Morris County Agriculture Development Board

Under the Eight-Year Program, landowners voluntarily restrict development on their land for a period of eight years. There are two types of eight-year programs: municipally approved programs, which require a formal agreement among the landowner, county and municipality, and non-municipally approved programs, which require an agreement between only the landowner and county. Landowners apply to their county agriculture development board. Although they receive no direct compensation, landowners enrolled in both programs are eligible to receive grants for up to 50% of the cost of conservation projects such as irrigation systems, erosion control measures, underground or permanent open drainage systems, windbreak restoration, contour farming, terrace systems and more. Additionally, those in municipally approved programs enjoy greater protections from emergency fuel and water rationing, and eminent domain actions.

If you are interested in applying to the Eight-Year Program, below you will find information about the program, including applications, sample agreements, list of projects eligible for Soil & Water Conservation Project Cost Sharing, as well as, other useful information.