Governor O'Malley Announces BPW Approval Of Rural Legacy Preservation In Queen Anne's County

ANNAPOLIS, MD (January 6, 2010) — Governor Martin O’Malley today announced Board of Public Works (BPW) approval of two conservation easements protecting a total of 315 acres in Queen Anne’s County through the Rural Legacy Program. The easements are within the Foreman Branch Rural Legacy Area.

“Maryland’s forests and fields define our great State and our farms support our rural families and economy” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “As we preserve these lands, we are also preserving our culture and heritage for future generations.”

Today the BPW approved $614,966 for the acquisition of a 152-acre conservation easement preserving productive farmland and forests in the Chester River watershed. The BPW also approved $679,909 for the acquisition of an additional 164 - acre conservation easement to preserve farmland and protect water quality in the Chester River watershed. Both properties are located in the Foreman Branch Rural Legacy Area. The easement will be held by DNR and Queen Anne’s County.

“Queen Anne’s County is proud to actively participate in the preservation through the Rural Legacy program,” said Commission President Gene Ransom. “These easements are part of the Foreman Branch Rural Legacy Area that the County is requesting be expanded to provide continued opportunities for further preservation of its finest agricultural, natural and environmental resources.”

Maryland’s Rural Legacy Program provides funding to preserve large, contiguous tracts of land and to enhance natural resource, agricultural, forestry and environmental protection while supporting a sustainable land base for natural resource based industries.

Enacted by the General Assembly in 1997, Maryland’s Rural Legacy Program has to date provided over $197,462,247 to protect 64,784 acres of valuable farmland, forests, and natural areas. The 11-member Rural Legacy Advisory Committee and the Rural Legacy Board, which is comprised of Maryland’s Agriculture, Natural Resources and Planning Secretaries, reviews grant applications annually. For additional information, visit http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/land/rurallegacy/.

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.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2009, is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 467,000 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