To: Pine Barrens Commission Climate Committee
From: Climate Revolution Action Network (CRAN)
Hello, my name is Kayleigh Henry, and I’m from right here in the Pine Barrens. Growing up, the Pine Barrens were more than just a place on the map — they were a part of our lives. The unique landscapes, the quiet forests, and the rich biodiversity have always felt like home. But now, home is changing. The summers are hotter, storms are more intense, and the natural beauty we’ve known is under threat.
In 2018, the Pinelands Commission created the Land Use, Climate Impacts, and Sustainability (LUCIS) committee to address these very issues. In March 2022, after pressure from organizations like the Pinelands Preservation Alliance, you committed to making changes to the Comprehensive Management Plan. That was a hopeful moment. But since then, not much has changed. The Pine Barrens can’t wait.
Our Requests
First, we urge you to adopt the list of Plant Species of Concern identified by the state of New Jersey. This action would protect an additional 55 species, adding to the 111 already safeguarded. These plants are essential — they support the entire ecosystem, providing habitat, food, and maintaining the water cycles that keep the Pine Barrens healthy.
Second, we call on you to adopt the already-reviewed amendment to restructure the Pinelands Development Credit (PDC) program. By restructuring this program, you can prioritize conservation in a way that aligns with the climate realities of our time.
The Pinelands Commission said it wants to “serve as an example” of how to adapt to climate change. Right now, the example being set is one of inaction. By taking these two steps — protecting more plant species and reforming the PDC program — you can show South Jersey and the world what real climate leadership looks like.
We have an opportunity to act now. Let’s not be the generation that looked away when we had the chance to make a difference.