HAGERSTOWN, MD (April 26, 2019) – At the April 24, 2019 Board of Public Works meeting, Governor Hogan announced the approval of funding for the 100,000th acre of land protected in perpetuity under the Rural Legacy Program. This year also marks the 20th anniversary of the first Rural Legacy Program easement. Several Washington County Land Preservation staff were in attendance, many who were involved in the original start-up of the Rural Legacy Program . For additional information about the Rural Legacy Program, please read the full press release from the Department of Natural Resourcesthat is found below.
For more information about the Rural Legacy Program in Washington County, please contact Rural Preservation Administrator Eric Seifarth at 240-313-2445.
Rural Legacy Program Reaches Milestone
April 24, 2019
100,000 Acres Conserved Over 20 Years
With the Board of Public Works’ approval of five new conservation easements, Maryland’s Rural Legacy Program has now conserved more than 100,000 acres of land throughout the state.
In presenting the properties for approval, Maryland Natural Resources Secretary Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio observed that this year marks the 20th Anniversary of Maryland’s first Rural Legacy Program acquisition.
“We have successfully worked with local partners, farmers and other landowners to conserve and maintain the rural character of our state for future generations,” Secretary Riccio said. “And with your approval of the items on our real property agenda today, which includes five Rural Legacy projects totaling 795 acres, we will exceed 100,000 acres protected under this incredible state program.”
The program provides funding for large tracts of land to enhance the protection of our natural resources while supporting natural resource-based industries like agriculture and forestry.
The program was enacted by the Maryland General Assembly in 1997, and the first Rural Legacy conservation easement was acquired in the fiscal year 1998-1999 grant cycle.
Among guests on hand was former Governor Parris Glendening, whose administration launched the Rural Legacy Program.
Secretary Riccio also thanked the members of the Board of Public Works — Governor Larry Hogan, Comptroller Peter Franchot and Treasurer Nancy K. Kopp — for their support through the years. Governor Hogan has fully funded land conservation and preservation programs. This has resulted in more than $55 million in Rural Legacy projects being approved by the Board of Public Works to protect more than 18,000 acres during Governor Hogan’s administration to date.
The easements presented for approval Wednesday by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources represent diverse regions of Maryland — Anne Arundel, Baltimore, St. Mary’s, Worcester and Washington counties.
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