Washington County Expands Protected Lands with 202-Acre Farm Preservation

According to a press release from the Washington County Department of Planning & Zoning, the county has successfully preserved an additional 202 acres of farmland. This action, finalized on January 29, 2026, contributes to the over 43,000 acres of permanently protected land already within Washington County. The newly preserved property, situated on Dam 4 Road in Williamsport, is a largely wooded parcel notable for its scenic and natural qualities. Its inclusion in the preservation efforts is significant as it fortifies a substantial contiguous area of protected land in the region and may encourage adjacent landowners to pursue similar permanent easements.

The preservation of this farm was facilitated through a Rural Legacy Program (RLP) easement. The RLP is a key component of Washington County’s broader land preservation strategy. Since its inception, the program has been instrumental in safeguarding approximately 9,800 acres, which represents more than 22% of all permanently preserved land under easement in the county. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) provides funding and oversight for the RLP, while the Washington County Department of Planning & Zoning’s Land Preservation Office manages the program at the local level. The program’s objective is to protect agricultural, historical, and environmentally significant lands across the county.

The Rural Legacy Program is not the sole initiative employed by Washington County to preserve its landscapes. The county utilizes a comprehensive strategy that encompasses several other programs. These include the Maryland DNR Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP), Program Open Space–Stateside, and the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Program (MALPF). Additionally, Washington County operates its own Installment Purchase Program (IPP) and facilitates local forest conservation easements. Federal programs such as the Farm and Ranchland Protection Program (FRPP) and Federal Scenic Easements are also utilized. Furthermore, the county collaborates with various partner organizations, including MARBIDCO, the Maryland Environmental Trust (MET), the Antietam Battlefield Trust (ABT), and the Mid-Maryland Land Trust (MMLT), to achieve its preservation goals. While state funding typically forms the bulk of the financial support for these programs, Washington County has made substantial financial commitments in recent years to bolster and ensure the sustainability of its land preservation endeavors. Residents can find more information about these various land preservation programs by contacting Chris Boggs, Rural Preservation Administrator, at 240-313-2447 or via email at cboggs@washco-md.net.

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

---