Controlled Forest Fire Burn Recommended In Section Of Chester

CHESTER, NJ — Prescribed burns have been recommended for several acres of parkland within Chester Township, the Morris County Parks Commission said in a letter sent to the mayor.

Approximately 14 acres of land near the Elizabeth D. Kay Environmental Center, are slated for the prescribed burns, officials said.

The controlled fires would take place sometime before June 30, 2023, and only if conditions allow for a safe burn.

The 822-acre Elizabeth D. Kay Environmental Center is part of a larger network of over 1,000 acres of preserved county parkland along the Black River and adjacent areas, stretching from the Cooper Gristmill south to the Bamboo Brook Outdoor Education Center and Willowwood Arboretum.

The Kay Center also provides a serene and beautiful setting for bird watchers, nature lovers and hikers to indulge in their favorite pastimes.

Controlled burns reduce the risk of forest fires by burning vegetative fuels in a controlled manner, such as fallen trees and dried leaves. Since 2010, the Morris County Parks Commission has collaborated with the state to conduct controlled burns in the county.

The Forest Fire Service plans to use prescribed fire on 25,000 acres of forest, grassland, and marsh this year. Meeting the target acreage will be contingent on favorable weather conditions from February to April, when the majority of prescribed burning occurs in New Jersey.

"Prescribed burning is a crucial tool in our efforts to maintain the ecological health and fire resiliency of New Jersey's landscapes," said John Cecil, Assistant Commissioner for State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites. "By carefully managing fire in a controlled manner, we can reduce the risk of devastating wildfires and conserve the state's rich natural heritage for future generations."

Prescribed burns, according to the Forest Fire Service, improve habitat for plants and animals, reduce the presence of harmful insects and ticks, and recycle nutrients into the soil. Furthermore, prescribed burning is a critical component of the state's carbon defense strategy.

According to the Forest Fire Service, allowing experts to choose the intensity, timing, and interval of fire across the landscape may help prevent a larger uncontrolled wildfire, which would contribute to significant carbon loss.

Specific dates of the burns within Chester Township will depend on future weather conditions and are not yet available to the public.