Maryland Department of the Environment

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​​​​​Living Shoreline Funding & Incentives​




Below lists some funding and/or incentives available to property owners in Maryland who may be interested in installing living shorelines​.  For more information, click on each opportunity listed below.​


​​​Direct Funding Opportunities

​​Grants, Loans, Cost-Shar​e​​ Programs


Farmers and private homeowners can apply for loans from a qualifying financial institution to install a living shoreline project at a below-market interest rate
​U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) - Farmable Wetlands Program (FWP)​​

​Farmers and ranchers of previously farmed wetlands and wetland buffers can enroll in a 10-15 year contract to restore the wetland, establish plant cover, and not used enrolled land for commercial purposes in return for cost-share payments, annual rental payments, and other incentives​

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​​​Other Incentives

​​​​Technical Assistance, Easements, Tax Credit, etc.​​

​Anne Arundel County - Marsh Grasses Program​
​Residents of Anne Arundel County with qualifying living shoreline projects can get free marsh grasses (Spartina alterniflora and Spartina patens) for planting
​Anne Arundel County - Stormwater Management Property Tax Credit Program
​Residential and commercial property owners can receive a property tax credit of 10% of the cost of materials and installation of a recent living shoreline project. The credit is not to exceed a total of $10,000 over the five year life of the credit
​Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) - Shoreline Erosion Loan Program
​​Individuals/groups of homeowners, nonprofit organizations, community organizations, and counties can apply for a 0% interest, 5-20 year loan for a living shoreline project; they can also received technical and financial support for shroeline erosion issues through site visit evaluations and problem assessments​​
​U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) - Wetlands Reserve Easements (WRE)
Private and tribal landowners of previously degraded wetlands, due to agricultural use, can enroll their property under a permanent, 30-year, or term easement or 30-year contract with varying levels of payment rates and cost-share for restoration costs

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Maryland Department of the Environment
1800 Washington Blvd
Baltimore, MD 21230