Save The Black Run Headwaters
Help the Pine Barrens
Help the Pine Barrens
The headwaters of Black Run Preserve are facing one final hurdle. The Pinelands Commission voted 9–0 to redesignate approximately 2,440 acres in the watershed as Pinelands Forest Area — a major protective step. But because of New Jersey’s home-rule structure, the protection only takes effect when Evesham Township formally adopts the zoning change to a Pinelands Forested Area from a Pinelands Rural Development Zone change locally.
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 980 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
Show up in person
November 12 at 7 PM — Evesham Township Council Meeting
November 17 at 7 PM — Evesham Zoning Board Meeting
Send a Letter
