The use of theory in land management decisions: The New Jersey pine barrens

Abstract The New Jersey Pine Barrens are an oasis of rare species, unique ecosystems and open space in the midst of the Boston to Washington megalopolis. Because this area has a long history of human exploitation and private land ownership direct purchase as a park is unfeasible and inappropriate. The alternative conservation strategy that has been adopted is to create a ‘green line’ park, the Pinelands National Reserve, in which all of the land included within the boundaries of the Reserve is subject to regulations on building and development, while some of the most critical areas are protected by purchase. Conservationists used the strong base of scientific knowledge of the area and theory to gain protection for fragile ecosystems. This use of emerging theory to protect parts of the landscape is an example of the kind of innovative planning that is necessary to protect land in areas where there is already much human impact and pressure for development.