SOMERSET, N.J. — USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service is accepting applications for the FY2019 Environmental Quality Incentives Program through Oct. 19. Farmers who operate in the South Branch Raritan River and Lockatong and Wickecheoke Creek Watersheds are encouraged to contact USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service to determine their eligibility for funding that has been specifically set aside for conservation activities in their area through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program.
The “Raritan Basin Partners for Source Water Protection,” the RCPP partnership project of the New Jersey Water Supply Authority, expanded NJWSA’s Ag Mini-Grant program to offer supplemental funding for technical and financial assistance for farm operators in the target area who apply for and participate in the Environmental Quality Incentives Program.
More information, including a link to an interactive map showing the focus area of Raritan Basin Partners for Source Water Protection, is provided on the USDA-NRCS New Jersey website, https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/nj/programs/farmbill/rcpp/?cid=nrcseprd637806.
To determine if you are eligible for EQIP and confirm that your farm is in the targeted watersheds, contact NRCS. For locations in Hunterdon and Somerset counties, contact NRCS in Frenchtown at 908-782-4614 ext. 3. For locations in Morris County, contact NRCS in Hackettstown at 908-852-2576 ext. 3.
For information regarding NJWSA’s Ag Mini-Grant program, contact Dan Reynolds, New Jersey Water Supply Authority at daniel.reynolds@nj.usda.gov or 908-483-2361.
— USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service