NJ Pine Barrens Commission CALL TO ACTION Comments

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. We’ve all seen it—the summers are hotter, storms are more intense, and the natural beauty we’ve known is under threat. Over the last century, New Jersey has faced rising temperatures, unpredictable weather, and sea levels creeping higher each year. These changes don't just appear on a chart; they affect our daily lives, our communities, and especially the Pine Barrens.

In 2018, the Pinelands Commission created the Land Use, Climate Impacts, and Sustainability (LUCIS) committee to address these very issues. You recognized that climate change was not some distant problem but one happening right here and now. And 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.

We understand that policy changes take time and that the Commission is often understaffed. But with all due respect, the Pine Barrens can't wait. Climate change won’t pause while we debate. Each day of inaction brings us closer to losing the very essence of this place.

So, today, I’m here on behalf of the Climate Revolution Action Network, the Pine Barrens Preservation Alliance, and every resident of South Jersey who cares about our future. We're asking you to focus on two achievable goals that could make a real difference.

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 by the CMP or the State Endangered List. These plants are not just beautiful—they are essential. They support the entire ecosystem, providing habitat, food, and maintaining the water cycles that keep the Pine Barrens healthy. Protecting these species is a simple step toward building a more resilient Pine Barrens.

Second, we call on you to adopt the already-reviewed amendment to restructure the Pinelands Development Credit (PDC) program. The PDC program is meant to balance conservation and development, but it needs updating to reflect the climate challenges we face today. 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. But it doesn’t have to stay that way. 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.

This isn't just about preserving a beautiful landscape. It's about protecting the future of South Jersey communities. It's about safeguarding the natural systems that support our economy, our health, and our way of life. We have an opportunity to act now, to reflect the urgency of the climate crisis in our policies, and to protect the Pine Barrens before it's too late.

I know change isn’t easy, but the path forward is clear. You have the power to take meaningful steps that will have a lasting impact. Let’s not be the generation that looked away when we had the chance to make a difference.