757 Acres of Unique Habitat Protected

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WICOMICO COUNTY — Partnering with The Nature Conservancy, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) secured a conservation easement on an extensive tract of 757-acres of forest in the Nanticoke Greenway in Wicomico County.

“This conservation easement permanently protects valuable forests and riparian buffers along the Nanticoke River and Rewastico Creek that has exceptional environmental value,” said DNR Secretary John R. Griffin. “Protection of this land helps Maryland meet our commitments in the Chesapeake Bay 2000 Agreement.“

The Hurley Neck Sand Dunes property contains a unique ancient sand dune complex, high quality native hardwood forest with several rare plants as well as a valuable tidal wetland system. The easement allows agriculture and sustainable timber harvest on the property. The easement was purchased with Program Open Space funds approved by the Board of Public Works this past June.

“Ancient sand dunes, a nice forest canopy for weary warblers, and miles of Nanticoke tributaries weaving through acres and acres of high quality wetlands will continue to be great habitat for a lot of plants, fish and wildlife.” said Liz Zucker of The Nature Conservancy

Owners Robert Bartoshesky and William D’Alonzo expressed, “We appreciate working with the State and the Conservancy to assure protection of the land for the enjoyment of its natural resources and open landscape for many generations to come”.

The Nanticoke Greenway extends from the Delaware State line just north of Galestown to the mouth of the Nanticoke River at Tangier Sound and the Chesapeake Bay. A resource based greenway, the Nanticoke Greenway features extensive tidal marshland surrounding Tangier Sound and Fishing Bay, outstanding waterfowl and wildlife habitat, wetlands of State concern, numerous rare plant sites, and significant forest resources along the Marshyhope Creek. These areas provide some of the nation’s finest public duck hunting.

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September 27, 2007

Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 449,000 acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 12 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov