A few more tidbits about Sourland Mountain/surrounding lands in west- central NJ and possible old-growth (again keep in mind some definitions consider 150 or older old-growth, these are not verified, etc.):
It is not certain that all of these comments refer to the same portion of Sourland Mountain, there may be more than one tract: from a local (possibly the blogger): "....of nice folks who enjoy walking,cycling and the over all peace and quiet that comes with old growth woods and rolling pastures. it's a well kept secret...." from TNC and D&R Greenway: “The Belotti-Shulman property is particularly significant.... ....in itself, it is a beautiful 29-acre tract of old growth forest...." from a local Sierra Club chapter's spring 2002 outings descriptions: "....highlights include Sourland Mountain and old-growth forest...." from a local musician in July 2009: "The Sourland Planning Council seeks to install a smart growth planning initiative for the Sourland Mountain Region of New Jersey. They seek to preserve a tract of land extending from Hillsborough to the Delaware River that is currently under threat from development and urban sprawl. The Sourland's natural resources are invaluable to the State of New Jersey - the old growth trees, plant and wildlife, and clean water sources of that region need your support!" This tract is definitely different than the ones above as this one is located below the mountain a little to the southwest: Cedar Ridge tract (the lowlands just to the southwest of the Sourland Mountain): "....for in the small patch of ancient forest along the brook, a truly magnificent white oak resides, which has seen it all...." "....follow the newest trail to its terminus, however, and you will emerge in a relict patch of ancient forest along the Stony Brook...." The Cedar Ridge and Belotti-Shulman are definitely two different tracts, so this may be at least two more old-growth forest patches to add to the NJ list. -- Eastern Native Tree Society http://www.nativetreesociety.org Send email to [email protected] Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/entstrees?hl=en To unsubscribe send email to [email protected]
