# Agriculture (GAG)

## Title 8. Soil Conservation

### Subtitle 7. Cost Sharing -- Water Pollution Control

#### Section 8-706

(a) To maximize participation in the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program, in fiscal years 2023 through 2031, inclusive, a landowner who enrolls land planted with a forested streamside buffer shall receive a one-time signing bonus of up to $1,000 per acre of land enrolled.

(b) Signing bonuses provided under this section shall be funded with:

  (1) Money appropriated under subsection (c) of this section; and

  (2) The amount specified in Sec. 9-1605.2(i)(11)(i) of the Environment Article.

(c)

  (1) For fiscal year 2024, the Governor shall appropriate $2,500,000 in the annual State budget to fund tree planting under this section and other tree planting programs on agricultural land.

  (2) For each of fiscal years 2025 through 2031, the Governor shall appropriate $500,000 in the annual State budget to fund tree planting under this section and other tree planting programs on agricultural land.

  (3) Money appropriated under this subsection is supplemental to and may not take the place of funding that would otherwise be appropriated for tree plantings under this section and other tree planting programs on agricultural land.

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Md. Code Ann., Agric. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)