the understory will

help stabilize a future for the turkey population by adding food and nesting sites. To

achieve the greatest environmental impact with this strategy, new vegetation including

shrubs, forbs, hedges, berry bushes, and other herbaceous plants need to be planted

around the perimeter of both management areas. This will allow the area to expand and

create more cover, food, and space for the Wild Turkey to grow. These management

actions in addition to the removal of white-tailed deer will increase the abundance and

nesting of the both the turkeys and woodpeckers. Many shrub and water tolerant plant

species should also be planted around the perimeter of the lake in management unit one

to provide cover and repair possible erosion of the coasts.

Plan Evaluation:

Once the management actions are implemented to both management units, the

overall success and habitat improvement can be assessed. To monitor the execution of

limited harvest, trapping and removal of deer, the collection of data and constant

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surveillance can reveal the effectiveness. Harvest can be tracked by monitoring the

amount of deer taken during the limited season. These numbers in correlation with the

current number can be tracked to decrease the population by one third. Important

information to be recorded each time a deer is trapped and relocated is the number of deer

including their age, antler size, sex, etc. By recording this information the condition of

the population can be analyzed.

To assess the success of the Pileated Woodpecker, any sign of them in the area

would be a positive. Due to the fact that any sign of this species is rare monitoring them

via call or pecking surveys would be ideal since of the amount of noise they have a habit

of creating. There is abundant space for a few pairs of Pileated Woodpeckers, so

increasing nesting success by 20 percent will not be a simple action. The wooded areas

need to be expanded and the dominance of larger and mature tree stands will have to be

restored. Once the forest is in better shape overall the ability to attract the woodpeckers

can be monitored directly. A few ways to best survey the area is by navigating line

transects through the management area so that signs and nests can be counted. Line

transects and point count surveys can be used for calls and drumming. Once more nests

are discovered direct monitoring such as watching the nest and checking on the eggs can

be done. The discovery of new individuals are a sign of an increase in the population.

The number of hatchlings can be determined and once a nest is successful, the activity

and movement of each pair would be followed to gage their current health and growth. If

this strategy does not work it may be best to reintroduce more woodpeckers to the

management area.

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Monitoring the success of the management actions to double the number of Wild

Turkey observed would be relatively easy to observ . Since Mrs. Hanzo wants to see

double the number of turkeys, both point-count estimates and line transects can be used

to effectively observe and record the current turkey populations. This species is fairly

easy to count due to the fact that the birds tend to travel in groups or families. Evaluating

their success using point-counts within circled areas with a radius of 75 meter and 250

meter long line transects would be most effective. Wild Turkeys are a vocal species as

well, so using their calls to locate them or estimate numbers in thick vegetation is also a

good surveying option.

To evaluate the success of this management plan further, measurements and

visual observations would be made to assess the growth of all plant species. The height,

growth, and blooming success of each new plant within the management units would be

analyzed using measuring tapes, densitometers, etc. Additionally, visual evidence will be

documented. This would consist of photographs of the vegetative progression in both

management units. These are the most important measurements to make because the

increase in species of concern’s abundances will relate back to the existence of adequate

vegetation including nesting space, cover for protection, and food sources.

Budget:

These management actions should not require much revenue to accomplish. The

most expensive action would include the reintroduction and relocation of the species of

concern. The next most expensive action would be the addition of plants in the specific

management areas. Limited harvest would be the least expensive management action for

this overall plan. The overall goal would be to keep all cost as minimal as possible while

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creating the best results possible. The cost would have to come from the state of New

Jersey and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection due to the fact that

this is a public land and does not have any private owners. Since this is a relatively large

area overall cost tend to be less than they would be for a small area of land. In 2006, New

Jersey had a conservation management cost the state over 3.9 billion dollars. If

immediate action were to take place, it would cost approximately $874 per acre (Casey et

al. 2008).

Works Cited

Casey, F., A. McMurray, T. Kroeger, J. Michalack, and Paula Manalo. 2008. The Cost of a Comprehensive National Wildlife Conservation System: A Project Completion Report for the Wildlife Habitat Policy Research Program. Defenders of Wildlife. Conservation Economics Program. Washington DC.

"New Jersey Wildlife - Animal Species and Wildlife of NJ." New Jersey Wildlife - Animal Species and Wildlife of NJ. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Nov. 2013. <http://newjerseyscenic.com/nj_wildlife.html>.

"NJDEP Division of Fish & Wildlife - Wild Turkey in New Jersey." NJDEP Division of Fish & Wildlife - Wild Turkey in New Jersey. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Nov. 2013. <http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/turkey_info.html>.

"Pileated Woodpecker Central." Pileated Woodpecker Central. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Nov. 2012. <http://www.pileatedwoodpeckercentral.com/information.htm>.

"White-tailed Deer - Odocoileus Virginianus." White-tailed Deer. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Nov. 2012. <http://www.nhptv.org/natureworks/whitetaileddeer.htm>.

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Figure 1: The aerial map above displays the management areas. The red box indicates the forested management areas and the blue box indicates the watershed area.

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