Welcome
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Burlington County Soil Conservation District (BCSCD) strives to educate and assist the public in achieving a higher responsibility to protect our natural resources. In cooperation with state and federal agencies, the BCSCD helps to ensure proper soil health and water quality by using various management tools. Whether you are a a farmer, developer, teacher, or an environmentally minded citizen, the BCSCD offers a variety of services, assistance and information for Burlington County residents.
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"Out of the long list of nature’s gifts...none is perhaps so utterly essential to human life as soil." Hugh Hammond Bennett - 1935
Chapter 251 News
The seventh edition of the Standards for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control in New Jersey is now available for download at no cost. These Standards were adopted January 2014 and include additional guidance for assessing downstream stability, rip rap design, the use of infiltration and additional vegetative options for use in the Pinelands National Reserve.
Erosion & Sediment Control Inspection BasicsKey Resources:Our Mission is to Help You Protect Our Natural ResourcesThe importance of conserving our soil is often overlooked. Without proper management on construction sites, agricultural lands, and even residential properties, the loss of vital topsoil can impact both land use and the quality of the water we depend on every day.
Protecting our natural resources is a shared responsibility. The future of our environment depends on the actions we take today. For this reason, the Burlington County Soil Conservation District is committed to educating and assisting the public in promoting responsible soil management and protecting water quality. The Importance of Soil & Water ConservationThe importance of soil and water conservation became widely recognized over 80 years ago during the Dust Bowl, when prolonged drought and poor land management practices caused severe soil erosion across the United States. The loss of valuable topsoil reduced agricultural productivity and degraded water quality as sediment entered nearby waterways.
In response, Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Soil Conservation Act of 1935, establishing a national framework for soil conservation and leading to the creation of local soil conservation districts. The Camburton County Soil Conservation District originally served Camden, Ocean, and Burlington Counties. As the region grew, separate districts were established in 1952, including the Burlington County Soil Conservation District. Today, the District continues this mission by reviewing and certifying soil erosion and sediment control plans for development projects. Under the New Jersey Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Act, any soil disturbance of 5,000 square feet or more must comply with a certified plan to prevent erosion, protect water quality, and promote responsible land use. Why is it Important to Prevent Soil Erosion?Erosion is the process by which soil is moved from one location to another by wind, water, or other natural forces. While erosion is a natural process, it can be significantly accelerated by human activities. Large, exposed areas such as agricultural fields and construction sites are especially vulnerable. When left unprotected, these areas can lose valuable topsoil essential for growing crops, trees, and vegetation—conditions similar to those experienced during the Dust Bowl.
So where does this displaced soil go? Sediment from these areas often washes into streets, creating safety hazards, and is then carried through storm drains into local streams and waterways. Sediment is the largest pollutant by volume in our waterways, and as it moves, it often carries attached pollutants such as oils, fertilizers, and other contaminants. This sedimentation contributes to flooding, degrades water quality, and disrupts aquatic ecosystems. It can also increase infrastructure maintenance costs, impact recreational use of waterways, and contribute to higher food production costs. Soil is an extraordinary natural resource. It is a complex mixture of minerals, air, water, and organic matter, the countless microorganisms and the decaying remains of once-living organisms. Soil sustains life, and in turn, life depends on soil.
To a farmer, soil is where crops grow. To an engineer, soil provides the foundation for construction. To an ecologist, soil supports and connects ecosystems. To an archaeologist, soil preserves clues to past cultures. To craftspeople, such as potters, soil provides the clay to create. To the soil scientist, soil is all of these things. 
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Education Corner:NJACD Conservation Stewardship Scholarship Accepting Applications
2026 Annual Poster Contest:
2026 Grand Champion!Ava Morris: Grade 3
The 2026 New Jersey Envirothon:
BSCD Grant Involvement:Floating IslandsNFWF Grant - Cover Crop |
