Official Site of The State of New Jersey

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New Jersey has 13 soil conservation districts that implement the New Jersey Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Act. Soil conservation districts, or "Districts," are special purpose subdivisions of the New Jersey Department of Agriculture. They are not county-government agencies, although their jurisdiction follows county boundaries. Instead, they are semi-autonomous political bodies which are locally governed and which play a very unique role in the protection of New Jersey’s natural resources. 

On one hand, they serve the agricultural community through a variety of programs aimed at supporting agricultural industries in the State. Districts develop conservation plans for farmland and provide general assistance to farmers. On the other hand, Districts serve a regulatory role by implementing the State’s Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Act as it applies to construction and development sites. In this capacity, districts regulate certain construction activities by reviewing and certifying plans for soil erosion and sediment control which are designed based on a set of best management practices, the "SESC Standards".  Districts conduct inspections of construction sites and have a variety of regulatory and enforcement powers to ensure that construction sites are maintained in compliance with the certified erosion control plan.  Districts also conduct inspections of individual homes within a development to ensure that the lots have been properly prepared for establishing healthy vegetation. Districts serve another unique role in the implementation of New Jersey’s Nonpoint Source Pollution Control on construction sites.

Soil conservation districts also conduct education programs, and many districts employ “education coordinators” who organize education outreach for schools and civic groups. Districts sponsor poster contests and assist the State Soil Conservation Committee in the annual Envirothon.

Click here for a list of the conservation districts and their contact information.