ed forest fires per year. An astonishing twenty four of them are serious, which means they destroy over four hundred acres. Most of these fires are caused by human mistakes. Just last year there was Air Force test mission. Planes were dropping dud bombs and one sparked causing a major fire. It destroyed several acres. There are other causes by humans such as throwing cigarette butts out the window on a hot, dry day. How can we display such blasphemy to a beautiful ecosystem like this?There are ways we can help. We could make more state and recreational parks, which promote nature with safety towards the animals. These parks also make money for additional precautions. There are many parks here today like Batsto, Bass River, and Atsion. This is one way to protect the use of land. As long as we show respect for the Pine Barrens this will work. It will take an awareness on everyones part to preserve this incredible resource known as the Pine Barrens. There are many serious aspects to the Pine Barrens, but there are also many interesting facts. There are many historic sites like Batsto. This was an iron and glass village. They made cannon balls during the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. Many historic churches are still there such as the Pleasant Mills Church, circa 1808. There is also folklore about a devil child. He is called the Jersey Devil. This devil is a winged beast with a horse like body and hooves. He was the thirteenth child of Mrs. Leeds. When he was born she wished it to be the Devil. This legend is told around campfires and continues to be part of the folklore of New Jersey.I think the Pine Barrens should be better protected. Other than other small sections in the south these pinelands are all we have. There is not a place with such bio diversity, and such beautiful landscape as this. This is a last great place and deserves to be saved. I go there every year, and I would like to go for many years to come....
