Conservation & Land Preservation Resources

If you are interested in learning about other land preservation possibilities, an excellent place to start is the Maryland Land Conservation Center web site, a central point of information about land protection resources sponsored by the Maryland Environmental Trust.

Created in 1997, this Program located within the Department of Natural Resources seeks to set aside large blocks of rural lands for the protection of natural and scenic resources and the fostering of rural industries such as agriculture and forestry.

The Maryland Environmental Trust was created in 1967 to protect Maryland’s natural environment and is the State’s primary recipient of donated conservation easements. It seeks farms and forest lands, wildlife habitat, waterfront acreage, natural areas, historic sites, and valuable scenic features.

The Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program was established in 1997 through a federal-state partnership. CREP offers incentives to establish or extend watershed buffers and wetlands to protect water quality, including bonus rental rates, a permanent easement option, up to one-hundred percent cost-share, free technical assistance to install certain conservation practices, and year-round sign-up.

The Forest Legacy Program is a federal program established under the 1990 Farm Bill which seeks to promote the long-term integrity of forest lands. Its purpose is to identify environmentally important forest lands that are threatened by present or future conversion to non-forest uses and protect them from conversion.

Maryland’s Program Open Space, within the Department of Natural Resources, is charged with helping acquire state and local parks and conservation areas, including the purchase of easements on land to protect unique historic properties (battlefields or historic structures and landscapes) or scenic vistas.

TEP is part of the Federal Surface Transportation Program. Several provisions of this legislation can provide resources to land trusts and local government to help fund projects that enhance roadsides, encourage and protect scenic byways and vistas, and protect historic landscapes and properties adjacent to State and Federal highways.

The Maryland Historical Trust, within the Maryland Department of Planning, grants easements to protect the state's valued historic structures and preserve local heritage and folklore. Eligibility stems from owning property listed on, or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places or in a locally certified historic district.

The Eastern Shore Regional GIS Cooperative provides access to geographic information system technology, data, technical support, and training to local governments of Maryland's Eastern Shore. Housed at Salisbury University, the cooperative is a joint effort between the Mid-Shore Regional Council, the Tri-County Council of the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland, and Salisbury University.

Established in 1945, the Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts serves as the voice for Maryland's 24 soil conservation districts while providing a forum for training, policy-making and the exchange of information. Its mission is to promote practical and effective soil, water and related natural resource protection programs to all citizens through education, cooperation and local direction.

This organization serves as the national voice of the America's 3,000 local soil conservation districts.

The National Association of State Conservation Agencies is a voluntary, nonpartisan organization of state executive agencies responsible for administering soil, water and related natural resource programs.

University of Maryland Extension's Agricultural Nutrient Management Program is a component of the University of Maryland's College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The program educates farmers on ways to improve their management of agricultural nutrients.

University of Maryland Extension operates the Home and Garden Information Center in Ellicott City, MD. The regional specialists on staff are responsible for writing fact sheets and teaching manuals, web site development, teaching, applied research projects and media outreach. The Maryland Master Gardener Program is administered through the center.

Provides national leadership in the conservation and wise use of soil, water, and related resources. To carry out its mission, the service has created a network of conservation specialists to help people understand and protect their land.

This federal agency administers several production adjustment and conservation programs, including the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP), Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), and certain commodity programs.