ABSTRACT OF THE DISSERTATION



Structure and Dynamics of the New Jersey Pine Barrens Landscape

by SANDRA SILVIA LUQUE

Dissertation Director: Professor Richard G. Lathrop



The New Jersey Pine Barrens comprise a mosaic of upland, aquatic, and wetland environments occupying a contiguous area of approximately 450,000 ha in the southern portion of the state. In order to protect its unique resources from the pressures of development, in 1978 the Pine Barrens was declared by the U.S. Congress a New Jersey Pinelands National Reserve (NJPNR). In 1981 the Comprehensive Management Plan

(CMP) for the NJPNR became effective. The Pinelands Reserve is also recognized as a key model in UNESCO's International Network of Biosphere Reserves.



This research investigates the landscape structure and dynamics of the New

Jersey Pine Barrens to establish the baseline conditions of the NJPNR and monitor changes over time to assess whether the CMP has been successful. The combination of satellite remote sensing imagery, GIS, and spatial analysis techniques used provided ready means of mapping and monitoring land cover at landscape level scales over time in the NJPNR.



The Pinelands has experienced a change in landcover, with the mixed deciduous forest replacing the pine forest community. During the period covered by this study, the total coverage and mean patch size of coniferous forest area decreased significantly whereas mixed deciduous forest stands coalesced at the expense of coniferous forest area.



11The main causes that accounted for the change in community type were increased fire control, roads, clear-cut areas, and Pinelands towns.



Overall, it was found that the CMP still needs review and adjustments.

Nevertheless, it is still possible to assert that the major goal of the CMP -to halt development and preserve the forest, has been achieved. Also, within the context of the Biosphere Reserve concept, the zoning implemented by the CMP has been successful, mostly due to the support of the local community interested in preserving the Pinelands.



The new challenge is to find long-term strategies to solve and adjust the weaknesses of the Plan if the biological integrity of the Pinelands has to be preserved. The results presented will serve to enhance regional planning efforts aimed at balancing the increased population needs and the preservation of the Pine Barrens ecosystem.