Queen Anne’s County Achieves Significant Land Preservation Milestone

Queen Anne’s County Achieves Significant Land Preservation Milestone

Queen Anne’s County is proud to announce that the County’s preserved agricultural land now totals 90,343 acres, pending the settlement of an additional 1,830 acres. This achievement results from the combined efforts of several programs dedicated to land preservation.

Key contributors to this milestone include:

• Maryland Environmental Trust: 10,309 acres
• Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation: 36,705 acres
• Local Purchase of Development Rights / Transfer of Development Rights: 11,069 acres
• Private Conservation Organizations: 444 acres
• Rural Legacy: 9,251 acres
• Cluster Subdivision Remainder: 10,272 acres.
• County Rec & Parks: 3,125 acres
• DNR State Land Inventory: 6,740 acres
• Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program: 598 acres

The Queen Anne’s County Commissioners have made land preservation a top priority in recent years. In 2024, over $1 million was dedicated to the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation program, which, after the state match, resulted in a total contribution of over $5 million towards easement acquisition.

“Land preservation is not just about protecting our natural resources; it’s about preserving our heritage and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come. By safeguarding our open spaces and agricultural lands, we are maintaining the character and beauty of Queen Anne’s County, supporting our local economy, and contributing to larger environmental goals. Our commitment to these efforts reflects our dedication to our community’s well-being and our environment’s health. I am proud of our strides and remain committed to continuing this important work.” Said Jim Moran, County Commission President

These efforts align with the state’s “30 by 30” goal, which is consistent with President Biden’s executive order to conserve at least 30% of the country’s lands and waters by 2030.

“As of today, the County has preserved 43% of the agricultural zoned land. The County has not only met the 30% goal by 2030 but also the 40% goal by 2040 16 years ahead of schedule!” said Donna K. Landis-Smith, Queen Anne’s County Soil Conservation.

“For 55 years, Queen Anne’s Conservation Association has supported keeping Queen Anne’s County the rural gem that it is. The County’s commitment in preserving its farms and forests – and preserving 40% of it – highlights that commitment. QACA applauds Queen Anne’s County landowners who want to preserve their farms, the Commissioners and State for helping to fund the effort, and Mrs. Donna Landis-Smith for this exceptional achievement.  We now look forward to reaching the 50% goal soon.” Said Jay Falstad, Executive Director of Queen Anne’s Conservation Association

An additional round of offers from the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation will be announced in August. With this next round, Queen Anne’s County has the potential to secure an additional 1,409 acres once funding is available.

To learn more about the Queen Anne’s County Soil Conservation District, visit www.qac.org and search “Soil Conservation.”

To view the preserved land in Queen Anne’s County broken into categories found in the 2020 Comprehensive Plan, visit https://gis.qac.org/qac272/index.html?viewer=QAC_Property_Viewer.QAC_Property_Viewer

*To view the map that is associated with this release, visit https://www.qac.org/DocumentCenter/View/20838/Preserved-Land-as-of-July-2024 These numbers are current as of July 2024.