13
Feb
REMINDER: NRCS Conservation Programs Deadline Feb 15th
Annapolis, Md., January 15, 2019 — Maryland farmers and forest landowners can now apply for assistance to protect the health and productivity of their land through federal conservation programs.
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service offers technical and financial assistance to plan and install conservation practices on cropland, pastureland, and non-industrial private forestland. NRCS accepts applications year-round but makes funding selections at specific times. Maryland has established February 15, 2019 as the next deadline for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), the Agricultural Management Assistance program (AMA), and EQIP applications for Regional Conservation Partnership Program projects.
EQIP provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers and forestland owners to address natural resource concerns and deliver environmental benefits such as improved water quality, reduced soil erosion, and improvements in soil health, wildlife habitat, plant and animal communities and energy conservation. AMA is designed help with irrigation systems and high tunnels. Maryland currently offers RCPP in select areas across the state through local projects that range in focus, from animal waste management practices, to improving soil health, to wildlife habitat restoration.
During a government shutdown, agencies that receive mandatory funding or have funds appropriated in prior years that are carried forward can continue to serve customers using that money. NRCS is in this category and is open for business.
A conservation plan should be completed before an application can be considered for funding, so farmers are encouraged to call or stop by their local NRCS field office as soon as possible. You can find your local office by visiting https://www.farmers.gov/service-locator or in the phone book under Federal Government, U.S. Department of Agriculture. A complete list of eligible activities is available on the NRCS Maryland website at www.md.nrcs.usda.gov.
01
Feb
Managing Farm Stress Workshops


28
Jan
DNR Seeks Public Insight on Deer Management
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is seeking public comment on the state’s management of white-tailed deer. The input will be used to help revise the state’s deer management plan for the next 15 years, establishing long-term goals, and identifying specific objectives and strategies for achieving them.
Through Feb. 28, the public can provide comments online. The department is also accepting feedback by phone at 410-260-8540; by fax at 410-260-8596; or in writing to: Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife and Heritage Service, 580 Taylor Avenue, E-1, Annapolis, Maryland, 21401.
“We look forward to hearing from all citizens interested in one of Maryland’s most important wildlife species – the white-tailed deer,” Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Paul Peditto said. “Public input is vital to crafting a well-rounded plan that includes all opinions about deer and how they should be managed.”
A brief summary of the current status of white-tailed deer management will be presented at four public meetings:
Western Region
Feb. 6 at 7 p.m.
Mountain Ridge High School
100 Dr. Nancy S. Grasmick Lane
Frostburg, Maryland 21532
Southern Region
Feb. 12 at 7 p.m.
College of Southern Maryland, La Plata Campus
Room 113, Business and Industry Building
8730 Mitchell Road
La Plata, Maryland 20646
Eastern Region
Feb. 20 at 7 p.m.
Chesapeake College
Room 127, Health Professions and Athletics Center
1000 College Drive
Wye Mills, Maryland 21679
Central Region
Feb. 21 at 7 p.m.
New Town High School
4931 New Town Boulevard
Owings Mills, Maryland 21117
Meetings are weather-dependent, and will be postponed if schools are closed on the scheduled day. Attendees should check the department website for closure and rescheduling information.