We Care Open Space: Save the Watchung Forest

We Care NJ Open-Space Preservation is a nonprofit organization for the preservation of a 120-acre Forest in West Orange containing wetlands and the Canoe Brook Headwaters. Part of the Second Watchung Mountain Ridge, it is the largest, last remaining privately owned forest, that provides drinking water for nearby towns from its well fields below. However, the owner wants to replace the forest with 500 apartments in four tall buildings with lucrative views of New York City. Some W.O. council members are strongly in favor of the 100-units of affordable housing the project provides. However, safer, already developed and more centrally located sites exist. An environmental and public safety disaster this project creates a firetrap for new/ existing residents, more than doubling the traffic volume on only one access road. Removing 6000 trees on very steep slopes increases erosion, landslides risks and intensifies already severe, widespread flooding- killing and displacing forest wildlife.