Hamilton Square, N.J., Oct. 20, 2023 -- The USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in New Jersey is now accepting applications for climate-smart practices through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) funded by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Applications through ACT NOW funding for practices addressing Tree Mortality and practices for wildlife may be accelerated if a threshold ranking score is met. Also being offered through ACT NOW funding is forestry implementation for practices that either do not require a forest management plan, or, if a plan is required it is in already in place, then the application may be accelerated if a threshold ranking score is met.

Through this unique opportunity, producers can qualify for practices such as Tree-Shrub Establishment, Forest Stand Improvement, Wildlife Habitat Planting, and must address an existing resource concern to be eligible for funding.

While NRCS accepts applications year-round, NRCS-NJ has established an evaluation period cut-off date for ACT NOW funding of January 26, 2024. Applications submitted prior to the cut-off will be assessed and ranked as soon as they are received.

Based on fund availability, application assessments with a ranking score of the established threshold or greater will be preapproved immediately, allowing the applicant to ACT NOW and achieve contract approval to begin practice installation without being evaluated against other submitted assessments. Application assessment ranking scores less than the established threshold will be batched and funded in ranking order as funding allows.

For more details on EQIP, please contact your local USDA Service Center or visit https://www.nj.nrcs.usda.gov.