Samantha Cotten

Individuals who are interested in learning more about the program, want to know if they are eligible, or have questions about BMPs can inquire on the DeCAP website. The Community Conservation Assistance Program begins when a landowner in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed expresses interest in helping protect our waters. Individuals can contact DNREC or their local conservation district office to get things started. DNREC and/or district staff will visit the property to determine which of the eligible management practices would work best for the site. Then the landowner and their contractor develop a design plan that includes details on what to build and how to build it. The DeCAP Steering Committee reviews that plan for approval. Once the best management practice has been installed, it is verified by state staff, and the landowner is reimbursed. Following installation, the practice must be maintained for at least five years, and it will be inspected by state staff once a year.