Governor O’Malley Announces Preservation of
267 Acres of Farm and Forest Land in Garrett County
Playground in Downtown Oakland Also to Get New Equipment

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Annapolis, Md. — Governor Martin O’Malley today announced Board of Public Works approval of the preservation of 267 acres of farm and forest land in Garrett County under Maryland’s Rural Legacy Program.

The $776,908 for conservation easements in the Accident community protects the water quality of streams that drain into Bear Creek and its tributaries, which are natural trout streams regularly stocked by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Beef cattle, hay and corn are harvested on the property.

Garrett County also will receive $26,200 through local Program Open Space to install playground equipment at Rotary Park, near downtown Oakland.

“Through these acquisitions and projects, we are protecting valuable wildlife habitat and preserving the natural beauty of some of our state’s most engaging landscapes, and we are enhancing our parks and recreational facilities in communities throughout Maryland,” Governor O’Malley said.

Through the nationally acclaimed Rural Legacy Program, Maryland has protected more than 58,595 acres of forest and farm land throughout the state since 1997, preserving the rural character of many communities from sprawl development.

Since 2007, Governor O'Malley and the BPW have 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.