Agencies and Resources

For additional resources related to agricultural conservation leasing such as resources related to tax issues and financial incentives, check out the Agricultural Conservation Leasing website. 

Chesapeake Bay Watershed State Agencies

Soil Conservation Districts 

Soil Conservation Districts (SCDs) work directly with landowners and farmers to enhance farming operations while helping conserve soil and preserve water quality. Landowners and farmers interested in conservation practices may visit their local SCD for technical assistance in installing a full menu of soil conservation practices that reduce erosion and improve water quality. Additionally, SCDs, by and through the state and federal agencies described below, connect landowners and farmers with financial assistance options to offset the costs of conservation practices.

State Departments of Agriculture

Departments of Agriculture are regulatory agencies that may be able to provide assistance in the administration of state specific conservation programs and funding. 

University Extension 

Extension programs educate the farming community and the public and share information and guidance from research gathered across the state. Extension programs bridge the gap between a state’s Land Grant University and its people by translating research into education and action. With a presence in every county across the country, Extension brings cutting-edge discoveries from research laboratories to individuals, communities, and businesses who can put knowledge into practice to improve their lives.

Delaware Delaware Association of Conservation Districts, Delaware Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension | University of Delaware (udel.edu)

Maryland Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts (MASCD), Maryland Department of Agriculture, University of Maryland Extension | University of Maryland Extension (umd.edu) 

New York New York Association of Soil Conservation Districts, New York Dept. of Agriculture, Cornell Cooperative Extension

Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Association of Soil Conservation Districts, PA Dept. of Agriculture, Penn State Extension | The Pennsylvania State University

Virginia Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Virginia Department of Agriculture, Virginia Cooperative Extension | Virginia Cooperative Extension

West Virginia West Virginia Association of Conservation Districts, West Virginia Department of Agriculture, WVU Extension West Virginia University

Federal Agencies 

USDA – Farm Service Agency (FSA) [https://www.fsa.usda.gov/]

The Farm Service Agency (FSA) works in partnership with the NRCS to implement conservation programs, and provide funding for farmers to implement these programs. FSA has local field offices to provide landowners and farmers with information on these programs and how to enroll. 

USDA – Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)  [https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/site/national/home/]

NRCS has field offices throughout Chesapeake Bay Watershed States with staff to assist with land stewardship by providing technical support and conservation planning. NRCS offers cost-sharing assistance for several of their conservation practices to make them affordable for landowners or farmers to implement. Their programs are available to land users of all types, including farmers, ranchers, and forest owners. 

Use this link to find Chesapeake Bay Watershed USDA’s Service Centers