Governor Ehrlich Announces BPW Approval of $258,464 for a Conservation Easement
in St. Mary’s County
Shoreline of Biscoe Creek receives protection
ANNAPOLIS, MD — Reaffirming his commitment to protecting the rural lands and watersheds of Maryland, Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. today announced Board of Public Works approval of $258,464 in Program Open Space funds to acquire a conservation easement west of Scotland in St. Mary’s County.
“Buffered shorelines and tributaries are essential to reducing excessive nutrient and sediment runoff,” said Governor Ehrlich. “By preserving the forests that line more than half a mile of Biscoe Creek, we advance yet one more step towards our goal of restoring the Chesapeake Bay.”
The Board approved $258,464 in Program Open Space funds to acquire a perpetual easement through the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) on 149-forested acres in St. Mary’s County. This acquisition safeguards water quality by establishing buffers along 3,119 feet of Biscoe Creek, a tributary that flows directly into the Potomac River. 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 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 4,600 county and municipal park and conservation projects have been completed through the program, improving the quality of life for millions of Marylanders.