From Staff Reports
WOODSTOWN -- The New Jersey Audubon Society (NJAS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are offering the public a chance to learn about conservation programs offered under a new farm bill.
These programs provide farmers and landowners with financial incentives to implement soil, water and wildlife conservation practices on their land. The event will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Aug. 13 at the Ware Agricultural Building.
Programs that will be covered at the workshop include the NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife's Landowner Incentive Program (LIP), the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) and the Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP).
Several biologists, including those from the National Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) and the NJ Audubon Society, also will be on-hand to discuss the many services that are available for landowners interested in habitat restoration projects.
“This area of New Jersey is not only incredibly important for birds and other wildlife but it also supports a significant portion of New Jersey's agriculture,” said Elizabeth Ciuzio, NJAS stewardship project director for southern New Jersey. “Our goal is to connect landowners to the technical and financial assistance necessary to implement projects that conserve soil, improve water quality and create wildlife habitat.”
“Mannington Meadows is critical habitat for many species of waterfowl and wading birds and is home to several state-endangered birds, including nesting bald eagles,” she added. “Unfortunately, the area also supports a large population of the invasive common reed, or phragmites. By connecting landowners to incentive programs, we help them deal with this issue and restore the meadow to a more native habitat.”
For more information about the workshop, contact Elizabeth Ciuzio at (609) 861-0700.
The Ware Agricultural Building is located at 51 Cheney Road.
Light refreshments and complimentary bird guides will be provided by the New Jersey Audubon Society.