Woodlands Management Committee Meeting Minutes
January 15, 2014
Attendees: Martha Dwyer-Bergman, Margaret Gossett, Cliff
Miles, Jerry Uhrig
Beaver Status
There are no signs of beavers at Birchwood Lake or in Richard Wilcox Park. We will continue to monitor the situation.
Status of 2014 Goals
I. Education
Library
Jerry discussed with the Head Librarian the possibility of
having a small collection of key Woodlands reference books available in the
Borough Library for improved accessibility. It does appear to be workable so
Jerry is assembling a small collection of books for this purpose.
Centennial Cove Project
Martha attended a Council meeting in December to emphasize
the importance of this project to the Woodlands Committee. It is of inestimable
value as an example to residents of how to plant a riparian buffer that is both
functional and aesthetically and environmentally valuable. As Head of the
Centennial Cove Committee, Margaret is in the process of identifying areas
where the Cove Garden needs regeneration and sprucing up. Her plan for this
effort is attached at the end of these minutes.
Town-Wide Clean-Up
Councilmen Lester and Holmberg have been planning a
town-wide clean-up for this spring. The Woodlands Committee supports such a
project as an important component of our Education Program. Giving Borough
residents the opportunity to share in the effort of caring for our common lands
will instill a sense of ownership that is difficult to gain otherwise in this
busy world.
Centennial Chestnut Project
Our American chestnut project is now in its third year.
Seeds from the first two years have sprouted into seedlings that are soon to
become saplings, some of which are likely to survive the blight that has so
decimated the population over the past century. A viable American chestnut
population will be our gift to succeeding generations. A substantial part of
this effort is supported by our High School students. These students, in their
later years, will share with their children and grandchildren the fruits of
their efforts. The Woodlands Committee is pleased to be a part of this
activity.
II. Management
Reforestation
This yearÕs activities will see another 100 hardwood
seedlings and 100 shrubs planted in areas of our woodlands where they are
needed. This will be mostly in the areas of Richard Wilcox Park that were
flooded by the beaver habitat for five years or so. We lost many red maples and
spicebush shrubs so these are the species selected for replanting this year. We
will explore gathering support from various individuals and service groups in
our area. Last year, we had very helpful and constructive projects with the Cub
Scouts, the Community Church, and the AT&T Pioneers. This year we would
like to have some interested individuals and possibly a different service group
from another company.
UBNJ Deer Management Program
Another successful year is winding down. The season ends in
mid-February. We are managing to keep the population at a sustainable level.
Invasive Vegetation Removal
Last year we removed a substantial amount of Chinese
wisteria from the Borough lot at Crane and Morris. This year we will continue
efforts at this site, as well as work on the more widely dispersed species,
barberry, burning bush, bittersweet, and knotweed. The latter, although widely
dispersed, does tend to grow in dense patches that lend themselves to
concentrated effort.
Trails Management
We discussed possible approaches to managing our trails.
Since it does require some expertise, we might benefit from having an outside
service organization involved. There does seem to be some interest in having an
Adopt-a-Trail program. But this would require strong management to gain any
benefit from it.
Submitted February18, 2014
Jerome L. Uhrig, Chairman
Woodlands Management Committee
Renewing Commitment to the Award-winning
Centennial Cove Restoration Project
Original Objectives
¥ To plan a restoration of the Cove Park area as
a Centennial legacy project from todayÕs residents for future residents to
enjoy
¥ To remove invasive plantings
¥ To balance the improvements made with
environmental concerns, aesthetics, maintenance, safety, beautification and
current usage while maintaining the understated and informal appearance
Necessary Steps to
Bring Installation to Intended Quality Level
Get
Started Immediately
November 2013
– February 2014
¥ Hire specialized caretaker as originally
planned
¥ Weed and perform minor, end-of-season
maintenance
¥ Prepare site for winter weather and
recreational activity
¥ Place order for replacement plants
Growing Seasons
2014, 2015, 2016
¥ Caretaker to supervise planting and subsequent
care of replacement plants
¥ Caretaker to weed and perform minor maintenance
on and around initial plants
¥ Caretaker to monitor and activate plant
warranties through Borough Manager as necessary
During
Next 6 Months
ADA
requirements: Adapt as
necessary to accommodate advice since project installation
Fencing: Reconsider fencing along Morris Avenue
side of project to protect ÔRiparian BufferÕ for 3-5 years.
East Cove: Assess and plan the use and care of
adjoining Borough land on lake side of 400 Morris Avenue. A concept plan was
prepared by JSL Greentree but not reviewed by committe.
**************************
Additional Notes
¥ Roadside cove and the shore line at 400 Morris
Avenue are different projects which your committee can choose to implement
separately Letter from Greentree to B. Lewis 11/19/10
¥ Process: Concept Plan, Two sessions of Public
review and input, Final Plan
¥ Criteria for species selection: adaptability to
site conditions (some dry, others wet), unpalatability to deer, salt tolerance,
complimentary leaf textures, heights and forms, shelter for birds, butterflies
and other small creatures
¥ ADA adaptations considered necessaryonly after
completion of original installation
¥ Caretaker and fence originally intended and
approved by Borough Council
We should include a
ÔbeforeÕ photo at top left and ÔafterÕ photo (7/11) on top right.
Can we make a rough
assumption of costs?:
¥ To replenish plant stock, including planting
¥ To hire caretaker per season