Washington County has permanently preserved more than 240 acres of farmland through two separate easements finalized under the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Program (MALPP). These efforts, jointly funded by the County and the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation (MALPF), mark a continued commitment to safeguarding the region’s agricultural resources and rural landscape.
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The first property, a 103-acre cattle and crop farm on Neck Road in Williamsport, and the second, a 139-acre operation on Old Forge Road in Hagerstown, have both been preserved through MALPP easements. Each site is characterized by rolling hills and scenic views and contributes to the expansion of contiguous blocks of permanently protected farmland. The preserved land strengthens existing agricultural infrastructure and supports surrounding landowners interested in similar conservation initiatives.
Together, the Williamsport and Hagerstown properties were the third and fourth farms settled under the Fiscal Year 2024 MALPP application cycle. The program, managed locally by Washington County’s Department of Planning & Zoning, currently accounts for nearly 17,000 acres—or 39%—of all permanently preserved farmland in the County. The next application deadline for interested landowners is July 1, with easement offers typically issued by the following March.
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MALPP is part of a broader suite of land conservation programs available in Washington County. These include initiatives such as the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ Rural Legacy Program, the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP), Project Open Space Stateside, and the County’s Installment Purchase Program. Additional partnerships with state and federal agencies, as well as local organizations like the Mid-Maryland Land Trust and the Antietam Battlefield Trust, contribute to a multifaceted strategy to protect agricultural and natural resources.
While most funding comes from state and federal sources, Washington County has increased its local investment in recent years, underscoring its dedication to preserving farmland and maintaining the county’s rural heritage for future generations.
Article by multiple RFHC contributors, based upon information from the Washington County Department of Planning & Zoning
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