Board of Public Works Approves $1.25 Million in Rural Legacy Funding for Conservation Easement in Frederick CountyTwo easements will protect a total of 419 acres, advance region’s preservation efforts
ANNAPOLIS, MD (December 19, 2001) – Continuing his commitment to preserving Maryland’s natural resources, Governor Parris N. Glendening today announced Board of Public Works approval of $1.25 million in Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) Rural Legacy funds for the purchase of two conservation easement near the town of Burkittsville. These easements will permanently protect an additional 419 acres in the area, securing the viability of the property’s farm and forestlands and further improving the water quality of the Potomac River.
“Frederick County is one of Maryland’s fastest growing regions and we must move aggressively to preserve its remaining open space and strong agricultural traditions,” said Governor Glendening. “Through the purchase of conservation easements on these properties we secure these precious cultural and natural resources for future generations of Marylanders to experience and enjoy.”
Today’s action by the Board approved the purchase of two conservation easements on the completely agricultural Egypt Farms property near Burkittsville. The property serves as a base of operations for the entire 8,000-plus acre Egypt Farms operations in Maryland and Virginia, and plays a crucial role in supporting the overall resource-based economy of the area. Acquisition of the easements will protect valuable agricultural land and add to a 3,000-plus acre block of preserved land.
The first easement, consisting of 179 acres, extinguishes the right to construct approximately three residences. There are six existing residences on the property; no additional residences may be built. The second easement, consisting of 240 acres, extinguishes the right to construct approximately three residences. There is one existing residence on the property; no additional residences may be built.
Both easements require Total Resource Management Plans and best management practices. They will be held by the Board of County Commissioners of Frederick County, Maryland, the Maryland Environmental Trust (MET), and the Mid-Maryland Land Trust Association, Inc.
Located in the southern and western portions of the county, the Frederick County Rural Legacy Area (RLA) is part of the tri-county Mid-Maryland Rural Legacy Preservation Initiative. The plan is to protect farmland and Civil War Battlefields from South Mountain to farms along Catoctin Creek in Middletown Valley, as well as to build upon the 3,700 acres preserved throughout the RLA. Many areas of historic importance, including Turner's Gap, Fox's Gap, and Crampton's Gap Civil War sites on South Mountain, are located within this RLA. The area also contributes to an important resource-based economy including grain and dairy operations, which generate between $18 and $20 million annually.
With the Board’s approval of these two easements it brings the number of easements within the Mid-Maryland Frederick County Rural Legacy Area to twelve, totaling 1,788 acres at a cost of $5.5 million.
The Rural Legacy Program, part of Governor Glendening’s Smart Growth Initiative, was established in 1998 to encourage the State and local governments to work in conjunction with private landowners and trusts to strategically preserve large, contiguous blocks of land across the State. Properties targeted for protection include endangered species habitat, agricultural lands, forests, stream buffers, and historic villages and battlefields.
Posted December 20, 2001