{"id":26206,"date":"2022-01-05T09:05:29","date_gmt":"2022-01-05T14:05:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/mda\/?p=26206"},"modified":"2022-01-05T09:05:29","modified_gmt":"2022-01-05T14:05:29","slug":"signup-period-for-conservation-buffer-initiative-opens-january-10","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/mda\/press-release\/2022\/01\/05\/signup-period-for-conservation-buffer-initiative-opens-january-10\/","title":{"rendered":"Signup Period for Conservation Buffer Initiative Opens January 10"},"content":{"rendered":"

New opportunities for riparian buffers with pasture, deer fencing<\/i><\/strong><\/h2>\n

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ANNAPOLIS, MD <\/b>\u2013 The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) today announced that the signup period for its Conservation Buffer Initiative will run from January 10<\/span> to <\/span>February 18, 2022. Now in its second year, this popular conservation program offers attractive incentives, easy signup, and more management options for farmers who want to plant streamside buffers on their farms to improve water quality in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.<\/span><\/p>\n

New this year, farmers can receive up to $4,500\/acre to install riparian forest buffers with pasture fencing. Financial assistance is also available to install deer fencing along grass buffers. Other features include a buffer option for field ditches, flexible site management, and shorter contract terms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe Conservation Buffer Initiative saw great interest from farmers in its inaugural year, and we are excited to bring it back for 2022 with added incentives,\u201d said Agriculture Secretary Joe Bartenfelder. \u201cConservation buffers are an important tool in our efforts to protect the Chesapeake Bay watershed. I encourage all farmers with streamside property to contact their local soil conservation district and take advantage of this great opportunity.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Maryland\u2019s Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Plan includes a goal to plant 63,980 acres of buffers by 2025. As of June 30, 2021, Maryland farmers have planted 52,405 acres of buffers, and this grant program aims to help close the gap. Three types of buffers are eligible for funding and free technical assistance from local soil conservation districts: forest buffers planted next to waterways, grass buffers planted next to waterways or field ditches, and watercourse access control areas adjacent to pastures.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Here are program highlights:<\/span><\/p>\n