Ecological Issues Regarding Highlands Forest Degradation & Restoration

The State of the Forest Symposium was held October 3, 2002, at the Morris County Cultural Center.  Over 120 people attended this symposium, which was jointly sponsored by the New Jersey Audubon Society, the New Jersey Conservation Foundation, and The Nature Conservancy.  A PDF document of the Symposium proceedings is available by clicking here.

The objectives of the symposium were to present scientific research and expert views regarding the current health of the forests in the Highlands and to provide a forum for discussing solutions and future actions to preserve and enhance the forest resources in the region.  It was recognized by all that land acquisition in the Highlands by conservation agencies and groups alone is not going to safeguard our future.  Proactive, integrated management and stewardship will be required to ensure protection of water, wildlife and our forests for future generations.

Keynote speaker Marc Matsil, Assistant Commissioner for Natural and Historic Resources for the NJ Department of Environmental Protection, stressed the importance of maintaining healthy forests for reducing air pollution and preserving water resources.  He provided an overview of forest management responsibilities and current state-sponsored management actions.

Other speakers addressed specific ecological stressors and challenges in preserving the Highlands forests, as well as methodologies for restoring the forests to a healthy state.  The threats posed by invasive plant species and by herbivory by superabundant deer were two key topics that were also featured in the afternoon’s panel discussions.  Also presented were scientific studies of the destructive impact of non-native Asiatic earthworms on forest soils and how ecosystem degradation affects wildlife diversity and habitat.

The two afternoon sessions included interactive discussions in which expert panelists and conference participants brainstormed possible solutions and actions.  Ideas for future actions included new legislation on invasive plant species and better management of white-tailed deer populations. 

The symposium’s steering committee included Eric Stiles of the NJ Audubon Society, Emile DeVito and Stephanie Monahan of the NJ Conservation Foundation, and Michael Van Clef of the Nature Conservancy.

The Highlands Coalition, an organization of local, state, regional, and national groups seeking to conserve the natural and cultural heritage of the Highlands, is an invaluable resource in our quest to protect the region’s forests and wildlife.  Their website will continue to provide up-to-date information on the ecological challenges and opportunities in the Highlands.