Prescribed Burn Program

Page Content

Who

The Morris County Park Commission (MCPC) is collaborating with the New Jersey Forest Fire Service (NJFFS), a New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Parks and Forestry unit, to conduct prescribed burns of MCPC forests and meadows in 2025.

Prescribed burn at Elizabeth D. Kay Environmental Center (2018)

What and Why

Accumulated invasive vegetative fuel (left) and post-prescribed burn (right)

The primary goal of the prescribed burn is to reduce the hazard of wildfire through the removal of accumulated vegetative fuels. Other goals include the control of non-native invasive species and the enhancement of wildlife habitat. A prescribed burn plan for this area has been prepared and approved by the NJFFS and the MCPC. This comprehensive plan describes the proposed burn areas and addresses issues such as topography, necessary weather, and wind conditions to allow the burn to proceed, fuel load, smoke management considerations, site preparation needs, necessary agency notifications, emergency medical procedures, necessary staffing levels, execution procedures, contingency plans, safety precautions, and a final go/no go checklist. The NJFFS conducts the prescribed burn while operating under the highest safety standards to minimize any risks to staff, the public, and public property. The prescribed burns will take place before June 30, 2025 only if conditions are in accordance with the approved burn plan.

When and Where

The MCPC’s Natural Resources Unit monitors ecological conditions in burned areas to aid in future decision-making related to management burns. The Morris County Park Commission has worked with the NJFFS to successfully conduct prescribed burns at 12 of its facilities since 2010 including:

The MCPC’s Natural Resources Unit monitors ecological conditions in burned areas to aid in future decision-making related to management burns.

Controlled, prescribed burn start on meadows at Bamboo Brook in 2018

Prescribed burn in progress (and immediate after effects in foreground)

NJ Forest Fire Service staff carefully monitor each burn

NJFFS staff clear a rake line to control the extent of the prescribed burn.

During a prescribed burn in woodlands

Post-burn in woodlands. Note the accuracy of the ring of unburned area around the older trees.

Maps

Interactive Map

Discover 2025 burn plots with our interactive map! Search by an address in the “Find address or place” bar or by burn plot using the burn plot Search tool above the legend.

Printable Trail Closure Maps

More Info

More information about the NJFFS Prescribed Burning Program can be found online at

 https://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/fire

For more information regarding prescribed burning at Morris County Park Commission parks/facilities, please contact Darrell Jones, Superintendent of Natural Resources Management, at 862.325.7745