The Black Run Preserve is a scenic wonder, a haven for wildlife, a water recharge area, and a recreational resource for thousands of people. The Black Run Preserve, located in Evesham Township NJ, is a beautiful representation of the Pine Barrens with its pristine forests and wetlands. Unfortunately, the pristine headwaters forest that sustains the preserve is at risk of being devastated by a proposal to bulldoze 900+ acres of forest in the watershed to be replaced by development.

Fortunately, A solution is available that will protect most of the forest. The Pinelands Commission, the agency that oversees the Pinelands National Reserve, could simply rezone these critical lands as “Pinelands Forest Area” However, the Commission has failed to take action. We are partnering with the Pine Barrens Preservation Alliance to empower young people to fight for the protection of Pinelands forest. Through social media campaigns, presence at Pinelands Commission meetings, local journalism, and coalitions with local political leaders CRAN aims to push leaders to rezone the 900 acre plot of land to strengthen the riparian ecosystem, protect the Pine Barrens, and ensure our water resources.