Caller urges Pinelands committee to guard rare plants from nearby housing developments

Michelle Ahmed, a caller who identified herself during the Pinelands Policy Implementation Committee’s April 24 meeting, urged the commission to consider risks to native plants posed by housing developments adjacent to sensitive sites.

"I live 600 feet from the road in the woods, and I'm battling Bradford pears, burning bush, Japanese barberries that were installed down the road in housing developments," Ahmed said. She added she was concerned that planting associated with new development could allow invasives to escape and infiltrate rich biodiversity sites even with buffers in place.

Staff acknowledged the comment and said they were aware of the parcel Ahmed referenced and could provide an update at the full commission meeting in May. "We can certainly provide an update to the commission in May," a staff member said.

No other callers spoke during the period; the committee closed public comment and adjourned shortly afterward.