ANNAPOLIS, MD (September 26, 2024) ~ The Maryland Department of Agriculture has announced the opening of the enrollment period for the Conservation Buffer Initiative for the 2024-2025 year. This popular program, which aims to support the state's tree planting goals, will run from October 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025.

Farmers who qualify for this program and choose to plant forest buffers will not only receive the standard incentive payment, but also a one-time bonus payment of up to $1,000 per acre. This bonus is part of Maryland's Tree Solutions Now Act, which challenges residents to plant 5 million native trees by 2031 in order to provide benefits for climate, environment, and human health.

Maryland Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks encourages farmers with marginal land next to streams or floodplains to take advantage of this opportunity. By planting trees in these areas, farmers can transform them into valuable assets for their farms and local water quality.

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This is the fifth year of the Conservation Buffer Initiative, which offers attractive incentive payments to farmers who plant buffers next to streams. The program also provides free technical assistance from local soil conservation districts. Three types of buffers are eligible for funding: forest buffers planted next to waterways, grass buffers planted next to waterways or field ditches, and watercourse access control areas adjacent to pastures.

Payment rates range from $500 per acre for existing grass buffers to a maximum of $4,500 per acre for installing a riparian forest buffer with pasture fencing. Farmers are allowed to mow and harvest hay in these areas but are not permitted to apply nutrients. Upon enrollment in the program, farmers will receive 75% of the project cost upfront and the remaining 25% after verification of planting for new or improved buffers. For existing buffers that have been field-verified, farmers will receive 100% of the eligible payment.

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In addition to these incentives, enrolled forest buffers will also receive a one-time bonus payment of $1,000 per acre. Annual maintenance payments are also available for forest buffers during the first five years. Contracts for this program are for 5 or 10 years and all work must be completed within one year of the agreement's signing date.

Interested farmers can apply for this program on a first-come, first-served basis, depending on the availability of funding. Applications and required forms can be found on the program's website or at local soil conservation districts. Farmers can also seek assistance from conservation experts at their local soil conservation district office.

By participating in the Conservation Buffer Initiative, farmers not only contribute to Maryland's tree planting goals but also improve water quality and support climate goals. The deadline to apply is March 31, 2025, so farmers are encouraged to act quickly and take advantage of this opportunity to make a positive impact on their farms and the environment.

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