The Maryland Board of Public Works has awarded $1.522 million to support Frederick County’s two Rural Legacy Areas as part of the Fiscal Year 2027 Rural Legacy Program. This funding is part of a larger $21.08 million allocation statewide aimed at bolstering Maryland’s commitment to preserving agricultural, forestry, historic, and environmental resources.
The Rural Legacy Program is designed to protect and preserve expansive tracts of valuable agricultural and forested land. It collaborates with local governments and land trust sponsors to work with willing property owners in acquiring conservation easements, thereby permanently safeguarding vital landscapes. To date, the program has successfully preserved 8,442 acres in Frederick County, contributing to a total of 79,062 acres protected across all preservation initiatives.
In 2025, the Frederick County Council adopted a resolution to expand the Carrollton Manor Rural Legacy Area, identifying an additional 6,632 acres of farmland and natural, historic, and cultural resources for inclusion. The Board of Public Works has approved this expansion, increasing the Carrollton Manor area to a total of 38,838 acres.
Katie Stevens, Director of the Office of Agriculture, emphasized the importance of preserving Frederick County’s rural landscapes, stating that they are central to the community’s identity, economy, and quality of life. The funding will help to secure working farms, forests, and natural resources while creating more opportunities for landowners.
The county’s ongoing efforts to enhance agricultural viability and protect sensitive ecosystems align with its long-term goal of permanently preserving 160,000 acres. Residents can find more information about the Rural Legacy program and other agricultural preservation initiatives on the Frederick County Office of Agriculture website.
Read the original article at Frederick County Government