Maryland Funding Opportunity Announcement

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USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is seeking proposals for cooperative agreements to help address Maryland’s most pressing natural resource concerns. Up to $300,000 in funding will be made available statewide. NRCS will select proposals that leverage USDA and partner resources to effectively implement projects. Successful proposals will address at least one of the following: • Increase the number of applications for USDA NRCS Agriculture Conservation Easement Program – Wetlands Reserve Easements • Provide in stream monitoring for assessing changes in the surface water quality in response to the implementation of conservation practices in the Catoctin Creek watershed in Frederick County, MD. • Provide direct technical services to assist producers in planning and/or implementing conservation practices throughout Maryland. • Develop the tools, technologies, and strategies to support next-generation conservation efforts on working lands in Maryland and develop market-based solutions to resource challenges. • Conduct an economic analysis on high priority best management practices in Maryland such as nutrient management, manure storage, animal mortality, cover crop, heavy use area protection (HUAPS) and others. • Provide professional training sessions for partner employees on topics related to conservation planning and agriculture. Work with NRCS to ensure the courses align with the Certified Planner curriculum. • Provide training and expert guidance on irrigation system planning, design (including but not limited to micro irrigation), and Irrigation Water Management (IWM) Plan development.

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