by Jim Segal
Photo Credit: Luke Slott—Jennings Creek Wildfire, November 2024.
In November 2024, the Jennings Creek Wildfire swept across more than 5,500 acres of forest and wetlands in West Milford, New Jersey, and Sterling Forest, New York, marking one of the largest wildfires in recent history for the region. This fire comes only a year-and-a-half after the Kanouse Mountain Fire in April of 2023 which impacted almost 1,000 acres on the southern side of the township near Echo Lake Road and Route 23.
The Jennings Creek Wildfire, fueled by a perfect storm of factors—including a prolonged drought, unseasonably warm temperatures, and high winds—scorched the landscape and wildlife habitats. While the immediate aftermath may seem bleak, and signs of progress may not readily appear during the dormant winter months, nature is already beginning its process of recovery, demonstrating the incredible resilience of our local ecosystems.
The Role of Fire in Nature’s Cycle
While fires can be destructive, they are also a natural and often necessary component of many ecosystems, including the predominantly deciduous oak and hickory forests that dominate much of the Wanaque and Sterling Forest areas. Wildfires serve to clear out old and dying vegetation, allowing room for new growth. In some species, fire even plays a crucial role in reproduction. Certain types of pine trees, particularly in the pine barrens of southern NJ, for example, require the heat of a fire to open their cones and release seeds.
The fire's aftermath has left behind a fertile landscape, rich with ash packed with nutrients like potassium, calcium, and phosphorus. These nutrients will help support the next generation of plant life, which in turn will attract insects, birds, and mammals back to the area. Many plants in the region, such as blackberry bushes, grasses, and fire-tolerant shrubs, are capable of regrowing quickly from their seeds or root systems, and these plants will provide the first signs of recovery.
Nature’s Recovery: What to Expect in the Coming Months
During the winter months, most of the trees and plants go into a dormant phase, so the burned landscape will appear bleak during that time. As we move into the spring and summer of 2025, the region will begin to show signs of recovery. Here's what we can expect in the months ahead:
Soil Regeneration: The ash left behind by the fire enriches the soil, providing an influx of essential nutrients that will support the growth of new plant life. Some species of plants, including some trees, rely on fire to regenerate, and we will likely see new growth within the coming months.
Vegetation Regrowth: Many of the area’s fire-adapted plants, including blackberry bushes, grasses, and wildflowers, will begin to reemerge in the spring. These plants help to stabilize the soil, prevent erosion, and provide food for wildlife, setting the stage for the return of larger plants and trees in the coming years. Where the forest canopy has been damaged, the increased light and air on the forest floor will allow for reemergence of understory plants and trees that had been diminished in the pre-fire forest shade.
Wildlife Adaptation: While the fire has undoubtedly displaced many species, wildlife is resilient, and we can expect to see insects, small mammals, birds, and larger mammals like deer and turkeys gradually return to take advantage of the new vegetation. Increased food sources, such as the new plant life and the insects drawn to it, will provide the necessary foundation for these and more species to thrive once more.
Biodiversity: The recovery process may ultimately lead to a more diverse and resilient habitat. Over time, the landscape will transform, with a mix of new plant species and regrowing trees creating an environment that supports a wide range of animals. For instance, young pines and hardwoods, once re-growing in the wake of the fire, will create diverse habitats for birds, small mammals, and insects. As always in nature, there is competition for air, light and nutrients, if conditions are favorable, there may unfortunately be an opportunity for introduced species to take hold as well.
Looking Ahead: How We Can Support the Healing Process
While the scars of the Jennings Creek Wildfire may take years to completely fade, the recovery of our forests, wetlands, and wildlife is already underway (although less visible in the winter months). As members of the West Milford community, we can play an important role in supporting this healing process.
Here are some steps we can take to help protect our natural resources:
Learn and Advocate: Stay informed about forest and wetland management practices and wildfire prevention. The New Jersey Forest Service offers valuable resources on sustainable forest management and conservation practices. Learn more at NJ Forest Service. For more information about NJ Wetlands management, you can gain insights from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service - https://www.fws.gov/office/new-jersey-ecological-services.
Volunteer and Donate: Support local wildlife organizations that are working to help injured animals recover. One such organization is The Last Resort Wildlife, which takes in and rehabilitates animals impacted by the fire.
Visit and Observe: Experience firsthand the resilience of nature by visiting the areas affected by the fire. While some trails may be closed for safety reasons, updates can be found on the NY-NJ Trail Conference website.
Get Involved with Nature Connection: Join others who are passionate about protecting the environment by becoming a member of Nature Connection of West Milford, where you can participate in local conservation efforts and learn more about sustainable land practices.
As we witness the slow but steady recovery of the forests and wetlands of the Wanaque Wildlife Management Area, Long Pond Iron Works State Park and Sterling Forest, we are reminded of the strength and resilience of the natural world. By taking action now to protect our forests and wetlands, we can better ensure that these vital ecosystems remain healthy for future generations.