Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
EQIP, funded by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, helps Maryland producers implement science-based conservation practices to improve land, water, and wildlife resources.
Funder: Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Due Dates: Rolling (confirm with local NRCS or Forest Service office)
Funding Amounts: Typically 50% cost-share; up to 90% for limited-resource producers; contract length 1–10 years.
Summary: Provides Maryland agricultural and forestry producers with cost-share payments and technical assistance to implement conservation and forestry practices.
Key Information: Application periods and funding rates may vary by year and county—always confirm with your local office.
Description
The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is a federal cost-share and technical assistance program administered by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) with local support from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Forest Service. EQIP supports Maryland agricultural and forestry producers in implementing a wide range of conservation practices, such as silvicultural treatments, stream exclusion fencing, prescribed burning, wildlife habitat improvement, invasive species control, and nutrient management planning. The Maryland Forest Service provides technical guidance to help landowners identify eligible practices, design improvements, and ensure proper implementation on cropland, pasture, and private non-industrial forestland.
