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Governor O’Malley Announces Preservation of more than 271 Acres of Forest and Farm Land in Frederick, Carroll Counties
Annapolis, MD — Governor Martin O’Malley announced the Board of Public Works has approved preservation of more than 271 acres of forest and farm land in Frederick and Carroll counties through Maryland’s Rural Legacy Program.
“Through this nationally recognized program, Maryland is a leader in the protection of the cultural, environmental and economic legacies of our rural communities while allowing landowners to continue to own and use their property,” Governor O’Malley said.
In Frederick County, the board approved $858,505 for conservation easements for more than 210 acres of agricultural land around the historic village of Burkittsville.
“This conservation easement will improve water quality, preserve agricultural land that is important to the region’s economy, protect part of the view of the Appalachian Trail and the South Mountain State Park and provide preservation protection for the historic village of Burkittsville,” said DNR Secretary John R. Griffin.
Frederick County Land Preservation Administrator Timothy J. Blaser added, “This has been our number one priority ever since the Rural Legacy program was created. It’s always been high on our radar.”
In Carroll County, the board approved $178,760 for conservation easements for more than 60 acres of forest and farm land in the Upper Patapsco Rural Legacy area.
Since 1997, Maryland’s Rural Legacy Program has provided funding to preserve more than 58,595 acres of forest and farm land throughout the state to protect the rural character of the state’s communities from sprawl development.
Chaired by Governor O’Malley, the Board of Public Works is also comprised of Treasurer Nancy Kopp and Comptroller Peter Franchot. The Board is authorized by the General Assembly to approve major construction and consultant contracts, equipment purchases, property transactions and other procurement actions.
September 11, 2008 Contact: Wiley Hall
410-260-8002 office I 410-507-7526 cell
whall@dnr.state.md.usMaryland 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.