New JerseyFish, Wildlife and Biodiversity
New Jersey Division of Parks & Forestry – Natural Heritage Program (http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/natural/heritage/index.html)
This program provides information on state and federal threatened and endangered plants and wildlife, habitats of particular conservation concern, and stewardship actions designed to benefit these important natural resources. County-level information on threatened and endangered plants is available for download. The lists do not include animal species. Information about rare animal species can be found at I-Map NJ. This map also highlights critical Environmental Areas. **A fee is charged to compile species lists and information for site-specific requests.
New Jersey Division of Fish & Game (http://www.nj.gov/dep/fgw/index.htm)
This is the agency responsible for the conservation and management of the state’s wildlife and aquatic resources. In 2005, all states completed a State Wildlife Action Plan to identify and focus management on fish and wildlife in greatest need of conservation. This document provides an overview of key species (primarily nongame) and habitats of conservation concern throughout the state.
Special Sites
New Jersey Historic Preservation Office (http://www.state.nj.us/dep/hpo/)
This is the primary state agency with knowledge and expertise in historic preservation, providing assistance in identifying and protecting historic properties and other cultural sites in the state. The staff includes preservation specialists (including historians, architectural historians, historic architects, and archaeologists). The Office maintains files of documented historic and cultural resources in the state and should be contacted regarding access.
New Jersey State Museum -Bureau of Archaeology and Ethnology (http://www.state.nj.us/state/museum/4in1_archaeology_and_ethnology.htm)
The museum is the primary source of information on the prehistoric and historic archaeology of New Jersey. The office works to protect and preserve archaeological sites and objects, including human burial sites.
Natural Resources Conservation Service- Cultural Resources (http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/cultural.html)
The NRCS provides financial and technical assistance, including guidance related to cultural resources, to implement conservation practices. Prior to implementation, NRCS staff or other conservation partners will normally conduct site visits that include an inventory of cultural resources. If resources are identified, they can help provide options for preservation and a variety of appropriate land uses. Even if you are not receiving funding from NRCS, the Cultural Resources Specialist or Coordinator can provide information regarding cultural resources and may be able to visit your property or connect you with other organizations or individuals for assistance. The following list can be used to locate your state’s Cultural Resources Specialist or Coordinator: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/ECS/culture/newdir.pdf/
New Jersey Department of Archives & Records Management (http://www.njarchives.org/)
The State Archives identifies, preserves, and makes accessible records (such as census records, military records, family histories, and various county, state and federal records and other documents of historical value to the state.
Best Management Practices
States are required by the federal Clean Water Act to identify Best Management Practices to control surface runoff and other forms of nonpoint pollution. In many states in the US, BMPs are considered voluntary for forest owners. However, the AFF’s Standard of Sustainability says that to be certified, forest owners must apply BMPs (Standard 4, Performance Measure 4.1). States are given the flexibility to define their own BMPs appropriate to the management measure and approved by EPA and below is the link to your state’s BMPs:
http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/forest/nj_bmp_manual1995.pdf |