Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP)
The Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) by the Maryland Department of Agriculture funds landowners to restore sensitive land with science-based conservation practices for water quality and wildlife habitat.
Funder: Maryland Department of Agriculture
Due Dates: Rolling (Ongoing enrollment)
Funding Amounts: Up to $1,000/acre signing bonus for new forest buffers | Attractive annual rental & incentive payments | Up to 100% cost-share for many practices | 10–15 year contracts
Summary: Pays Maryland landowners to set aside sensitive cropland for conservation, improving water quality and wildlife habitat through long-term stewardship.
Key Information: Voluntary program; permanent easement option available; easy re-enrollment for expiring contracts.
Description
The Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) is a federal-state partnership led in Maryland by the Maryland Department of Agriculture. It incentivizes landowners and farmers to remove environmentally sensitive cropland or marginal pastureland from production for 10 to 15 years. In exchange, participants install conservation practices—such as streamside buffers, wetlands, and wildlife habitat improvements—that protect water quality and enhance wildlife habitat. The program provides annual rental payments, substantial cost-share for conservation measures, and a one-time signing bonus for new riparian forest buffer enrollments. There is also an option to sell a permanent conservation easement to the State of Maryland, further supporting long-term environmental outcomes.
