HAGERSTOWN – The Washington County Division of Planning & Zoning has announced the preservation of the historic, 40-acre Hogmire-Berryman Farm, adding to the more than 41,000 acres of permanently preserved land within the county.
The conservation easement, located on Spielman Road in Fairplay, was secured through the Rural Legacy Program. The property is owned and maintained by Jim and Linda Clement, and its preservation marks another milestone in Washington County’s commitment to land conservation, county planning officials said.
The Hogmire-Berryman Farm, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980, features a brick house, barn and several outbuildings dating back to the early 19th century. The farm has received multiple awards and recognition for its historical significance.
The newly procured easement not only ensures the protection of this valuable property but also supports neighboring farms in their efforts to secure permanent easements, contributing to the County’s broader preservation goals, according to county planning officials.
The Rural Legacy Program, a key component of Washington County’s land preservation strategy, has been instrumental in safeguarding more than 9,000 acres of land, accounting for 22 percent of the County’s total permanent easements. The majority of funding for this easement was sourced from Washington County’s Agricultural Transfer Tax, a critical resource dedicated to land preservation.
Farm owners in Washington County can apply for the Rural Legacy Program annually, with applications due by Jan. 31. The program focuses on preserving agricultural, historic and environmentally significant lands. The Hogmire-Berryman easement was part of the fiscal year 2023 cycle.
Washington County’s comprehensive land preservation strategy also includes a variety of other programs such as the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program, the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Program and Program Open Space Stateside. Additional support comes from federal initiatives and partnerships with organizations such as the Maryland Environmental Trust, Antietam Battlefield Trust and Mid-Maryland Land Trust.
For more information about Washington County’s land preservation programs, people may contact Chris Boggs, rural preservation administrator, at 240-313-2447 or via email at cboggs@washco-md.net.
