Credit: Anthony Coccaro

For more than a decade, conservation and environmental groups have been working to save a 835-acre property in the Pinelands next to the Black Run Preserve.

The land, owned by the Samost family, sits adjacent to a protected forest in Evesham Township, Burlington County, and is under the threat of development.

Last week, local officials took major steps that advocates hope will allow for the purchase and protection of the area.

Credit: Anthony Coccaro

The Evesham Township Council passed a resolution supporting the re-designation of the land from “rural development” to a “forest area” in its master plan. On the same day, the Burlington County commissioners passed a resolution authorizing up to $5 million in open space funds for the purchase of the land.

“We’ve heard the residents and everyone come forward and say how important it is to preserve that land, and we also truly believe it is important and to really see the Black Run Preserve and the headwaters of the Black Run be preserved forever,” said Evesham Township Mayor Jaclyn Veasy. “That would be our ultimate goal.”

The New Jersey Pinelands Commission and the Burlington County Commissioners have both agreed to help allocate funding toward purchasing this land, providing $3 million and $5 million, respectively.

The New Jersey Conservation Foundation, a private, non-profit dedicated to preserving land, has been interested in preserving this property for over a decade. The foundation is hopeful the combination of resources from Burlington County and the Pinelands Commission will help reach a purchasing agreement with the parcel’s owner.

In June, Devel LLC, a land development company owned by Stephen Samost, sought a Certificate of Filing from the Pinelands Commission. Ultimately, Devel LLC sought to transform this parcel of land into a 270 single-family housing development that would comprise the aforementioned Black Run freshwater tributary, which serves as a watershed for Philadelphia and South Jersey.

At the November 15 township meeting, the council agreed to adjust its long-term plans in accordance with the New Jersey Pinelands Commission’s re-designation of the area. If approved by the zoning board, it will provide stricter guidelines for how the area can be used.

Credit: Anthony Coccaro

The Climate Revolution Action Network, an environmental advocacy group, has also helped raise public awareness of the Black Run project and said the decisions are a critical step.

“It’s not an absolute win,” Kayleigh Henry, ecology director for the organization, said after the vote. “But it’s definitely one for our books. So the next step is going to the planning board, speaking to them, making sure that they understand this is why this is so important to our community and our environment.”

If Evesham were to acquire the property, the Black Run Preserve would have a combined 2,000 acres of protected land, consisting of forest, wetlands, streams, and old cranberry bogs. It is home to over 100 bird species and a hub for critical research efforts, hiking and bird watching.

Evesham Councilwoman Heather Cooper said preserving the natural beauty of the area is also important for the the overall well-being of residents and visitors.

“I will say today, even in my own way, you find a way to ground and connect with nature, because it does help,” said Cooper. “It helps with stress, it helps with many areas. So we value our open space here at Evesham.”

Credit: Anthony Coccaro