All Preserved Farms in NJ are required to have updated conservation plans. A conservation plan details the Best Management Practices (BMPs) that will be implemented, as well as a timeline for implementation. Once written, a plan can serve the landowner well for years, however, plans must be kept up to date with current conservation practices and BMPs.
What’s in a Conservation Plan?
A conservation plan includes:
an aerial photo or diagram of your fields;
a list of your management decisions;
the location of and schedule for applying new conservation practices;
a soil map and soil descriptions;
information sheets explaining how to carry out your specific management decisions;
a plan for operation and maintenance of practices, if needed.
Benefits of a Conservation Plan
You will protect your soil and your farm’s productivity;
You will help improve quality of the water in your area;
You will improve your soil’s fertility and manage soil moisture;
You may attract desirable wildlife by creating nesting sites and winter cover;
You will protect the productive value of your land for future generations;
You can more readily comply with environmental regulatory requirements;
You may be eligible for USDA farm programs
You make the decisions: All plans are 100% non-binding recommendations.
If you need a new or updated conservation plan, and are in the target watersheds, North Jersey RC&D may be able to help. Thanks to funding from the Delaware River Watershed Initiative, we have NRCS trained staff available to complete Conservation Plans on preserved farms in a timely manner at no cost to the producer.
If you are interested, contact Laura Tessieri at ltessieri@northjerseyrcd.org or (908) 574-5368 or visit www.northjerseyrcd.org/sign-up to contact us.
