HAGERSTOWN, MD (May 22, 2025) – The Washington County Department of Planning & Zoning announces the permanent preservation of a 139.2333-acre farm located on Old Forge Road in Hagerstown, Maryland. The preservation was made possible through funding from Washington County and the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation (MALPF), further strengthening the County’s commitment to protecting farmland for future generations.
This cattle and crop operation, known for its rolling hills and scenic views, was preserved through a Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Program (MALPP) easement. This new easement expands a contiguous block of thousands of acres of permanently protected agricultural land and will support surrounding farms in their own preservation efforts.
MALPP is Washington County’s most active and impactful land preservation program, contributing nearly 17,000 acres—or 39%—of the County’s permanently protected agricultural land. The program is funded and administered by the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s MALPF and is locally managed by the Land Preservation Office of the Washington County Department of Planning & Zoning.
“This latest easement adds another vital piece to our preservation landscape,” said Chris Boggs, Rural Preservation Administrator. “The County is proud to collaborate with state partners and local landowners to protect our valuable agricultural resources and promote a strong rural economy.”
The Old Forge Road property is the third farm to settle under the Fiscal Year 2024 MALPP application cycle. Landowners interested in participating must apply by July 1 each year, with funding offers typically extended the following March.
MALPP is part of a broader, multifaceted land preservation strategy in Washington County. Other programs include the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ Rural Legacy Program, the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP), Project Open Space Stateside, the County’s Installment Purchase Program (IPP), local forest conservation easements, the federal Farm and Ranchland Protection Program (FRPP), Federal Scenic Easements, and easement partnerships with organizations such as MARBIDCO, the Maryland Environmental Trust (MET), Antietam Battlefield Trust (ABT), and the Mid-Maryland Land Trust (MMLT).
While most funding stems from state and federal resources, Washington County has increased its own financial contributions in recent years to bolster preservation efforts and ensure a legacy of productive farmland and natural beauty.
For more information about land preservation programs in Washington County, contact Chris Boggs, Rural Preservation Administrator, at 240-313-2447 or [email protected].
###
