Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)
The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources funds science-based conservation and enhancement practices on private agricultural and forestland in Maryland.
Funder: Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Due Dates: Rolling (contact local NRCS office for next sign-up period)
Funding Amounts: Annual payments based on conservation performance; 5-year contracts; no set minimum/maximum—amount varies by operation and activities.
Summary: Annual payments for Maryland landowners maintaining and enhancing conservation practices on private agricultural and forestland.
Key Information: Application windows and payment rates may change; always confirm with your local NRCS office.
Description
The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) is a federal program administered by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and supported in Maryland through the Department of Natural Resources. CSP rewards private agricultural and forestland owners who are actively managing their land for conservation and wish to build on their existing efforts. Unlike traditional cost-share programs, CSP provides annual payments for both maintaining ongoing conservation activities and adopting new conservation enhancements across the entire operation. For forestland, eligible enhancements include invasive species management, prescribed burning, wildlife habitat improvement, and advanced forest stand treatments. Contracts typically span five years and are tailored to the unique goals and conditions of each landowner's operation.
