LA PLATA, Md. — Two Charles County farms — totaling 159.271 acres in the La Plata and Nanjemoy areas — will be permanently protected soon as working farmland through the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation (MALPF). The Maryland Board of Public Works approved the easement contracts on Aug. 6, making Charles County the only jurisdiction in Southern Maryland to secure funding in this latest round.
The BayNet reached out to the Maryland Department of Agriculture to learn more about the preserved properties announced on Aug. 7, when the Maryland Board of Public Works approved 19 new agricultural preservation easements statewide.
The department confirmed the two Charles County farms include equestrian operations, forestry areas and hay production. Officials noted that while the contracts have been approved, the easements have not yet been settled. Once finalized, the land will remain dedicated to agriculture in perpetuity, safeguarding it from development pressure and ensuring it continues to contribute to the county’s rural landscape and economy.
Statewide, the newly approved easements span 10 counties and add approximately 1,674 acres of prime farmland and woodland to Maryland’s preserved land portfolio. The program purchases easements from willing farm owners, providing compensation in exchange for the permanent surrender of development rights.
To qualify for the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation program, properties must meet minimum acreage and soil quality standards and be located outside designated growth areas.
The latest approvals follow Maryland’s milestone achievement of conserving 30% of state land by 2030, as outlined in the Maryland the Beautiful Act. The state’s next target is 40% by 2040.
MALPF Impact
Created by the Maryland General Assembly in 1977, the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation has permanently protected farmland in all 23 of Maryland’s counties, representing a public investment of more than $900 million. Since 1980, the program has purchased easements on more than 2,500 properties, safeguarding over 350,000 acres of farmland and woodland from future development.
For more information about the MALPF program or to inquire about participation, contact Charles County’s Department of Planning and Growth Management at 301-645-0692 or visit mda.maryland.gov/malpf.
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Knowing the commee missioners, that ALL the land left in CC that they won’t build on…
Good info and story on ag land preservation in Charles County. This is a very important topic for rural Maryland but your picture with the lead off is actually a preserved farm in St. Mary’s County not Charles County. We’re happy to see our farm highlighted. Forrest Hall is a preserved farm and also a century farm as recognized by the State of Maryland and owned by the Wood family since 1917. Still a good story on an important topic. Thank you.