Washington County Expands Preserved Farmland by Over 130 Acres

Washington County is one step closer to its goal of preserving 43,000 acres of land, following the recent addition of a 130.21-acre farm in Clear Spring to its conservation efforts. This preservation was made possible through the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP), a joint federal and state initiative aimed at protecting environmentally sensitive agricultural land. The newly preserved property, located on Spade Road along the Conococheague Creek, is utilized for hay, equestrian, and livestock operations and is noted for its scenic and natural qualities. The addition of this farm is expected to bolster a growing contiguous area of conserved land and may encourage neighboring landowners to pursue similar preservation opportunities.

The Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program plays a significant role in Washington County’s land preservation strategy, having already secured over 2,000 acres through permanent conservation easements, representing nearly five percent of the county’s total preserved land. This program is managed at the state level by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and is coordinated locally by the Land Preservation Office within the Washington County Department of Planning & Zoning. Applications for CREP easements are accepted on an ongoing basis, and the program can also be applied to properties that currently have contracts through the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA).

Washington County employs a multifaceted approach to land preservation, encompassing a variety of programs designed to protect agricultural lands, scenic vistas, historical sites, and environmentally delicate areas. Beyond the CREP initiative, the county participates in programs such as the Rural Legacy Program and Program Open Space – Stateside, both administered by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Additionally, the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Program (MALPF) and the county’s own Installment Purchase Program (IPP) contribute to these preservation goals, alongside local forest conservation easements. Federal programs, including the Farm and Ranchland Protection Program (FRPP) and Federal Scenic Easements, are also part of the county’s strategy. Collaboration with various organizations, including MARBIDCO, the Maryland Environmental Trust (MET), the Antietam Battlefield Trust (ABT), and the Mid-Maryland Land Trust (MMLT), further supports these land preservation efforts through partner-supported easements. While state programs have historically been the primary source of funding for these initiatives, Washington County has recently increased its local investment in preservation, demonstrating a commitment to the long-term protection of its agricultural heritage and natural resources.

For those interested in learning more about Washington County’s land preservation programs, Chris Boggs, Rural Preservation Administrator, can be reached at 240-313-2447 or via email at cboggs@washco-md.net.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from Washington County Division of Planning & Zoning.

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