Assembly committee releases resolution urging alternative forest management during droughts

Assembly Resolution 180, which urges the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the Pinelands Commission and the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council to pursue alternative forest-management practices during droughts when prescribed burning is unsafe, was released from the Assembly Environment, Natural Resources and Solid Waste Committee on a voice vote.

The resolution was put forward for release after testimony from forest landowners, conservationists and forest-service advocates who said New Jersey needs a more active, statewide approach to managing fuel loads and protecting communities and habitats.

Stephen Lee IV, a seven‑generation cranberry grower from Burlington County who said his family operates an 1,800‑acre farm in the Pine Barrens, told the committee recent fires and this year’s drought conditions show New Jersey lacks a comprehensive forest management plan. “Unless we begin to do things like thinning, which means cutting trees, we will be in a lot of trouble,” Lee said during public testimony. He also praised the New Jersey Forest Fire Service while urging greater state management and funding.

Other witnesses emphasized the complexity of the state’s forest ecosystems and warned that different regions require different tools. Ray (Horatio) Nichols, who described decades of conservation work in New Jersey, told the committee that thinning, controlled burns and timing matter and that thinning can create additional surface fuel if slash is not removed or managed. The New Jersey Highlands Coalition warned the committee that the Pinelands Commission and Highlands Council were not consulted before the resolution’s introduction and asked for stakeholder engagement before implementing new practices.

Committee members acknowledged the urgency. Assemblywoman Katz, a sponsor of the resolution, and other lawmakers said prescribed burning should be expanded when conditions allow and that thinning and removal of deadfall can reduce fire risk. Vice Chair Sumter and other members said management must also weigh ecological and water‑supply considerations in the Highlands and Pinelands regions.

The committee voted to release the resolution. During the roll call and release sequence, members present recorded aye votes from Assemblyman Sharpenberger, Assemblyman Inganamort, Assemblywoman Katz, Assemblywoman Hall, Assemblywoman Collazo Veil, Vice Chair Sumter and Chairman Kennedy; the committee chair announced the resolution was released.

The resolution directs state agencies to consider alternative practices during drought windows and urges coordination among the DEP, Pinelands Commission and Highlands Council; it does not create funding or a new regulatory program.

Committee members indicated further hearings and technical work may follow to define specifics such as when thinning or mechanical removal is appropriate and how to coordinate with existing fire‑service capacity.

Copies of the data cited by witnesses were offered to the committee; Stephen Lee said he would provide the figures he referenced.

The resolution will move forward in the legislative process for further consideration.