NRCS in New Jersey Seeks Producers for Regional Conservation Partnership Project

(Hamilton Square, N.J., May 29, 2026) - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conversation Service (NRCS) in New Jersey is seeking producers to apply for funding through a Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) project, Salem River Bog Turtle Protection and Restoration Project.

New Jersey producers must submit their applications by June 30, 2026, to be considered for funding under this project. While applications are accepted year-round, only applications submitted by June 30 will be considered for this funding round.

"RCPP is a partner-driven approach to conservation that funds solutions to natural resource challenges on agricultural land," said Julie Hawkins, NRCS state conservationist in New Jersey. "By leveraging collective resources and collaborating on common goals, RCPP demonstrates the power of public-private partnerships in delivering results for agriculture and conservation."

The Salem River Bog Turtle Protection and Restoration project is led by Jason Tesauro Consulting, LLC. The bog turtle, Glyptemys muhlenbergii, is the official state reptile of New Jersey and is a federally threatened and state endangered species, seeing a more than 50% decline over the past several decades. This project looks to restore, enhance, and protect occupied and potential bog turtle habitat, and to improve connectivity between public and private lands through habitat restoration, agricultural best management practices, and land acquisition. Easement activities will ensure long-term protection of both bog turtle nesting habitat and corridor habitat that will increase connectivity and movement between suitable bog turtle habitat.

In Southern New Jersey, the Upper Salem River Watershed is considered a stronghold for this species. The Salem River Bog Turtle Protection and Restoration project will focus on applications from the Upper Salem River Watershed as seen in the map below.

New Jersey producers looking to implement conservation systems that help protect bog turtle habitat through this project opportunity should contact their local USDA service center to apply.

Applications for funding through this project will be accepted through June 30, 2026.

For more information about RCPP, visit the RCPP website.

To learn more about NRCS programs, producers can contact their local USDA Service Center.

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