By Anne Levin

When the New Jersey State Planning Commission came out with its preliminary draft to update the State Development and Redevelopment Plan this past December, the Sourland Mountain Region was not among the areas identified as an Area of Critical State Concern (ACSC).

This omission came as a disappointment to those at the Sourland Conservancy. The nonprofit exists to preserve and protect the 90-square-mile area, the largest contiguous forest in Central New Jersey. Between the recent ravages of the emerald ash borer insect, which has killed more than a million trees; the over-population in the area of white-tailed deer; and nearby development, the ecologically and culturally rich region could use the protection and support for conservation efforts that the designation would provide.

“This is a really unique and precious place, and we are at a crossroads,” said Laurie Cleveland, executive director of the Sourland Conservancy. “The next generation of trees isn’t here. When they die, there won’t be others to take their place. We have to act now to protect what is left for future generations.”

According to sourland.org, the Sourland Mountain Region provides critical drinking water to more than 800,000 residents of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. It is one of the most important carbon sinks in New Jersey, helping to combat climate change. The Sourlands are one of 113 designated Continental Important Bird Areas (IBA), home to 57 threatened and endangered species.

“Keep in mind that even before the emerald ash borer, the region was already suffering from the over-population of white-tailed deer, invasive plants, and pathogens,” Cleveland said. “The forest was already in peril. There is a lack of understory. Biodiversity is suffering, and that’s important to all of us. We depend on a healthy ecosystem for our own health and well-being.”

The updating of the State Development and Redevelopment Plan is the first in two decades.

The release of the preliminary plan was the first step of the process. Through April 9, public hearings are being held in each New Jersey county (Mercer and Hunterdon have already taken place), and comments are being solicited from stakeholders, planning partners, and other interested parties.

The Conservancy is urging people to contact their state representatives and the State Planning Commission to ask that the region be included as an ACSC in the final State Plan. At press time, a petition on Change.org had more than 700 signatures.

“The cross-acceptance process will compare the land use policies at the municipal and county levels with the State Development and Redevelopment Plan with the goal to create the highest level of consistency possible at all levels of government,” reads the website of the New Jersey State League of Municipalities.

A final draft plan will be published once the outreach efforts are completed, followed by six public hearings throughout the state. “Only after these analyses and public outreach efforts occur with the Draft State Development and Redevelopment Plan be presented to the State Planning Commission for approval,” the website reads.

Among the region’s most important functions is as a haven for migrating birds.

“Birds that are migrating between South America and the Arctic, and everywhere in between, stop and rest and have a snack in the Sourlands,” said Cleveland. “That’s important, because they need a healthy environment to rest and not be starved or predated. The entire migratory route is a chain, and the Sourlands is one important link. If that link breaks, the chain breaks.”

Climate resiliency is another key factor. “The area serves as a really important carbon sink,” said Cleveland. “New Jersey has aggressive climate goals, and the Sourlands could play a really critical role in achieving them.”

Cleveland is hoping people will write not only to legislators, but to the State Planning Commission as well. She also urges the sharing of the petition.

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to get this designation, which would provide real protection,” said Cleveland. “I know it’s hard to focus on one thing right now, but that’s part of the beauty of this initiative. We have a short time to get this done. It’s a challenge. We are literally acting locally to impact ecosystems globally.”