Welcome to the Carroll Soil Conservation District

            The Carroll Soil Conservation District serves all of Carroll County—an area encompassing roughly 300,000 acres–with comprehensive soil and water conservation services.   Approximately 30,000 acres of county land are committed to residential development, while 173,000 acres are classified as agricultural.  Carroll County is one of the leading agricultural regions in Maryland. Large numbers of livestock are maintained in the district, including poultry, dairy and beef cattle, horses, hogs and sheep. The cumulative impact of agricultural runoff, urban erosion and increased population has raised concerns about water quality in the county. To address these concerns, the district provides technical assistance to the agricultural community, reviews and approves erosion and sediment control plans for construction activities, and promotes the use of best management  practices (BMPs) to protect water quality.

• Develop Soil Conservation and Water Quality Plans and provide assistance to landowners to install best management practices. Emphasis will be placed on new cooperators and livestock operations.
• Implement the environmental provisions of the Farm Bill and promote and/or implement a range of local, state and federal programs including the Carroll County Land Preservation and Rural Legacy Programs, the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program, the Maryland Agricultural Water Quality Cost-Share Program and the Water Quality Improvement Act of 1998.
• Review and approve erosion and sediment control plans.
• Provide a conservation equipment rental program for farmers and a tree seedling sale for the community.
• Coordinate the Envirothon education program for high school students.