Since 1969, Program Open Space has provided funding for acquisition of 326,280 acres for open space and recreation. Starting in 1997, Maryland’s Rural Legacy Program has provided funding to preserve more than 58,595 acres of forest and farm land throughout the state to protect the rural character of the state’s communities from sprawl development.
More recently, Governor O’Malley and the BPW have preserved almost 10,000 acres of natural areas for public recreation and watershed and wildlife protection across Maryland.
This includes $457,695 to acquire a conservation easement on a 52-acre farm near Fair Hill in Cecil County. In Dorchester County, the board approved $731,000 to acquire a conservation easement on a 271-acre farm in the Nanticoke River Rural Legacy Area. In Wicomico County, the board approved $709,571 to acquire a conservation easement on a 292-acre property in the Quantico Creek Rural Legacy Area.
Additionally, Cecil County gets $16,972 to acquire 101 acres to establish the county’s first regional park about halfway between the towns of North East and Rising Sun. Worcester County will receive $23,648 to offset expansion costs of the Northside Park building in Ocean City.
The money comes from a percentage of the real estate transfer tax and is used for local and state parks throughout Maryland. Most Maryland residents live within 15 minutes of an open space or recreational area funded by Program Open Space.
Chaired by Governor O’Malley, the Board of Public Works is also comprised of Treasurer Nancy Kopp and Comptroller Peter Franchot. The Board is authorized by the General Assembly to approve major construction and consultant contracts, equipment purchases, property transactions and other procurement actions.
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