N.J. Admin. Code § 7:50-5.13
Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 24, December 18, 2024
Section 7:50-5.13 - Goals and objectives of Pinelands Management Areas and Parkway Overlay District(a) The Preservation Area District is the heart of the Pinelands environment and represents the most critical ecological region in the Pinelands. It is an area of significant environmental and economic values that are especially vulnerable to degradation. This large, contiguous, wilderness-like area of forest, transected by a network of pristine wetlands, streams and rivers, supports diverse plant and animal communities and is home to many of the Pinelands' threatened and endangered species. The area must be protected from development and land use that would adversely affect its long-term ecological integrity.(b) Forest Areas are similar to the Preservation Area in terms of their ecological value and, along with the Preservation Area, serve to provide a suitable ecological reserve for the maintenance of the Pinelands environment. These undisturbed, forested portions of the Protection Area support characteristic Pinelands plant and animal species and provide suitable habitat for many threatened and endangered species. These largely undeveloped areas are an essential element of the Pinelands environment, contain high quality water resources and wetlands, and are very sensitive to random and uncontrolled development. Although the overall type and level of development must be strictly limited, some parts of the Forest Areas are more suitable for development than others provided that such development is subject to strict environmental performance standards.(c) Agricultural Production Areas are areas of active agricultural use, together with adjacent areas of prime and unique agricultural soils or soils of statewide significance, which are suitable for expansion of agricultural operations. In order to maintain agriculture as an essential element of the Pinelands region, the level and type of development must be controlled to prevent incompatible land uses from infringing upon these important land resources.(d) Special Agricultural Production Areas are discrete areas within the Preservation Area District which are primarily used for berry agriculture or horticulture of native Pinelands plants. They represent a unique and essential element of the Pinelands economy and, because they are generally compatible with the ecological values of the Preservation area, are a part of the essential character of the Pinelands. In order to maintain these agricultural uses in a manner which recognizes their integral relationship to the Preservation Area, very strict limits on non-agricultural land uses are necessary.(e) Rural Development Areas are areas which are, on an overall basis, slightly modified and may be suitable for limited future development subject to strict adherence to the environmental performance standards of N.J.A.C. 7:50-6. They represent a balance of environmental and development values that is intermediate between the pristine Forest Areas and existing growth areas; however, some parts are more suitable for development than others due to existing development and an absence of critical ecological resources.(f) Pinelands Villages and Towns are existing spatially discrete settlements in the Pinelands. These traditional communities are appropriate for infill residential, commercial and industrial development that is compatible with their existing character. 1. Pinelands Area Villages are: xiv. Dorchester-Leesburg;xxxi. Nesco-Westcoatville; xxxviii. Port Elizabeth-Bricksboro;2. Villages located within the Pinelands National Reserve but outside of the Pinelands Area are: 3. Pinelands Area Towns are: 4. Towns located within the Pinelands National Reserve but outside of the Pinelands Area are: (g) Regional Growth Areas are areas of existing growth or lands immediately adjacent thereto which are capable of accommodating regional growth influences while protecting the essential character and environment of the Pinelands, provided that the environmental objectives of Subchapter 6 are implemented through municipal master plans and land use ordinances.(h) Military and Federal Installation Areas are federal enclaves within the Pinelands. They represent a unique element of the Pinelands landscape and are a substantial resource to the region and the state, provided that their activities preserve and protect the unique natural, ecological, agricultural, archaeological, historic, scenic, cultural and recreational resources of the Pinelands.(i) The Parkway Overlay District consists of a limited access highway located at or near the edge of the Pinelands and constitutes an existing transportation corridor established prior to the adoption of this Plan. The boundaries of the Parkway Overlay District coincide with the existing highway right of way as of June 19, 2006. This disturbed area is a specially managed area of the State which is appropriate for continued use as a roadway and for development of other important public service infrastructure. The Parkway Overlay District includes lands located in the Preservation Area District, Forest Area, Rural Development Area, Regional Growth Area, Military and Federal Installation Area and two Pinelands Villages.N.J. Admin. Code § 7:50-5.13
Amended by R.1990 d.170, effective 3/19/1990.
See: 21 New Jersey Register 3381(a), 22 New Jersey Register 948(a).
In (f), added Vincentown.
Amended by R.1994 d.590, effective 12/5/1994.
See: 26 New Jersey Register 165(a), 26 New Jersey Register 4795(a).
Amended by R.2004 d.49, effective 2/2/2004.
See: 35 New Jersey Register 3504(a), 36 New Jersey Register 887(a).
Added (f)3vii.
Amended by R.2006 d.221, effective 6/19/2006.
See: 38 N.J.R. 49(a), 38 N.J.R. 2711(a).
Section was "Goals and objectives of Pinelands Management Areas". Added (i).