The Sourland Mountain Region is at a crossroads. This ecologically vital and culturally rich landscape is under serious threat — from rampant overdevelopment and the devastating loss of more than a million trees to the unchecked overpopulation of white-tailed deer, which is preventing forest regeneration. If we do not act now, we risk losing this natural treasure forever.
Right now, the New Jersey State Planning Commission is updating the State Development and Redevelopment Plan, a once-in-a-generation opportunity to secure real protection for the Sourland Mountain. However, shockingly, the region was not included in the draft plan as an Area of Critical State Concern (ACSC) — a designation that would provide much-needed support and funding for conservation efforts.
The Sourland Mountain Region is home to the largest contiguous forest in Central Jersey, a crucial wildlife corridor, and a designated Continental Important Bird Area (IBA) — one of only 113 in the United States. This forest is not just an environmental gem; it is a key climate resource, acting as a powerful carbon sink and providing clean drinking water to more than 800,000 residents in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Yet, due to invasive species, tree diseases, and deer overpopulation, the Sourland Mountain has lost 20 percent of all trees since 2020 — a crisis that will only accelerate without intervention.
If the Sourland Mountain is not protected now, what will be left for future generations? Without healthy young trees to replace those that are dying, this forest will continue to degrade, leaving behind thorny, invasive plants and eroded landscapes instead of a thriving ecosystem. Without ACSC designation, the Sourland Mountain will remain vulnerable to destructive development, deforestation, and habitat loss.
That is why I am urging every concerned resident to take action today. We must demand that the State Planning Commission include the Sourland Mountain as an Area of Critical State Concern in the final State Plan. Here’s how you can help:
Sign the petition at tinyurl.com/StandUpSourlands to show public support.
Email stateplan.comments@sos.nj.gov to tell the State Planning Commission why the Sourland Mountain matters. Visit sourland.org/protect for a sample message anyone can personalize.
Call your state legislators and urge them to back this crucial designation.
The future of the Sourland Mountain depends on us. If we don’t stand up for this irreplaceable region now, we may lose it forever. Let’s act before it’s too late.
Laurie Cleveland
Executive Director, Sourland Conservancy
