Conservation Programs & Practices

Best management practices are techniques that balance ecology and technology to create a farm is successful while minimizing the environmental costs.  Typical best management practices try to reduce soil loss, improve water quality, promote biodiversity or keep our air clean.  Many of them have benefits closer to home--they can increase production our profits and reduce the costs of farming. 

Some best management practices have initial costs, for equipment and/or installation.  The Calvert Soil Conservation District helps by providing application assistance with cost share/incentive programs for farmers and cooperators.

Cost Share Programs

Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) & Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP)

Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)

Maryland Agricultural Water Quality Cost Share Program (MACS)

Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP)--money is now available

Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) Program

Conservation Security Program (CSP)--Funds will be available in the future.

Best Management Practices