The Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) is a federal-state partnership that pays top dollar to landowners who agree to take environmentally sensitive cropland out of production for 10 to 15 years and plant streamside buffers, establish wetlands, protect highly erodible lands or create wildlife habitat while providing steady, dependable land rental income. This completely voluntary program offers a one time signing bonus of up to $250 an acre, attractive annual rental and incentive payments, cost-share assistance for streamside buffers, wetlands, livestock fencing and more. These buffers meet all Maryland Nutrient Management Program setback requirements. Interested farmers should contact their soil conservation district or Farm Service Agency to sign up for the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program. Click on the PDFs to learn more.