HAGERSTOWN, MD (November 8, 2024) – The Washington County Department of Planning & Zoning is proud to announce the permanent preservation of a 67.29-acre farm through the Rural Legacy Program (RLP), expanding the county’s commitment to land conservation. This scenic property on Trego Road in Keedysville, containing cropland, pastureland, and woodland, now joins over 41,000 acres of permanently preserved land across Washington County. The easement supports both the natural and historical significance of the region while preserving essential agricultural landscapes.
Secured as part of the 2024 fiscal year RLP grant cycle, the property adds to a contiguous block of thousands of preserved acres, helping encourage similar preservation efforts on neighboring properties. RLP, funded and administered by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) with local oversight by the Washington County Department of Planning & Zoning’s Land Preservation Office, has been instrumental in protecting over 9,000 acres—accounting for 22% of the County’s permanent easements. Each year, local farmers can apply to this program to preserve lands with agricultural, historic, and environmental value, with application submissions due by January 31 for consideration.
The Rural Legacy Program is part of Washington County’s comprehensive land preservation strategy, which includes various state, federal, and county initiatives. In addition to RLP, the County’s preservation portfolio features programs like the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Program (MALPF), Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP), Project Open Space Stateside, the County’s Installment Purchase Program (IPP), federal Farm and Ranchland Protection Program (FRPP), and easements with agencies including the Maryland Environmental Trust (MET) and Mid-Maryland Land Trust (MMLT). While largely funded by the state, Washington County has made additional investments to further enhance these preservation initiatives in recent years.
For more information on land preservation programs in Washington County, contact Chris Boggs, Rural Preservation Administrator, at 240-313-2447 or [email protected].
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