Today I hiked around the Stafford Forge WMA for awhile. Beautiful day to be out. The effect of the fire was very evident there, it burned right up to the water. I've been to this area a number of times, and much of it has obviously burned before. There are large areas of little trees - not pygmy pines - but they appear to have been planted. Many of them are now burned to a crisp. I wonder if they will eventually become pygmies after enduring cycles of fire like this?
If you aren't familiar with this area, it's bordered by Rt 539 and the Garden State Parkway here: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=...9.66313,-74.327745&spn=0.041957,0.078707&z=14
Has always been one of my favorites places. Varied terrain with rolling hills and beautiful lakes which were once cranberry bogs. Now there's a real contrast between the black and white world and the colorful lakes
Some areas were really devastated
The little pine trees were really dense in some places!
Another large burned area
There was abundant wildlife everywhere, all kinds of birds including swans and ducks. Lots of dragon flies. Here's one of two turtles I saw:
Visit my gallery here for more: http://gallery.njpinebarrens.com/showgallery.php/cat/515
If you aren't familiar with this area, it's bordered by Rt 539 and the Garden State Parkway here: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=...9.66313,-74.327745&spn=0.041957,0.078707&z=14
Has always been one of my favorites places. Varied terrain with rolling hills and beautiful lakes which were once cranberry bogs. Now there's a real contrast between the black and white world and the colorful lakes
Some areas were really devastated
The little pine trees were really dense in some places!
Another large burned area
There was abundant wildlife everywhere, all kinds of birds including swans and ducks. Lots of dragon flies. Here's one of two turtles I saw:
Visit my gallery here for more: http://gallery.njpinebarrens.com/showgallery.php/cat/515
Anyone going to be in the fire area today,i will be in warren grove around 1:00 p.m. to 2
.m.?