Programs

    • Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program - Since 1997, Maryland's Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) has helped thousands of Maryland landowners plant streamside buffers, establish wetlands, protect highly erodible land, and create wildlife habitat while providing them with steady dependable land rental income.  Also listed with other MDA Programs.
    • Environmental Quality Incentive Program - The Environmental Quality Incentive Program is a program authorized by the 2002 Farm Bill; otherwise known as the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002.  Also listed with other NRCS Programs.
    • Prescribed Burns - Prescribed burning is the intentional and controlled application of fire to a pre-determined area to reduce the risk of wildfire, improve wildlife habitat, control weeds, improve pasture or forest stand conditions, and improve forest health.
    • Erosion and Sediment Control - The Kent Soil and Water Conservation District reviews all plans with over 5,000 square feet of disturbance in Kent County and all its incorporated towns.
    • Woodland Incentive Program - The Woodland Incentive Program (WIP) provides cost-sharing assistance for tree planting, site preparation and timber stand improvements.

 

Concerns

    • Drainage Law - In Maryland, the general rule for liability related to surface water runoff is referred to as the civil rule which states the higher elevation landowner has the right to have his or her surface water flow naturally over the lands of a lower elevation landowner and the lower elevation owner has no right to prevent the flow.
    • Soil Health - Soil is not an inert growing medium - it is a living and life-giving natural resource.  It is teaming with billions of bacteria, fungi, and other microbes that are the foundation of an elegant symbiotic ecosystem.