PD,
This reminds me of someone making a poor attempt at the “Indian” way of charring and chopping with blunt celts and stone hatchets. Is this tree at a trail intersection? White oaks often mark trail crossings in the Pinelands. Their light-colored bark reflected moonlight making them early stop signs. Broad branches provided shade for a resting place too. The Wawa Oak in Millville is one example, signaling the intersections of Old Kings Highway, the New Stage Road, and probably the Leaming Mill trail. I am the tree expert charged with overseeing the oak’s preservation for the Route 55 interchange construction project. The contractor has done an extraordinary job of conservation, at Millville's request. A little bit of awareness and education will go a long way towards the preservation of our cultural treasures.
Speaking of cultural and environmental resource appreciation, the Pinelands Commission has a new addition to their Permitting & Applicant Services site:
This appears to be a good sign that some reforms are in works, including a reaffirmation of Cultural Resource Surveys requirements. Kudos.
S-M
