CREP in Maryland: Edgar Czarra’s Property
The Challenge


Non-point source pollution from crop and pasture land in the form of nutrients and sediments is a serious problem for Antietam Creek, the Potomac River, and the Chesapeake Bay. Much of this pollution can be minimized with the proper use of Best Management Practices like riparian forest buffers (RFB).

The PWP Solution

Tree plantings on the Czarra property.This project began in 2001 when Edgar Czarra expressed interest in and signed up for the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP). Czarra enrolled most of the pastureland on two of his properties into the program for a total of 29.1 acres. The cropland remains in production and is rented by a local farmer who also maintains the plantation by mowing. The project also contains 4.5 acres of warm season grasses and wildflowers under the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program, known as WHIP.

Tree planting was completed in the spring of 2002 by a contactor who planted more than 12,690 trees by hand. A tree survival check was completed in the fall of that year and survival was found to be adequate. There was some mortality due to mowing, but Czarra voluntarily decided to replant all dead trees.

These trees will eventually grow into a high quality hardwood forest with more than 22 different species planted, as well as natural regeneration from other nearby hardwood trees. The riparian forest will protect more than 7,387 linear feet (1.39 miles) of stream bank and will also provide valuable wildlife habitat.

Looking Ahead

This site is one of 20 in Maryland being monitored to determine the long-term impacts of RFB establishment. This landowner has been very happy with the quality of work that the contractor did and with the program to date. He is pleased with the growth of the trees and has followed his management plan to the letter. The Forest Service continues to help and support the landowner with the management of his new streamside forest.
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