Engineers and technicians from the Prince George’s Soil Conservation District (PGSCD), Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) and United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resource Conservation Service (UDSA/NRCS) work together to design solutions for issues on farms in order to conserve natural resources and protect the land. The District will work with planners and landowners to evaluate issues on the property such as erosion, animal or human access, insufficient or excess water and other agriculturally related problems that could potentially pollute natural water bodies and/or degrade the farming operation. After evaluation, the District will survey and design a solution for the problem selecting from a variety of Best Management Practices (BMPs) in accordance with national and state standards. Upon completion and approval of a design, the District will work closely with a contractor of the landowner’s choosing to build the project and ensure the construction is done accurately based on the design.
There is no associated cost for any technical service provided by PGSCD, MDA or USDA/NRCS. However, the construction of most projects is funded wholly by the landowner. Many BMPs are eligible for Federal or State cost-sharing programs that may reduce the out-of-pocket expense to implement BMPs. The District assists landowners in the application process for any of these programs. The District also offers a short-term, interest free BMP loan program for historically underserved producers.
Common Best Management Practices in Prince George’s County:
- Watering Facility
- Stream Crossing
- Grassed Waterway
- Grade Stabilization Structure
- Roof Runoff Structure
List of Best Management Practices:
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