Charles County Just Gained New Land For Hunting, Hiking, And Birding

CHARLES COUNTY, Md. — Charles County just gained new public land for outdoor recreation, thanks to a state-approved acquisition of 3.73 acres near the Myrtle Grove Wildlife Management Area, opening the door to expanded recreation, conservation, and public access along Mattawoman Creek.

The acquisition was approved under the Program Open Space State Share – Park System Capital Improvements and Acquisition Fund during the Maryland Board of Public Works’ Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, meeting. The property was donated by Mason Springs Conservancy, Ltd., and will be managed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

According to agenda materials, the property includes a portion of Mattawoman Creek, an important spawning area within the Potomac River Basin. The site has historically been used as a public access point to the creek, and the acquisition will preserve access for anglers and kayakers while protecting water quality and habitat.

Officials said the land will also support expanded recreational opportunities, including hunting, trapping, hiking, and birding. The area provides habitat protection for Forest Interior Dwelling Species, and is located within a region recognized by the National Audubon Society as an Important Bird Area.

The acquisition price was $30,000, based on recent appraisals, with an additional $3,000 authorized for stabilization funds. Those funds may be used to address health and safety hazards, protect water quality, and ensure continued public access at the time of acquisition.

Forest Interior Dwelling Species And Habitat Protection

The Chesapeake Bay and surrounding regions support Forest Interior Dwelling Species, commonly known as FIDS. These bird species rely on large, continuous forested areas to survive and successfully reproduce. Examples include migratory songbirds such as indigo buntings, scarlet tanagers, and the Baltimore oriole, Maryland’s state bird.

Human activity can affect the health of Forest Interior Dwelling Species and the broader Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. Development, land disturbance, and changes to forested areas can impact both wildlife habitat and nearby aquatic resources.

Program Open Space- Local provides financial and technical assistance to local subdivisions for the planning, acquisition, and development of recreation land and open space areas. Established under the Department of Natural Resources in 1969, the program represents Maryland’s long-term commitment to conserving natural resources while expanding public outdoor recreation opportunities. More than 7,100 park and conservation area projects statewide have been supported through Program Open Space – Local grants.

About Myrtle Grove Wildlife Management Area

Myrtle Grove Wildlife Management Area is located in Charles County, Maryland, near La Plata. The area encompasses forested bottomlands along Mattawoman Creek and was historically home to the Piscataway Indians.

The original tract of Myrtle Grove Wildlife Management Area was acquired by the State of Maryland in 1929 and included 754 acres in the central portion of the property. Since that time, additional acquisitions have expanded the area to approximately 5,190 acres, making it the largest Wildlife Management Area in Maryland’s Southern Region.

The site is home to the Myrtle Grove Wildlife Office, which issues Free Public Hunting Permits and manages reservations for public hunting properties throughout the Southern Region. The office operates seasonally from 8 a.m. to noon. Visitors are encouraged to call ahead to confirm current hours. The office can be reached at 301-743-5161.

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