Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr., recognized 59 donors from across Maryland who have donated conservation easements permanently protecting 3,821 acres through the Maryland Environmental Trust (MET) since October 2004.
“These Marylanders are driven by a commitment to conservation and a desire to preserve our great state’s farms, forests and open spaces,” Ehrlich said. “Whether they have donated three or 300 acres, their generosity ensures that future generations of Marylanders will be able to enjoy our state’s pristine lands.”
Since receiving its first donation of a conservation easement from Francis Gardiner in 1972 on his 10.5-acre property in Anne Arundel County, MET has protected more than 100,000 acres of land across the state. MET has also helped form 52 local land trusts, coordinating them through the Maryland Land Trust Alliance.
Donations of conservation easements save Maryland taxpayers money as compared to the State purchase of easements. The cost to the State of accepting a donated easement is about $260 an acre in staff time and tax benefits as opposed to $4,500-$5,000 an acre to purchase an easement.
Landowners receive a package of benefits that includes a 15-year property tax credit, a state income tax credit, federal income tax deductions and estate tax benefits.
The Maryland Environmental Trust (MET) is a statewide land trust established in 1967 by an act of the Maryland legislature. Staffed with funds from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), it is governed by an independent Board of Trustees. The Maryland Environmental Trust has protected 109,000 acres of privately owned forest, farm, and open space across the State with permanent, donated easements.