Governor O’Malley Announces BPW Approval for
Four Preservation Projects in Anne Arundel County
Local Program Open Space Projects Preserve Migratory Bird Habitat and Historic Ball Field, Fund New Park in Millersville

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Annapolis, Md. — Governor Martin O’Malley today announced Board of Public Works preservation of more than 96 acres of sensitive forest, agricultural and wetland in Anne Arundel County, including protection of parts of an important migratory bird habitat and acquisition of potential park land in Millersville to accommodate growth related to the Base Realignment and Closure Act.

“Through these acquisitions and projects, we are expanding Greenways in some of our most environmentally critical areas while preserving the natural beauty of some of the state’s most engaging landscapes,” Governor O’Malley said.

The county will receive more than $5.8 million for four projects, including $1.9 million to acquire seven wooded acres along Galloway Creek; $1.7 million to acquire 33 acres for a new park in Millersville; $1.4 million to acquire 26 acres for a community park in Galesville and $704,000 to acquire 30 acres along the headwaters of the South River.

“These four projects exemplify the importance of the County’s partnership with the State of Maryland and Program Open Space”, said County Executive John R. Leopold.

The seven acres along Galloway Creek will be added to the Glendening Nature Preserve in the Jug Bay Wetland Sanctuary, providing a forested buffer filtering runoff into the creek and ultimately the Patuxent River.

The 33 acres for a new park near Millersville will meet the recreational needs of an area that is experiencing significant growth as a result of the Base Realignment and Closure Act.

The new community park in Galesville contains the historic 1926 baseball field that was home to the Galesville Hot Sox, a sandlot team that sent several players on to professional Negro League teams such as the Homestead Grays and the Baltimore Black Sox.

The 30 acres along Bacon Ridge Branch, headwaters of the South River, expands the Bacon Ridge Branch Greenway and protects an important migratory bird habitat.

Since 2007, Governor O'Malley and the BPW preserved more than 8,807 acres of natural areas for public recreation and watershed and wildlife protection across Maryland.  Since 1969, Program Open Space has provided funding for acquisition of 326,280 acres for open space and recreation areas. The money comes from a percentage of the real estate transfer tax and is used for local and state parks throughout Maryland. Most Maryland residents live within 15 minutes of an open space or recreational area funded by Program Open Space.

The three-member Board of Public Works, chaired by Governor O’Malley, is comprised of Treasurer Nancy Kopp and Comptroller Peter Franchot. The BPW is authorized by the General Assembly to approve major construction and consultant contracts, equipment purchases, property transactions and other procurement actions.

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October 15, 2008

Contact: Wiley Hall 410-260-8002 office I 410-507-7526 cell whall@dnr.state.md.us

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.