The New Jersey Pinelands, though once called the Pine Barrens for its dry sandy soil and frequent fires, supports dark green forests of pitch pine, oak, and Atlantic white cedar, along with abundant streams and rivers that sustain a rich and varied ecosystem. More than 850 species of plants and over 350 species of birds, insects, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians live here, and its aesthetic and scientific values are considered priceless. Its natural habitats, plant and animal populations, and unusual variety of species are regarded as unmatched. In recognition of its unique resources, Congress established the Pinelands as the first National Reserve in 1978, and in 1979 New Jersey created the New Jersey Pinelands Commission to manage development and preserve and protect its resources. Because it represents one of the world's major ecosystem types, the Pinelands was designated a Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization in 1983 and is also part of the U.S. Man and the Biosphere Program. These designations promote scientific research, environmental monitoring, education, and training, while state, federal, and community partners work to expand public understanding and appreciation of the Pinelands.
