Conservation Plans
Your Farm
1234 Some Street
Baltimore, MD 12345
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What Is A Conservation Plan?
What's Included in a conservation plan?
A Soil Conservation and Water Quality Plan (SCWQP) is a tool that helps farmers protect and enhance the natural resources that support productive and profitable farming operations. One of the primary functions of the District's ag. department is to write conservation plans for farmers and landowners. Plans utilize best management practices (bmps) to manage and protect land and water quality while optimizing productivity.
Although conservation plans aren't mandatory, some programs, such as the Baltimore County Ag. Land Preservation program, require them.
Plans typically include the following:
A. An aerial photograph, map or diagram of the farm
B. An inventory of natural resources on the property
C. A soil map showing the type and location of soils on the farm
D. A list of management decisions, agreed upon BMPs and an
implementation schedule.
E. An operation and maintenance plan for installed BMPs
F. Additional information on soil loss, seeding, tillage and fertilization may also be
included.
Click on the pictures below to see an example of each component.
Financial Help To Install BMPs
The Maryland Agricultural Water Quality Cost-Share (MACS) Program provides grants that cover up to 87.5 percent of the cost of installing eligible BMPs called for in a SCWQP. Other Federal incentive programs may also be available and typically assist with 50 to 75 percent of the BMP cost. Programs can be used together to maximize cost-share assistance. Our ag. staff can help determine all available financial resources and walk you through the application process. See our Cost Share Programs page for more information.
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