Governor Martin O’Malley announced preservation of more than 214 acres of forest and farm land in Queen Anne’s and Worcester counties through Maryland’s Rural Legacy program.
“These conservation easements protect the culture, environment, and history of our rural communities, while enabling landowners to continue to own and use their property for agricultural production and personal enjoyment,” said Governor O’Malley. “The success of Maryland’s nationally recognized Rural Legacy Program would not be possible without our partnership with local governments, land trusts and private landowners.”
In Queen Anne’s County, the board authorized $683,676 for acquisition of a 174 acre easement in the Foreman Branch Rural Legacy Area, which will protect valuable agricultural and forest lands in the Chester River watershed.
In Worcester County, the board authorized acquisition of 40 acre conservation easement in the Coastal Bays Rural Legacy Area, protecting farm and forest lands in the Chincoteague Watershed.
Since 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.
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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