778 ACRES OF THE PINEBARRENS ARE THREATENED BY THIS DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL

We’ve got 60 days — just 60 days — to tell the Pinelands Commission: Hands off our preserve! This rule proposal threatens the future of one of New Jersey’s last untouched wild places, and we will not stay silent.

DEFEND BLACK RUN: SAVE THE FOREST, SAVE OUR FUTURE

The Black Run Preserve is more than just trees and trails — it’s a living, breathing sanctuary nestled in Evesham Township, a vital part of New Jersey’s iconic Pine Barrens. These pristine wetlands and ancient forests filter our drinking water, shelter rare wildlife, and offer thousands of residents a place to reconnect with the natural world.

THE PROBLEM

The Black Run Preserve depends on clean, undisturbed headwaters to sustain its wetlands, wildlife, and rare Pine Barrens ecosystem. But right now, those headwaters are in danger.

Under current zoning laws, more than 900 acres of forested land in the headwaters area can be cleared and developed. If this happens, Evesham Township will lose one of its last remaining stretches of intact forest — forever.

This isn’t just a loss of trees. Bulldozing this land will send polluted runoff straight into the streams that flow through the Black Run Preserve, threatening clean water, disrupting natural flood control, and destroying critical habitat for rare and endangered species.

Once degraded, the Preserve can’t be restored to what it was. The unique biodiversity of the Pine Barrens, already under pressure, will suffer another devastating blow.

This is an irreversible decision. And we still have time to stop it — but only if we act now..

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Speak directly to the decision makers. The Pinelands Commission will hold a virtual public hearing on Monday, July 15 at 9:30 AM — and we need a massive turnout to show them that the community won’t stand by while our forests, water, and wildlife are put at risk.

💻 Join online or attend the in-person call-in event hosted by the Pinelands Preservation Alliance at the Pine Tree Center at 9 AM — where you’ll get help preparing your comment and standing in solidarity with others who care about the future of Black Run Preserve.

Support the Proposal to Save Black Run

A solution is on the table — the Pinelands Commission can rezone over 900 acres of forest surrounding Black Run Preserve as “Pinelands Forest Area,” permanently protecting it from development. This change would safeguard clean water, preserve wildlife habitat, and ensure the long-term health of this rare Pine Barrens ecosystem.

But the Commission won’t act unless we demand it. Join the call to support the rezoning and ensure Black Run stays wild — for us, for wildlife, and for future generations.