State Approves $2.7 Million Acquisition To Expand St. Mary’s River State Park

LEONARDTOWN, Md. — A more than 200-acre forested property in St. Mary’s County is set to become part of St. Mary’s River State Park following approval of a $2.7 million acquisition through Maryland’s Program Open Space.

The acquisition, approved by the Maryland Board of Public Works at the May 20 meeting, involves a 208.58-acre property owned by HDC Management LLC. The land will be transferred to the state of Maryland for management by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources as an addition to the existing state park.

According to meeting agenda pg. 39, the property includes a portion of Pembrook Run, a tributary of the St. Mary’s River, and will help protect water quality within the watershed while preserving habitat for forest interior-dwelling species.

State officials said the acquisition will also expand public recreational opportunities in an area where demand for outdoor recreation continues to grow.

One of the most significant aspects of the project is improved accessibility to the park. The property is located along an existing bus route, making it the first section of St. Mary’s River State Park in St. Mary’s County with a direct connection to public transportation.

The Program Open Space proposal received a score of 56 out of 100 during the state review process. While the project was not located within a designated Targeted Ecological Area, officials cited its environmental benefits, including habitat conservation and watershed protection.

The state will purchase the property for $2.7 million, a figure that falls between two recent appraisals. An April 1 appraisal by George L. Peabody valued the property at $2.734 million, while a March 24 appraisal by Stacy A. Harman placed the value at $2.587 million. Both appraisals were reviewed by state appraisal reviewer Gary Leak.

In addition to the purchase price, the project includes $270,000 in stabilization funding. According to the Department of Natural Resources, the funds may be used to address health and safety concerns, protect water quality and provide public access improvements. State officials indicated a portion of the funding could be used to remove existing structures that are not included in the future management plan for the property.

Once finalized, the acquisition will increase protected public lands within the St. Mary’s River watershed and expand recreational access for residents and visitors while preserving a significant forested landscape in St. Mary’s County.

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