Washington County Commissioners Recognize Support for Veterans, Approve Conservation Easement

The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) for Washington County recently convened to address several key initiatives, including the formal recognition of “Forget-Me-Not” Months in honor of disabled veterans, the approval of a significant conservation easement aimed at protecting local natural resources, and the allocation of funds to enhance recovery and reentry services at the Washington County Detention Center.

During their meeting, the Commissioners officially designated September, October, and November 2026 as “Forget-Me-Not” Months. This recognition, formalized through a proclamation presented to Ron Hoffman of the Disabled American Veterans Organization, highlights the organization’s ongoing work to provide essential services to disabled veterans and their families. These services encompass assistance with accessing government benefits, securing employment, navigating healthcare, receiving counseling, and addressing emergency needs. The “Forget-Me-Not” Drive, an annual event held throughout Washington County during these three months, also received acknowledgment. The Board conveyed its appreciation to disabled veterans for their profound sacrifices in defending the community’s rights and freedoms.

In a move to bolster environmental conservation efforts, the Board of County Commissioners approved a permanent 20-acre Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) easement. This easement pertains to a property located on Ashton Road in Clear Spring and will safeguard 14 acres of woodland and 6 acres of pastureland. Additionally, it will establish a protective buffer along approximately 1,950 linear feet of Toms Run. Notably, the entire cost of this conservation easement will be covered by state CREP funds, meaning no county funds will be required for the purchase. This initiative is designed to contribute to the protection of local waterways while simultaneously preserving the agricultural, historic, cultural, and natural attributes of the property. Washington County has been an active participant in the CREP program since 2010, successfully acquiring easements that have preserved over 2,000 acres of land. Currently, the county has a substantial amount of land under preservation, with 44,007 acres protected by permanent agricultural preservation easements and an additional 34,859 acres under temporary preservation.

The Commissioners also took action to support critical recovery and reentry programs within the Washington County Detention Center. As part of several grant-related decisions, the Board approved the submission of a Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) Grant application and formally accepted funding to bolster treatment, recovery, and reentry services. This grant funding is slated to support the Detention Center’s in-jail Medication-Assisted Treatment program. The support includes the provision of a Peer Recovery Specialist, necessary medication, and low-barrier reentry resources designed to assist individuals in their successful reintegration into the community.

In addition to these key actions, the Board of County Commissioners approved various purchase awards and contract renewals for different county departments. Furthermore, the Board convened as the Board of Health to endorse the submission of two grant proposals for programs operated by Girls Inc. of Washington County. Further details on all actions taken during the meeting are available for public viewing on YouTube. The next regular BOCC meetings are scheduled for September 15, 22, and 29, with an additional evening meeting with the Town of Sharpsburg planned for September 29. Subsequent regular meetings are scheduled for October 13.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from Washington County Board of County Commissioners

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