The Maryland Department of Agriculture has increased its one-time signing bonus to $1,000 per acre for eligible farmers and landowners who install forest buffers along qualifying stream corridors through the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP). Farmers and landowners with new contracts for CREP practice CP22 riparian buffers effective on or after October 1, 2021, are eligible. All other CREP contracts and re-enrollments remain eligible for a $100 per acre signing bonus.
Now in its 24th year, Maryland CREP has helped thousands of landowners plant streamside buffers, establish wetlands, protect highly erodible land, and create wildlife habitats on their properties. CREP is a state-federal conservation partnership that pays landowners attractive annual rental payments to take environmentally sensitive land out of production and install conservation practices that protect water quality and provide wildlife habitat. Rental contracts range from 10 to 15 years for this voluntary program.
New this year, up to 100% cost-share is also available through the Maryland Agricultural [Water Quality] Cost-Share Program (MACS) to establish streamside buffers and wetlands. Free technical assistance to install these and other conservation practices is provided by local soil conservation districts.
I approve. They're asking farmers to take some of their land out of production for the sake of the rest of us. They can pay for that, and I'm fairly sure it's cheaper than trying to condemn the property and take it over under eminent domain.
The Wombat has Rule 5 Sunday: Queen Victoria Eugenie Of Spain posted on time and under budget at The Other McCain.
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