Developing a Soil Conservation and Water Quality Plan (SCWQP), otherwise known as a Farm Plan, is a free service the Anne Arundel Soil Conservation District provides to agriculture landowners. A plan includes an aerial photograph of the property, an inventory of resources on the property, a soil map and a list of management decisions made.
A conservation planner will work with you to see if you would like to install any Best Management Practices (BMP) to help prevent sediment and nutrients from leaving the farm. There are also BMPs to help with farm management such as adding fencing to have the ability to rotate pastures, stream crossings for livestock and equipment to access other fields and watering facilities to help with livestock rotation. A SCWQP is required if you would like to apply for any of the agriculture preservation programs and if you are applying for either federal or state cost share programs.
Another benefit of a SCWQP allows for a possible exemption from obtaining a building permit and grading permit to construct an agricultural building. If you think you might be interested in having a SCWQP developed for your farm, please contact the Anne Arundel Soil Conservation District at 410-571-6757.
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