The natural resource stewardship plan for the 1212-acre Whiting WMA (Ocean County) has been under development for several years. The plan is to serve as a guide for resource management activities important to forest stewardship within the area.

The overall goals for forest management on state land are as follows:

• Increase habitat for species of concern
• Mimic natural disturbance regimes
• Conserve ecological communities including critical habitats
• Protect public safety through reduced wildlife hazard
• Improve growth, vigor, health and function of forests
• Manage for natural variability
• Diversify stand ages to achieve a balance of young forest, middle aged and older growth condition
• Conserve historic resources

The plan was developed by a committee of representatives from several agencies within NJDEP, including NJ Forest Fire Service, NJ State Forestry Services, NJ Fish and Wildlife, and NJ Office of Natural Lands Management, as well as representatives from other outside agencies. Inventory and planning efforts were supported by a third party contractor, Land Dimensions Engineering.

Whiting WMA Natural Resource Stewardship Plan (pdf, 1.9mb)

As part of the process of developing this plan, stakeholders who have insights about this area and interest in the management of state land were identified. Input from various stakeholders has been incorporated into the plan. Additional reviews and comments on the plan were welcomed during a 30-day comment period which opened March 12 and closed on April 23, 2014.