NJ Woodland Preservation Program: SADC Woodland Easements
On January 20, 2026, the Governor signed P.L.2025, c.287, creating a new SADC program to buy development easements on privately owned woodland. Curated Nature Contractors, based in Hammonton, helps woodland owners get ready. We work with woodland owners across South Jersey and New Jersey.
Check if my land qualifiesWhat the law requires
Under the law, eligible woodland must be at least 20 acres, have at least 10 percent tree canopy, and be used in part for agriculture or forest products for sale. Woodland not in farm production must be managed under an approved woodland management or forest stewardship plan.
Where the program stands
The SADC is developing the program rules now. The law gives the SADC about a year to adopt them. The rules are not final, applications are not open, and no opening date has been announced. Final eligibility will depend on the SADC rules.
Our owner serves on the Atlantic County Agriculture Development Board. We do not prepare, submit or coordinate farmland or woodland preservation applications for land in Atlantic County. We also do not prepare SADC Soil and Water Conservation grant applications for Atlantic County farms. For Atlantic County land, we can help with conservation plans, farmland assessment and field work.
What we handle
- A first look at your woodland against what the law requires
- Getting your woodland management plan or Forest Stewardship Plan started with an independent NJ Approved Forester we coordinate with
- Woodland mapping and inventory support, which is not a land survey
- Putting you on our list for updates when the SADC publicly announces applications are open
Why start a plan now
An approved plan is part of the law's requirements and also supports farmland assessment on wooded land in the meantime. See woodland management plans in NJ.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for woodland preservation now?
No. The SADC is still developing the rules, applications are not open, and no opening date has been announced.
What does the law require of my woodland?
Eligible woodland must be at least 20 acres, have at least 10 percent tree canopy, and be used in part for agriculture or forest products for sale. Woodland not in farm production must be managed under an approved woodland management or forest stewardship plan.
Will my land qualify?
Final eligibility will depend on the SADC rules. We can review your woodland against what the law says today.
What should I do while I wait?
Get a woodland management plan or Forest Stewardship Plan started. The law requires an approved plan, so it is a practical first step.
Related services
- Woodland management plans in NJ to start the plan the law requires
- Farmland preservation in NJ for farms with cropland
- Farmland assessment in NJ for the tax program for wooded land
Grown right, the way nature intended.