Soil Conservation Plan
A soil conservation plan help landowners make better decisions for the economic prosperity of their operation as well as the health of natural resources on which their farms rely upon.
Conservation plans are voluntary unless the farm falls within the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area, the owner is applying for or currently participates in an agricultural land preservation program, or the owner or operator participates in state or federal cost share programs.
About the Conservation Plan
You must be a Cooperator with the Anne Arundel Soil Conservation District to receive a Conservation Plan. A Cooperator is any person holding title to or who is the decision maker, whether as owner, lessee, tenant or otherwise for any lands lying within the District.
Download our Cooperator’s Agreement and contact us to schedule an appointment with a Conservation Planner.
Each plan is specifically designed for the unique needs and concerns of the farmer. They may also be needed to enable landowners to participate in certain state or federal programs.
A Conservation Plan includes:
- Aerial photo of the farm with property boundaries, current and proposed Best Management Practices and additional specific resource items
- Map of soil types and boundaries
- Written record of selected management decisions with implementation plan
- Soil descriptions and capability classes, which relay information about the suitability of the land for most field crops.
A Cooperator’s Agreement includes two parts:
1. THE COOPERATOR AGREES:
- I am interested in conserving the soil, water and related resources on the property herein described and herewith request assistance in developing a Soil Conservation and Water Quality Plan (Conservation Plan) based upon my needs and good land use and management.
- To cooperate with the District in developing and applying in a timely manner, a Conservation Plan based upon the use of the land within its capabilities, as rapidly as my resources and the assistance available from the District will permit.
- To apply and/or construct and maintain all conservation practices in accordance with approved engineering design plans and technical standards supplied by the District.
- To work toward correcting, with the District’s technical assistance, and in keeping with my financial ability, any soil or water conservation problem originating on the referenced property.
- The District or its representative has the right to visit the property for the purpose of developing and assisting with a Conservation Plan.
and
2. THE DISTRICT AGREES TO:
- Furnish information, technical assistance, and supervision to the Cooperator and/or his agent in developing and carrying out the Conservation Plan in accordance with District resources and operating policies at the time any work is done.
- Provide the Cooperator with a copy of the Conservation Plan which will include a copy of a soils map, conservation map and a record of the Cooperator’s decisions.
- Act as a liaison for the Cooperator with other Federal, State and County agencies in securing the services of those agencies in addressing special problems or specific resource needs such as plant materials, pond management, and engineering services.
Cooperator agreements become effective on the date of the last signature and remain in effect until terminated by either party or until ownership or possession of the property changes. Conservation plans are generally good for ten years, at which point, they can be renewed. Conservation plans can be changed at any time to adapt to new farming practices or methods.
Neither the District or the Cooperator shall be liable for damage to the other’s property resulting from carrying out the Cooperators Agreement. Furthermore, implementation of practices within the Conservation Plan does not eliminate the responsibility for acquisition of any necessary or required Local, State and/or Federal permits.
