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Soil Conservation and Water Quality Plans (SCWQP) or Conservation Plans are a valuable tool for farmers to manage resources and improve profitability. A conservation plan is a working document designed to fit each individual farmer's needs while protecting and conserving their soil and water resources.
A conservation plan folder contains:
Aerial photo of the farm which includes property boundaries, topography, current and proposed BMPs, and possibly other resource items;
A written record of the landowners decisions regarding cropping sequences, residue management, and nutrient management, with a plan for implementation and;
A map showing soil types and boundaries along with descriptions and capability classes showing suitability for cropland, forestland, and wildlife habitat.
Conservation plans are not mandatory unless all or part of the farm falls within the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area, or you are applying for or currently participate in an agricultural land preservation program, or participate in any state or Federal cost share programs.
If you are interested in developing a conservation plan for your farm, please contact one of the conservation planners to set up an on-farm visit. The planner will need to walk the farm and take notes on current farming practices and identify any resource issues which may need to be addressed. These plans are free and should be updated at least every 10 years.
Contact a planner today to get your Conservation Plan updated!
Rocky Donovan, rocky.donovan@maryland.gov - 443-746-4303
Scott Nordhoff, david.nordhoff@maryland.gov - 443-746-4318
Cooperators Agreement
A Cooperator's Agreement includes these three parts:
THE COOPERATOR AGREES:
In conserving and improving the soil, water, and related resources on my property.
In requesting assistance in developing a conservation plan or conservation work for my property based on my needs and good land use and management.
To carry out this plan as rapidly as my resources and the assistance available to me will permit, and to maintain the conservation measures that I establish.
THE TALBOT SCD AGREES TO:
The Talbot Conservation District will furnish technical and other assistance in helping to develop the conservation system and in helping to establish and maintain measures called for in accordance with resources available and operating policies in effect at the time the work is done.
It is mutually agreed that:
The Talbot SCD or its representative has the right to go upon my property in developing and carrying out this plan.
The Talbot SCD nor the Cooperator will be liable for damages to the other unless such damages are caused by negligence or misconduct.
The conservation plan will remain in effect until terminated in writing by either party.
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Talbot County has over 1,200 properties that have Soil Conservation and Water Quality Plans (SCWQP)
There are 93,622 acres in Agriculture (cropland, hay land, forests) *
An average Talbot County farm size of 295 acres *
Talbot County has over 600 miles of tidal shoreline
A recently completed grassed waterway with diversion in Cordova, Maryland.
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FOR landowners
Agricultural Conservation Leasing Guide - Developed by the University of Maryland Law Education Initiative (ALEI) and the Hughes Center.
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Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans (CNMP's) are required for all confined animal feeding operations (CAFO's) in Maryland in order to be covered under the National Pollution Elimination Discharge Permit (NPDES) administered by the Maryland Department of the Environment. Planners are currently working with producers for the 2019 AFO permit.
Contact: Rocky Donovan, Conservation Planner
For more information, visit https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/LAND/RecyclingandOperationsprogram/Pages/AFOInfo.aspx