Governor Ehrlich Announces BPW Approval of $196,811 in Program Open Space Funds for Harford County
Broad Creek to be Protected by Buffers
ANNAPOLIS, MD — Reaffirming his position on protecting the Chesapeake Bay from excess nutrient and sediment runoff, Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr., today announced Board of Public Works approval of $196,811 in Program Open Space funds to acquire conservation easements and establish buffers along a tributary of the Susquehanna River in Harford County.
“The Susquehanna River watershed is essential to the health of the Chesapeake Bay,” said Governor Ehrlich. “Today’s approval will reduce erosion and runoff along a half mile of Broad Creek, a tributary of this great river.”
The Board approved $196,811 in Program Open Space funds to acquire a perpetual easement through the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program on 45 acres of the farm owned by Joseph F. Riehl. This acquisition will improve water quality by establishing forested buffers along 2639 linear feet of Broad Creek. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will hold the easement title.
The Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program enables states to unite their land conservation programs with the efforts of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program and private environmental and conservation groups. Together, these groups contribute money and resources to provide farmers and ranchers strong financial incentives to implement conservation practices. These practices include planting trees and grasses along streams to filter runoff, restoring wetlands, and building fences to keep cattle away from waterways. The program prevents tons of silt, manure, and pesticides from seeping into waterways and provides critical habitat for wildlife.
DNR’s Program Open Space is a nationally recognized program that provides funding for Maryland’s state and local parks and conservation areas. More than 4,500 county and municipal park and conservation projects have been executed through the program, improving the quality of life for millions of Marylanders.
Posted June 23, 2004