WILLIAMSPORT, MD (May 22, 2025) – The Washington County Department of Planning & Zoning announces the permanent preservation of a 103.03868-acre farm on Neck Road in Williamsport, Maryland. This achievement, made possible through funding from Washington County and the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation (MALPF), adds to the more than 42,500 acres of protected agricultural land in the County.
The property, a working cattle and crop farm known for its rolling hills and scenic views, was preserved through a Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Program (MALPP) easement. The newly protected land builds upon a substantial block of conserved farmland in the area and will support neighboring landowners seeking similar preservation opportunities.
MALPP is Washington County’s leading land preservation program, accounting for nearly 17,000 acres—approximately 39% of all permanently preserved agricultural land in the County. The program is funded and administered by MALPF under the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) and managed locally by the Land Preservation Office within the Department of Planning & Zoning.
“This easement demonstrates Washington County’s ongoing commitment to preserving our rich agricultural heritage and ensuring the long-term viability of farming in our region,” said Chris Boggs, Rural Preservation Administrator. “Each preserved acre represents a step toward a more sustainable and balanced future for our rural communities.”
The recently preserved farm was the third property to settle under the Fiscal Year 2024 MALPP application cycle. Landowners interested in participating in the program must submit applications by July 1 each year, with easement offers typically extended the following March.
MALPP is part of a broader land preservation strategy in Washington County. Additional programs include the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ Rural Legacy Program, Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP), Project Open Space Stateside, the County’s Installment Purchase Program (IPP), federal Farm and Ranchland Protection Program (FRPP), Federal Scenic Easements, and partnerships with organizations such as MARBIDCO, Maryland Environmental Trust (MET), Antietam Battlefield Trust (ABT), and Mid-Maryland Land Trust (MMLT).
While much of the funding for these efforts comes from state and federal sources, Washington County continues to make significant local investments in farmland preservation to protect its rural character and agricultural economy.
For more information about land preservation programs in Washington County, contact Chris Boggs, Rural Preservation Administrator, at 240-313-2447 or [email protected].
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