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We studied the growth rates of one stand in Stokes State Forest, within the New Jersey School of Conservation. Interestingly, while these trees exhibited normal growth trajectories for approximately 50 years, growth rates began to decrease around 1980, which was especially evident during the past decade, the hottest on record. While these data are early and the study is incomplete, the trend appears solid and easily interpreted. Despite its significant historic legacy in New Jersey, planting or replanting red pine is not advisable. While forests are resilient and there will always be some type of forest here in NJ, their distribution and composition are changing. This change is extremely rapid on a natural time scale. As we look to enhance NJ's Forest resource, two general recommendations appear obvious: • Since climatic conditions are unpredictable, species with a broad niche will adapt more easily. • Species that are currently at the northern end of their distribution range should be preferred over species that are at the southern end of their range. Applying such general rules to the already complex set of criteria for siting a tree can be confusing, however. For example, while the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) prefers the Tree of Heaven, it will attack many species, including black walnut, butternut, river birch, willow, sumac and silver and red maple. It does not appear to like oak. A swamp white oak (Quercus bicolor), with its broad range and general tolerance to the spotted lanternfly, would be a better choice for a lowland situation or floodplain than the traditional red maple in infected areas. Similarly, both green and white ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica and F. americana) have been severely impacted by the emerald ash borer. Morphologically similar species with broad ranges might include locust (Valerianella locusta (L.) Lat.) and the Kentucky coffeetree (Gymnocladus Dioicus). It's time to experiment, selecting trees for the future with an open mind. The tree that failed, failed for a reason. Move on; try something different. *Frank Gallagher Ph.D. is an Associate Professor of Professional Practice at Rutgers, the State University of NJ. He serves as the Director of the Environmental Planning Program within the Department of Landscape Architecture and the Director of Research for the New Jersey School of Conservation. Red pine stand

He serves as the Director of the Environmental Planning Program within the Department of Landscape Architecture and the Director of Research for the New Jersey School of Conservation. Red pine stand planted by the Civilian Conservation Corps in Stokes State Forest SUSTAINABLY PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER ANJEC REPORT – Autumn 2024 19