Right now, the New Jersey State Planning Commission is considering updates to the State Development and Redevelopment Plan, but the Sourland Region was not included as an Area of Critical State Concern (ACSC)—a designation that would provide much-needed protection and support for conservation efforts. We need your voice to change that!
The Sourland Mountain Region is at a crossroads. This ecologically vital and culturally rich area is facing unprecedented threats, from overdevelopment to the loss of over a million trees and the unchecked overpopulation of white-tailed deer that is preventing natural forest regeneration.
Stand Up for the Sourlands
How You Can Help
We are asking you for just a few minutes of your time to contact your state representatives and the State Planning Commission today and urge them to support the designation of the Sourland Region as an Area of Critical State Concern in the final State Plan.
Why This Matters
The Sourland Mountain Region provides critical drinking water resources for more than 800,000 hundred residents in New Jersey and Pennsylvania
The entire Sourland Mountain Region is a designated Continental IBA (Important Bird Area) macrosite. It is one of just 113 such sites in the United States
The Sourland forest has lost approximately 20% of all trees since 2020 – with tree loss accelerating due to invasive species and deer overpopulation
The Sourland Region is one of the most important carbon sinks in New Jersey, helping to combat climate change
The Sourland Region is home to 57 state-listed, threatened, and endangered species
The designation would help secure resources and protections to ensure this treasured landscape remains intact for future generations
Take Action
Sign the Petition
The first step is to sign and share our petition urging the NJ State Planning Commission to designate the Sourland Region as an Area of Critical State Concern. Add your name today!
Email the State Planning Commission at stateplan.comments@sos.nj.gov
Here’s a sample message. Please personalize by explaining why the future of the Sourlands matters to you and your community:
Subject: Urgent: Designate the Sourlands as an Area of Critical State Concern
Dear Members of the State Planning Commission,
I am writing as a concerned New Jersey resident to urge you to designate the Sourland Mountain Region as an Area of Critical State Concern in the updated State Plan. The Sourland Region hosts the largest contiguous forest in Central Jersey. The Watershed Institute estimates that over 800,000 residents in New Jersey and Pennsylvania rely on the Sourland Region to provide some or all of our clean drinking water. However, this fragile ecosystem is in crisis, with widespread tree loss, development pressure, and lack of natural regeneration due to overbrowsing by deer.
The Sourland Region is a key climate resource, a historic and cultural treasure, and a vital part of New Jersey’s environmental future. Without strong protections, we risk losing this important resource forever. Please act now to ensure that the Sourland Region receives the designation and support so urgently needed.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Town, NJ]
Contact Your State Representatives
Your state legislators need to hear from you! Urge them to support this designation. Click the button below to find your representatives and their contact information.
Even a short phone call or email makes a big difference in ensuring our voices are heard.
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