<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".07" citation="COMAR 27.02.05.07" title_num="27" subtitle_num="02" chapter_num="05" heading="Agriculture.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>Applicability. The provisions of this regulation do not apply to an agricultural activity that is conducted for an experimental purpose on State-owned land in the Critical Area if:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Adverse impact to a habitat protection area covered in Regulations .09—.13 of this chapter, as applicable, is avoided; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The experimental activity is approved by the State Department of Agriculture and the University of Maryland.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Criteria. When agriculture occurs on State-owned land, the agency administering the land shall assure that:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Each agricultural operation has in place and is implementing a current:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Soil conservation and water quality plan; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Nutrient management plan prepared by a certified nutrient management consultant or certified farm operator in accordance with COMAR 15.20.04.07 and .08;</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Agricultural activities authorized in the buffer are in accordance with Regulation .09 of this chapter; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>The creation of new agricultural land is not accomplished:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>By diking, draining, or filling of a nontidal wetland, except in accordance with the requirements of COMAR 26.23.05.01;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>By clearing of forest or developed woodland on soil with a slope greater than 15 percent or on soil with a K-factor greater than 0.35 and a slope greater than 5 percent;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>If clearing will adversely affect water quality or will destroy plant or wildlife habitat covered in Regulations .10—.13 of this chapter, as applicable; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>By clearing of existing natural vegetation within the buffer.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>