OUR MISSION
The mission of the Harford Soil Conservation District is to provide all sectors of the County with technical, planning and design assistance for land management decisions; to promote an array of Best Management Practices to protect and conserve the natural resources within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed; and to educate students, farmers, developers and landowners on soil erosion and water quality improvement efforts.
The mission of the Harford Soil Conservation District is to provide all sectors of the County with technical, planning and design assistance for land management decisions; to promote an array of Best Management Practices to protect and conserve the natural resources within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed; and to educate students, farmers, developers and landowners on soil erosion and water quality improvement efforts.
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The Harford Soil Conservation District (the District), located in Harford County, is surrounded by the Susquehanna River to the northeast, the Chesapeake Bay on the southeast, Baltimore County to the west, and Pennsylvania to the north.
Developing Soil Conservation and Water Quality Plans (SCWQPs) for Harford County farms outlined in Maryland’s Watershed Implementation Plan (WIP) to protect the Chesapeake Bay – with special emphasis on the Deer Creek Priority Watershed – is a key function of the District’s technical staff. Together with our partnership with USDA/NRCS, best management practices (BMP’s) are identified, designed, and built to reduce erosion, sediment and nutrient runoff focusing on Harford County’s 628 farms (2017 Census). Cost-share (grant funding) is secured when eligible, to install BMP’s such as: stream fencing, watering troughs, grassed waterways, riparian and grass buffers, heavy use areas, stream crossings, waste storage structures, gutters on farm buildings, and grade stabilization structures to preserve and protect our 40,000 acres of crop fields and 10,279 acres of pastures (2017 Census). On the urban front, the District is responsible for reviewing erosion and sediment control plans required for all county residential and development projects. The District also reviews and approves Forest Harvest plans. As part of our Strategic Plan, the District continues to expand its outreach program by promoting natural resources conservation and providing technical advice to reduce erosion and nutrient runoff through partnering opportunities with 4-H Programs, Home-schooled children, Boy Scouts of America, landowners, and community events. Our broad-based educational program continues to coordinate, facilitate, and educate Harford County high school students for the Envirothon program. |
Confused by all of our Acronyms? HSCD has hidden four GEOCACHES!
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BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
The Harford Soil Conservation District functions independently under a local five-member Board of Supervisors (CONTACT). This local leadership ensures that Harford County issues are addressed. The Harford District staff and operating budgets are funded through a combination of federal, state and local assistance. The Board meets once per month (CALENDAR) and these meeting are open to the public.
The Harford Soil Conservation District functions independently under a local five-member Board of Supervisors (CONTACT). This local leadership ensures that Harford County issues are addressed. The Harford District staff and operating budgets are funded through a combination of federal, state and local assistance. The Board meets once per month (CALENDAR) and these meeting are open to the public.
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RESOURCES
Newsletters |
COOPERATING AGENCIES
The Harford Soil Conservation District works with a number of cooperating agencies, including:
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