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Governor O’Malley Announces Preservation Of More Than 615 Acres Of Forest And Farm Land In Cecil, Dorchester And Wicomico Counties
Annapolis, Md. — Governor Martin O’Malley today announced the Board of Public Works has approved preservation of more than 615 acres of forest and farm land in Cecil, Dorchester and Wicomico counties through Maryland’s Rural Legacy Program.
“These conservation easements protect the culture, environment, and history of our rural communities, while enabling landowners to continue to own and use their property for agricultural production and personal enjoyment,” said Governor O’Malley. “The success of Maryland’s nationally recognized Rural Legacy Program would not be possible without our partnership with local governments, land trusts and private landowners.”
In Cecil County, the board approved $457,695 to acquire a conservation easement on a 52-acre farm near Fair Hill.
In Dorchester County, the board approved $731,000 to acquire a conservation easement on a 271-acre farm in the Nanticoke River Rural Legacy Area.
In Wicomico County, the board approved $709,571 to acquire a conservation easement on a 292-acre property in the Quantico Creek 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.
November 5, 2008 Contact: Wiley Halll
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.