Letter to Editor: Pinelands – Key for the Future of Barnegat Bay

To the Editor:

Last month, Governor Christie released his 10-point plan to clean up and restore Barnegat Bay.  Barnegat Bay is not only ecologically special, but also contributes significantly to the economy of Ocean County.  Given the poor fiscal health of the state, it is no surprise that the Governor's plan is sparse on funding details. This is why Pinelands Preservation Alliance recommends that an additional point be added to the 10-point plan, "Enhance Pinelands Protection." 

There are several reasons for the governor to reaffirm the state's commitment to the Pinelands as a protective measure for Barnegat Bay.  First, no new regulations or additional funding is needed.  The Pinelands Plan has done a pretty good job of controlling growth and associated pollution within the Pinelands portion of the Barnegat Bay watershed for over 25 years.   The Pinelands Area accounts for 187,432 acres in 13 municipalities, or 39 percent of the county.  Within this vast area, 74 per cent of the land has a very low zoning density of 1 unit per 15.8 acres and 1 unit per 40 acres on the average.  Because of the Pinelands Plan, only 8 percent of county's housing and 10 percent of its population is within the Pinelands Area.  This is important since most of the rivers that drain into the Bay originate within natural unspoiled areas of the Pinelands. 

The vast majority of nutrients and other contaminants entering the Bay are coming from the northern part of the watershed, which lies outside the Pinelands jurisdiction, has no regional growth controls, and is marked by uncontrolled sprawl.  The health of the Bay depends on maintaining the integrity of the Pinelands.  The governor's plan therefore needs to recognize the important role that the Pinelands play in any Barnegat Bay strategy. 

Richard G. Bizub

Director for Water Programs

Pinelands Preservation Alliance