State of the Pinelands 2025 Report Released
PPA’s 35th Anniversary Report on the State of the Pinelands reflects on the region’s history, current challenges, and future.
Report Release & Webinar Series on the State of the Pinelands
For 35 years, Pinelands Preservation Alliance has been dedicated to protecting and preserving the unique landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural heritage of New Jersey’s Pinelands. This year, instead of our traditional annual report card assessing government agencies’ actions, we took a broader and deeper approach. Our 35th Anniversary Report on the State of the Pinelands is a comprehensive reflection on the region’s past, present, and future. It is an invitation to explore the defining issues that have shaped the Pinelands and to engage with the work that lies ahead.
A Look Back at the Journey
Since PPA’s founding in 1989, the Pinelands has faced evolving challenges—some familiar, others newly emergent. Over the decades, PPA has grown from an environmental watchdog group into a multifaceted organization advocating for sustainable policies, community engagement, and ecological stewardship. This report examines the history that has brought us to the present moment, illuminating the trends, decisions, and events that have influenced the health of the Pinelands.
Themes That Define Today’s Pinelands
This special edition explores major themes central to PPA’s work:
- The Pinelands Commission – The governing body responsible for protecting this national treasure plays a crucial role in shaping policies and enforcing regulations that determine the region’s future.
- Accessible Natural Spaces – The importance of ensuring that all communities, regardless of ability or background, can experience and enjoy the Pinelands.
- Native Landscaping – How cultivating native plants can restore biodiversity, improve ecological health, and combat invasive species.
- Sustainable Farming – The intersection of agriculture and conservation, promoting practices that protect water quality and habitat while supporting local farmers.
- Climate Change – Addressing the increasing threats of rising temperatures, severe weather, and shifting ecosystems on the Pinelands’ delicate balance.
- Energy Infrastructure – The impact of energy projects on the region, from pipelines to solar farms, and the need for responsible planning.
- Public Lands – The role of public ownership in conservation and how these lands can be managed for both recreation and environmental integrity.
Each of these themes has played a role in PPA’s mission over the years. Some challenges have intensified, while others have only recently come into the public eye. Our work continues to evolve, ensuring that we meet the needs of the Pinelands today while preparing for the uncertainties of tomorrow.
Your Role in the Future of the Pinelands
The Pinelands belongs to all of us, and its future depends on informed and engaged advocates. Whether you first connected with PPA through a love of hiking, a passion for wildlife conservation, or concerns about environmental policy, we invite you to deepen your engagement. This report is an opportunity to discover new aspects of our work and find inspiration to take action in ways that resonate with you.
We encourage you to read our 35th Anniversary Report on the State of the Pinelands and reflect on the past, present, and future of this extraordinary region. Together, we can continue to protect and preserve the Pinelands for generations to come.
Join us for monthly webinars that will expand upon each of these themes of PPA’s work and how you can help protect this unique ecosystem.
The New Jersey Pinelands: Understanding & Advocating for a Unique Ecosystem
April 2nd at 12 PM (Via Microsoft Teams)
In our first session, you will:
- Gain insight into the rare ecology of the New Jersey Pinelands and the innovative Comprehensive Management Plan that safeguards it.
- Learn about PPA’s 35-year legacy of advocacy, as well as our initiatives promoting sustainable farming, native landscaping, and greater accessibility to public lands.
- Discover ways to get involved and make a difference as a Pinelands advocate.