The Frederick County Office of Agriculture is proud to mark an impressive milestone in land preservation as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of Maryland’s Rural Legacy Program (RLP). On August 28th, 2024, the Maryland legislature appropriated approximately $15.3 million for the Maryland DNR program, including a $1.29 million grant to Frederick County’s Rural Legacy Areas.
The RLP, operated by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), provides the focus and funding necessary to protect and preserve large, contiguous tracts of rich agricultural and forested land from sprawling development. DNR partners with local governments and private land trust sponsors across the state, who work with willing property owners to acquire conservation easements. Enacted by the General Assembly in 1997, Maryland’s RLP acquired its first easement in 1999. Since then, the program has dedicated over $405 million to preserve more than 125,000 acres of valuable farmland, forests, and natural areas across the state.
Frederick County is home to two Rural Legacy Areas – the Mid-Maryland Frederick area and the Carrollton Manor area. The Mid-Maryland Frederick Rural Legacy area, designated by the Rural Legacy Board in 1998, extends from Myersville down to Brunswick. The Carrollton Manor area, designated in 2004, encompasses land south of the City of Frederick down to the Potomac River. Easements in these areas protect important farmland, forestland, Civil War historic sites, and viewsheds around treasured landscapes such as Sugarloaf Mountain and the historic Town of Burkittsville. Preservation of these areas also protects views surrounding the Appalachian Trail, South Mountain Battlefield State Park, and the Monocacy National Battlefield, which are nationally significant natural and cultural resources.
Easements protect our rich agricultural land, ensuring the viability of our agricultural industry, food production, and access to local foods. They also ensure that future generations can enjoy the scenic beauty and historic significance of these areas. To date, 7,324 acres have been preserved in Frederick County through the RLP.
Thanks to the collaborative efforts of the county, landowners, and conservation partners, over 73,707 acres of land have been permanently preserved, safeguarding Frederick County’s rural character and the future of local agriculture. If you are a landowner passionate about preserving the future of Frederick County’s rural landscapes, visit our website or contact Shannon O’Neil at soneil@frederickcountymd.gov to learn more about how you can help
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