The Chesapeake Bay Forestry Workgroup offers these recommendations to the US Department of Agriculture to strengthen the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Programs (CREPs) –specifically for Riparian Forest Buffers –which will be critical to reaching their mandated water quality goals. Need for adequate cost-share:  Adequate cost share for stream fencing, crossings and alternative water development is critical…

USDA’s Farm Service Agency began accepting applications June 3, 2019, for  the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) and certain practices under the continuous Conservation Reserve Program. All Chesapeake states have CREP programs in place. It is the primary program  for landowners to restore riparian forest buffers.  Prior to reopening, the Program had been closed since…

New York State is increasing the incentive rate offered to producers for enrolling land as a Riparian Forest Buffer (CP-22) through the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program within the Upper Susquehanna Watershed.  The new incentive rate, per acre, will be 20 X the Soil Rental Rate.  This incentive will be paid to producers effective immediately as…

NFWF 2019 Chesapeake Bay Stewardship Fund Applicant Webinars Recorded and Available to Watch A reminder that the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the federal-state Chesapeake Bay Program partnership, is soliciting proposals to restore water quality and habitats of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributary…

NFWF Request for Proposals The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the federal-state Chesapeake Bay Program partnership, is soliciting proposals to restore water quality and habitats of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributary rivers and streams. NFWF estimates awarding a total of up to $14 million…

Great video series from Stroud Water Research Center titled “Stories from the Streams.” The first episode is “Back to Our Roots” that, “demonstrates how planting trees along a stream can filter out pollutants and dramatically improve water quality,” but also shows the touching relationship between a scientist and private landowner connected by the shared goal…

Many of you are already aware that the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP and CREP) was only authorized through Fiscal Year 2018.  As of September 28, 2018, it has been closed across the country and not likely to re-open until there is a new Farm Bill. Here is the Farm Service Agency notice: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/Internet/FSA_Notice/crp_860.pdf This unfortunate development…

If you haven’t seen this yet, check out this week’s blog by Bobby Whitescarver– it is in honor of his buffer which just turned 15 years old.  As Bobby says: I have some really good news. The riparian buffers on our farm are now fifteen years old. The CRP contracts expire next month. It is…

2018 National No-Tillage Conference Sessions Videos  https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/7535-national-no-tillage-conference-sessions-videos

The April Bay Journal has a feature article on riparian forest buffers in the Chesapeake Bay.  The bottom line is not a surprise to many: progress on this Bay goal is lacking.  Read more: https://www.bayjournal.com/article/states_lagging_badly_in_planting_streamside_trees