Conservation Easement Protects Drinking Water Reservoir And Scenic Open Space In Montgomery County

Brinklow, Md. (September 20, 2010) —  The Maryland Environmental Trust (MET) has aquired a conservation easement to protect a 17-acre property owned by Timothy Hussman in Montgomery County. The easement helps protect water quality and quantity in the nearby Triadelphia Reservoir by requiring stream buffers and limiting impervious surfaces. Additionally, the easement protects 1,200 feet of scenic land along Brighton Dam Road and meets the planning goals for the area as defined by Montgomery County.

“My family and I are happy to be able to contribute to the protection of the reservoir and scenic open space in Montgomery County,” said landowner Timothy Hussman. “We consider it a privilege to be a part of the efforts of the Maryland Environmental Trust to preserve the State’s natural resources and open space.”

The conservation easement was purchased with funds from the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC), which owns and manages the Triadelphia Reservoir and surrounding lands. MET and WSSC have been working together since 2006 to identify, target, and acquire conservation easements and fee lands in Montgomery and Howard counties. The goals of the collaboration include safeguarding the water supply, protecting forest land and enhancing water quality.

“I am thrilled that the cooperation between the Maryland Environmental Trust and the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission has produced another great conservation easement,” said Elizabeth Buxton, Director of MET. “We rely on our partnerships with organizations like WSSC to build relationships with landowners and acquire conservation easements on high value properties.”

MET was established in 1967 by the Maryland General Assembly to preserve privately owned farm, forest and other significant lands and has since protected over 126,000 acres statewide. MET is one of the oldest and most successful land trusts in the country, and is authorized by law to accept private donations of interests in real estate, money or other property; such gifts are tax deductible. In giving conservation easements, landowners donate the development rights on their property while retaining all other rights of ownership. Public access is not a requirement. For more information, visit www.dnr.maryland.gov/met.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages nearly one-half million 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 11 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