The Pinelands National Reserve (PNR) was created by Congress under the National Parks and Recreation Act of 1978. The PNR is the first National Reserve in the nation. The PNR encompasses approximately 1.1 million acres covering portions of seven counties and all or parts of 56 municipalities. 

This internationally important ecological region is 1.1 million acres in size and occupies 22% of New Jersey's land area. It is the largest body of open space on the Mid-Atlantic seaboard between Richmond and Boston and is underlain by aquifers containing 17 trillion gallons of some of the purest water in the land.

In 1979, our state formed a partnership with the federal government to preserve, protect and enhance the natural and cultural resources of this special place.

In 1983 the area was designated a U.S. Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO an agency of the United Nations and in 1988 it was recognized as a International Biosphere Reserve.   

Today, with the Pinelands Comprehensive Management Plan, the region is protected in a manner that maintains its unique ecology while permitting compatible development.

If you would like to receive a hard copy of the Pinelands National Reserve brochure, please send a self addressed stamped letter size envelope to: 

Pinelands Commission
Attention: PNR brochure
PO Box 359
New Lisbon, NJ 08064