The New Jersey Forest Fire Service readily admits it can’t see the forest for the trees.
Literally.
Even when fire spotters climb to the top of the 80-foot Bass River State Forest fire tower, their view is blocked on three sides by nearby pines that have grown to the tower’s height.
The tower oversees an area of about 50,000 residents — mostly to the east — in places like Little Egg Harbor Township, Tuckerton, Bass River and Eagleswood Township.
That’s why the state has a plan to clear-cut about 19 acres of white pine and other conifers that are causing the problem, said Forest Fire Service Chief Greg McLaughlin, as he showed a reporter and photographer the view from the tower.