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If I enroll my land in an
incentive program, do I maintain ownership? Yes, you
maintain ownership and control of the land.
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What happens if I choose to
quit the program at the end of the program period?
When your particular contract has expired, you are free to
continue or leave the program.
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Can I still use my land?
No activities are restricted as long as it does not
negatively impact the conservation program in which you are
enrolled. You are free to hunt or fish on your property. You
also keep the right to lease the land for hunting or other
recreational purposes.
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What is in this for me?
Other than the feeling that you are preserving a piece of
New Jersey heritage, conservation programs may provide
additional income, improve the quality of your soils and help
prevent erosion.
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How long of a commitment do I
have to make? Your commitment is in the form of a
contract with the funding agency. Depending upon the program,
contracts can range from 5, 10, 15, and 30 years up to
permanent easements.
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What is cost-share and how
much do I have to contribute? Cost-share is the
personal investment you make into a habitat project and can be
in the form of time spent on the project or a financial
contribution. Cost-share varies among incentive programs and
ranges from 0% to 50% (most programs require a 25%
cost-share). You can choose to contribute your cost-share in
the form of a financial contribution, but more often than not
your contribution is in the form of the time you invest to
implement the habitat project on your property.
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Am I required to allow public
access to my land? No. It is your land and you
maintain control of access.
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What type of wildlife will I
attract if I enroll in a conservation program?
This depends on the type of program you choose and the
practices it utilizes. Wildlife biologists are available
to help determine which practices will attract the desired
wildlife species, such as quail, grassland birds, waterfowl,
and others.
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What are my responsibilities
and rights if I sell an easement under a program?
When you enroll in an easement program (WRP and
others), you are selling a real property interest to the
government while retaining ownership and related
responsibilities, including taxes. Easements are recorded in
the local hall of records. You control access and have the
right to hunt, fish and pursue other compatible recreational
uses. You may sell or lease land covered under an easement.
