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Pinelands Commission approves Ocean County forestry and fuel‑break plan after detailed debate on thinning and wildlife protections
Summary
The commission approved Ocean County’s multi‑year forestry and fire‑fuel breaks plan—covering roughly 1,200 acres of thinning, 850 acres of fuel breaks and 35 acres of restoration—after extended questioning about thinning rates, prescribed burning, impacts to Atlantic white cedar and protections for snakes and ORV enforcement.
The Pinelands Commission on Sept. 12 approved Ocean County’s proposed forestry and forest‑fire fuel‑breaks project after commissioners pressed county staff and consultants on thinning methods, wildlife protections and enforcement.
Commission staff framed the application as a mix of management activities intended to reduce wildfire risk and restore native habitat. “In general, the application proposes 1,200 acres of forestry, 850 acres of forest fire fuel grades, 35 acres of plantings and and restoration of lands, and a 133 acres of wildlife enhancements,” staff said during the presentation.
Ocean County representatives described a mix of thinning, prescribed fire and targeted restoration to promote Atlantic white cedar and reduce ladder fuels that can…
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