Click Here to learn more about
Maryland’s Bay-Friendly Farming!
Join us for free “Pollinator” activities and excitement!!
Maryland Department of Agriculture requests survey response (Deer Survey): Survey
Pasture Walk (Planned, September 28, 2023 – Aerie Farm) –
Click here for details!
2023-2024 Cover Crop Program – Click Here
Contact our office at 301-797-6821, Ext. 3 to answer any questions!
Nutrient Management Plans – Announcement/Task Force Formed!
Manure Happens! – Is your neighbor a farmer?
Farm Stress Management – Information!
Free resource for Farmers and Landowners in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed! – Conservation Ag Lease Builder (www.AgLeaseBuilder.org)
Board Meeting Scheduled – Announcement
Per the Maryland Department of Agriculture –
IF YOU SEE IT…STOMP IT!
Spotted lanternflies are being reported in a wide area across the state. These invasive pests feed on over 70 types of agricultural products and crops, making them a widespread danger to the agricultural industry. They are currently in their adult life stage. If you see one, stomp it, and report it to MDA online – Additional Information!
Important Information!!
New/Existing Maryland Department of the Environment (General Permit):
The Department has reissued this State/National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Permit for Stormwater Discharges Associated with Construction Activity, effective April 1, 2023 (replacing the 14-GP). The final permit and associated documentation may be found on the Department’s website by using this link https://mdewwp.page.link/CGP.
NOTE: The Department will be in transition to the new General Permit for Stormwater Associated with Construction Activity (the 20-CP) from now through September 30, 2023. As we transition, please be aware of the following milestones:
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Starting 3/17/2023 we are no longer taking new NOIs under 14-GP.
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The ability to file for continuance starts 4/1/2023 and the website (through ePermits) will be updated to allow for this.
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Incomplete 14-GP NOIs as of 3/20/2023 will all be terminated or pushed back for re-submittal under 20-CP.
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Starting 4/1/2023 we are no longer taking transfers for 14-GP. Any transfer after that date would first need to be filed for continuance under 20-CP, and then transferred.
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Starting 4/1/2023 we are no longer taking modifications on 14-GP. You will first need to file for continuance and then request modification once your updated registration has been issued.
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All 14-GP authorizations that have not filed for continuance will terminate after September 30, 2023.
REMEMBER! Participants of Maryland Agricultural Cost-Share (MACS) must certify the agricultural operation associated with the cost-share practice(s) is following a current Nutrient Management Plan (NMP). Click the link for the form required to be submitted to our office when applying: Certification Form
Backyard Flocks – (Sick Bird Reporting) – Avian Flu
Conservation Tillage and Soil Health –
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCPkMWzkgvc
New!! A short video highlighting conservation choices for Maryland farmers is now available in the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s YouTube page. The video shows popular best management practices at work on Maryland farms to prevent soil erosion, build healthy soils, protect local streams, and help livestock and poultry producers manage mud and manure. Farmers who want to take advantage of free technical and financial assistance to install conservation practices on their farms, should contact our office at 301-797-6821, Ext. 3.
Link: www.mda.maryland.gov/fertilizer
The Washington County Soil Conservation District
2020-2025 Strategic Plan – (Update/Progress)
Is your SOIL healthy?? See the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Website – Soil Health!!
The History of Soil Conservation Districts!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU-PdpT-2v4&feature=youtu.be
National Association of Soil Conservation Districts (NACD),
“Hall of Distinction“, names one of our own!
Don Spickler (Service beginning in 1971)
What are the legalities of Farmer saved seed?
“Farmer Saved Seed: What is Legal – What is Not”
Public Information Act (PIA)
For Inquiries/Requests, please submit to: Dee Price, CESSWI, CSI, District Manager