Two large agricultural properties in Washington County have been permanently protected from development, according to an announcement from the Washington County Department of Planning & Zoning. The move adds 246.67 acres to the county’s expanding network of conserved farmland, supporting the region’s agricultural economy and maintaining the area’s rural character.
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The preserved properties include a 130-acre hay and crop farm on Downsville Pike in Williamsport and a 116.67-acre crop and livestock operation on Lemuel Lane in Hagerstown. These preservation easements, finalized on May 1 and June 30 respectively, fall within existing clusters of protected land, which officials say will help encourage further participation in land conservation efforts by nearby farmers.
These two properties mark the eighth and ninth easements completed during the Fiscal Year 2024 cycle under the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Program (MALPP). The program enables farm owners to permanently sell development rights in exchange for financial compensation, ensuring the land remains used for agriculture. MALPP is the county’s leading preservation tool, currently protecting over 17,000 acres, or roughly 39% of Washington County’s total conserved land.
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Washington County’s preservation strategy extends beyond MALPP, incorporating a variety of federal, state, and local programs such as the Rural Legacy Program, Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP), and the Farm and Ranchland Protection Program (FRPP). Residents with farmland interested in protection can apply annually by July 1. Easement offers are typically extended in the following spring, providing a recurring opportunity for eligible landowners.
Article by multiple contributors, based upon information from the Washington County Department of Planning & Zoning press release.
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