Developers want to continue building houses in the Pinelands. Plant ecologists and farmers are against development.

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FOR HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

Role: Developer

You want to develop the large area of Pinelands you own. The construction of homes would create many jobs and be good for the economy. It would provide houses for the people who need them. The sale of these homes would help you stay in business. You have already invested your money in this land and deserve a return on your investment.

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AGAINST HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

Role: Plant ecologist

You do not want development because it destroys the natural habitats of plants and animals. Development brings more people to an area and increases the usage of sensitive areas. The water table would be lowered due to more wells. The nitrates from septic systems can change the acidity of the water. Lower water table and less acid water could change the plant community.

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AGAINST HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

Role: Cranberry and blueberry farmer

You are against development because nitrates from septic systems of houses will increase weed growth in the bogs and also cause algae to grow in the canals. This will slow down the water flow. Nitrates will change the acidity of the water which will weaken or destroy the vines.

People living too close to the bogs frequently use them for recreation. Vandalism, including erosion of dams and destruction of flood gates, occurs. An increase in people would mean an increase in these harmful activities.

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PROBLEM 2: TAKING WATER FROM NEW JERSEY'S PINELANDS

Neighboring cities want to take water from the New Jersey Pinelands Cohansey aquifer.

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FOR TAKING WATER FROM NEW JERSEY'S PINELANDS

Role: Mayor of a large city located near New Jersey's Pinelands

There has been a long drought. Your city's water supply is low and in danger of being contaminated by salt from the ocean. You want to tap into the vast aquifer under the Pinelands.

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AGAINST TAKING WATER FROM NEW JERSEY'S PINELANDS

Role: Plant Ecologist

You are against taking water from the Pinelands because lowering the water table for a long time could change the habitat, especially for wetland plants like sundews, pitcher plants and curly grass fern. Lowering the water table could possibly cause a decrease or even the elimination of wetland plants.

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AGAINST TAKING WATER FROM NEW JERSEY'S PINELANDS

Role: Farmer

You are against using water from the Pinelands because you need an abundant supply of water for irrigation, for harvesting, and to flood cranberry bogs in winter for protection from frost. Cranberries and blueberries need a moist soil. If the water table drops, this may harm the crops. Also, it may cost the farmer money if he has to put in a deeper well.

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AGAINST TAKING WATER FROM NEW JERSEY'S PINELANDS

Role: Resident of New Jersey's Pinelands

You now have a pure water supply. You don't want to risk lowering your water table. Your own well could run dry. This would limit the amount of water you would have for things like clothes washing, drinking water and cooking.

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PROBLEM 3: SAND MINING

There are large sand mining operations in the Pinelands which were in business before the Preservation Act.

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FOR SAND MINING

Role: Owner of a sand mine

You have been in business long before the Pinelands Protection Act of 1979. You have a great deal of money and equipment invested in your business. There is a demand for your product. You believe you have the right to stay in business.

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AGAINST SAND MINING

Role: Plant ecologist

You are against large sand mines because they destroy habitats of plants and animals even in areas which are now designated as critical (most sensitive) areas. Rare plants are eliminated. Sand mines totally destroy the natural beauty of an area.

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PROBLEM 4: LUMBERING

There are cedar swamps which are being completely cut down.

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FOR LUMBERING

Role: Woodcutter

There are cedar swamps with many trees which have blown down You want to harvest the trees. If you don't, the trees will only decay and be worthless. The only way you can do this to make a profit is to cut down all the trees. It is too expensive to do in any other way.

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AGAINST LUMBERING

Role: Plant ecologist

You are against cutting down all the trees in the swamp because it would be harmful to shade-loving plants. Cedars may be replaced by other trees. Cedar swamps are unique habitats and we have already lost many of them forever.

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PROBLEM 5: ALL TERRAIN VEHICLES

All Terrain Vehicles are being driven on and off the roads of the Pinelands.

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FOR ALL TERRAIN VEHICLES

Role: All Terrain Vehicle owners

You own an All Terrain Vehicle and want to continue driving it in the New Jersey Pinelands. It is the most fun when you ride through streams and mud. There is no place set aside for these vehicles, so you think the Pinelands makes a good place. You paid a lot of money for your All Terrain Vehicle and want to be able to enjoy it.

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AGAINST ALL TERRAIN VEHICLES

Role: Plant ecologist

You do not want the All Terrain Vehicles driving off the road in the New Jersey Pinelands. They destroy the habitats of plants and animals. Wetland plants are more seriously affected. Also, these vehicles destroy the natural beauty of an area.

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