Black Run Headwaters – To Be Preserved for Future Generations

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The Pinelands Alliance is excited to share that the 835 acres that make up the Black Run Preserve Headwaters in Evesham, NJ, are under contract to be sold for permanent preservation to the New Jersey Conservation Foundation (NJCF), with support from Evesham Township, Burlington County, NJDEP Green Acres, and the Pinelands Commission. Thank you for your efforts in signing petitions, showing up at meetings, and demanding action so that the Black Run Headwaters will be protected. 

The Black Run Preserve is one of the most beloved natural areas in New Jersey and an important keystone of the Pinelands National Reserve. The preserve is not only important for water supply protection and habitat to unique Pinelands plants and animals, but it has become one of southern New Jersey’s most popular destinations for hiking, wildlife observation and mountain biking. Given the importance of this area, the Alliance has advocated for the ongoing protection of the Black Run Preserve and was a founding organization of the Friends of Black Run Preserve.   

The issue of development in the headwaters has been discussed since 2004, when the Pinelands Alliance joined a sub-regional planning initiative led by the New Jersey Pinelands Commission. During this time, the Pinelands Commission initiated an effort to revisit the Pinelands Comprehensive Management Plan (CMP) in a portion of the Rancocas watershed in southern Evesham, where Black Run is. Much of the area was designated for growth, but the Commission and Evesham Township recognized that the area had excellent Pine Barrens habitats and some high-quality Pine Barrens streams, like Black Run, which justified revisiting the CMP and local development ordinances to better protect these resources from development. 

After more than 22 years of sustained advocacy, partnership, and community commitment, the Alliance is thrilled to see the preservation of a rare intact landscape within an otherwise densely developed region, where clean water, forest habitat, and connected ecosystems continue to support both people and wildlife. This achievement reflects the power of long-term dedication and collaboration. 

With the excitement of the preservation of the headwaters, plenty of work lies ahead for our partners and us. NJCF is overseeing the property transfer to Evesham Township, with funds committed by the Pinelands Commission, Burlington County, and the NJDEP Green Acres program. Thank you to everyone who signed the petition, attended a meeting, and advocated for the protection of the headwaters. We are proud to stand alongside the public and our partners in this generational effort, ensuring the Black Run headwaters remain protected for generations to come. 

You can learn more about the history of the Black Run Preserve and our ongoing work with partners on our website.