When Zoe Welsch found out that her cherished nature spot, Black Run Reserve, might soon be surrounded by homes, she felt a deep sense of loss. “I’ve been coming here for years. This place is special to me,” said Welsch, a lifestyle influencer from South Jersey.
Located in Evesham Township, New Jersey, Black Run Reserve covers 1,300 acres, offering valuable habitat for over a hundred species and serving as a crucial drinking water source for millions. Devel LLC plans to develop more than 780 acres of forest next to the reserve into a neighborhood with 270 houses.
In reaction, groups like Climate Revolution Action Network and the Pinelands Preservation Alliance are rallying young activists nationwide, aiming to protect this land. They are pushing for the state’s Pinelands Commission to redesignate the area from “rural development” to “forest area,” which would block construction.
The commission’s proposal sparked a 60-day comment period, ending in mid-August. The earliest a decision could come is mid-October. However, prior to that, Devel could secure a “certificate of filing,” allowing them to seek local approvals first.
“We’re racing against time to influence the Pinelands Commission and Evesham Township for new protections,” said Jason Howell from the Pinelands Preservation Alliance.
The Pine Barrens ecosystem, a unique part of New Jersey, has faced threats since the 1960s. The Pinelands Preservation Alliance has worked since 1989 to safeguard its habitats and water resources. This region is home to endangered species like the Pine Barrens treefrog, which relies on undisturbed habitats to survive.
Another rare resident is the northern pine snake, a state-threatened species that helps control rodent populations but is struggling due to habitat loss. Other vital plants, like the federally threatened swamp pink, also depend on the area’s healthy wetlands.
The surrounding land plays a crucial role in regional environmental stability. Black Run Reserve is situated on the Kirkwood-Cohansey aquifer, a critical source of fresh water for the area. This aquifer can store an astonishing 17 trillion gallons of water and has been a lifeline for local communities.
The aquifer is under significant pressure, with some wells drying up. Local experts fear that building homes nearby could contaminate this vital water source. “If we don’t prioritize open space, millions risk losing access to clean drinking water,” Howell added.
This issue is intertwined with climate change. As natural land is developed, it removes essential areas that absorb rainwater, increasing flooding risks, especially as intense storms become more common.
Though the 270 homes haven’t been approved yet, the development is close to becoming reality. New Jersey’s “time of application” rule means that if environmental regulations aren’t established before a development application, they won’t apply. This accelerates the urgency for action.
“This plan will save this land,” said Ben Dziobek of Climate Revolution Action Network. “These homes are unaffordable for younger generations. Who will benefit?”
Younger activists are driving the movement. So far, over 100,000 letters opposing the development have been sent to government officials, with most coming from those aged 18 to 28. “Our involvement reflects concern for both the environment and social justice,” Dziobek noted.
Local leaders have significant power to impose environmental protections. Evesham Township can potentially rezone the land as protected before the Pinelands Commission vote in October. “Local municipalities can create stronger protections than what higher authorities suggest, if the community pushes for it,” Howell explained.
Both the Pinelands Preservation Alliance and Climate Revolution Action Network urge young people to continue exerting this pressure. “This fight is about securing a livable future and protecting clean water access for generations,” Dziobek said.
As this community fights to protect a vital ecosystem, the outcome will not only impact the environment but also shape the future of housing and water access in New Jersey.
