Washington County Expands Preserved Farmland to Over 44,000 Acres

Washington County, Maryland, has announced the successful preservation of a 47.79-acre farm located on Bikle Road in Smithsburg, bringing the total amount of permanently protected land within the county to over 44,000 acres. This latest preservation effort was made possible through the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) Program Open Space–Stateside (POS-Stateside) easement program, with the easement finalized on August 19, 2026. The farm encompasses valuable pasture and woodland resources, along with notable scenic and natural attributes.

The newly preserved property is situated within a larger contiguous block of thousands of acres of already conserved land, a factor that is expected to aid neighboring property owners in their own pursuits of permanent land conservation easements. This marks the fourth POS-Stateside easement to be finalized in Washington County, highlighting the program’s growing presence and importance in the region’s land preservation strategy. The POS-Stateside program is funded and managed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, while the local administration is handled by the Land Preservation Office within the Washington County Department of Planning & Zoning. Funding for these easements is made available on a continuous basis throughout the year, with a specific emphasis on properties that contain significant natural resources and offer opportunities for public access to these resources.

This recent preservation project aligns with Washington County’s broader land preservation strategy, which is dedicated to safeguarding agricultural lands, scenic vistas, historical sites, and environmentally sensitive areas throughout the county. The POS-Stateside program is one of several initiatives supporting these objectives. Other programs contributing to Washington County’s land conservation goals include the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ Rural Legacy Program (RLP) and Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP); the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation (MALPF) program; the County’s own Installment Purchase Program (IPP); local forest conservation easements; and federal programs such as the Farm and Ranchland Protection Program (FRPP) and Federal Scenic Easements. Additionally, the county collaborates with various organizations, including the Maryland Agricultural Resource-Based Industries Development Corporation (MARBIDCO), Maryland Environmental Trust (MET), Antietam Battlefield Trust (ABT), and Mid-Maryland Land Trust (MMLT). While state sources provide the majority of funding for these land preservation efforts, Washington County has made substantial financial commitments in recent years to bolster these programs and reinforce its dedication to preserving its agricultural heritage, natural resources, scenic beauty, and rural character for future generations. Residents can find more information about Washington County’s 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 Division of Planning & Zoning

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