Agricultural Heritage and Habitat Conservation Project (AHHCP)

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NJ Audubon is working to protect the agricultural culture of the Delaware Valley Region of Warren County by offering opportunities for grassland habitat restoration for rare species as well as agricultural preservation. NJAS recognizes that if grassland wildlife will continue to exist in New Jersey, an innovative initiative that considers farm economics and wildlife conservation is needed. Restoring warm-season grasslands adjacent to actively farmed fields prevents soil erosion, provides important grassland wildlife habitat, and improves water quality.The long-term goal of this project is to use Harmony Township as a model to preserve biodiversity and agricultural heritage while creating grassland habitat and improving water quality.

Indigo bunting	Bobolink	Bobwhite quail

Currently 1305 acres have received approval for habitat conservation restoration from various conservation program agencies through the Agricultural Heritage and Habitat Conservation Plan (AAHHCP).

Of the 1305 acres approved, 1067 acres have been restored to date. These consist primarily of grassland restorations--both native warm-season grass installation and/or delayed mowing on existing cool-season hay fields. However, several restorations have also focused on bog turtle habitat, wetlands, and scrub-shrub habitat.

In 2009 NJAS will focus on the remaining 238 acres of the 1305 areas approved for grassland restorations. These properties were just approved for work in 2009 under the Landowner Incentive Program.

New Jersey Audubon Society is seeking $45,000 for this project.