HAGERSTOWN – Another 67.29 acres of land has been added to Washington County’s Rural Legacy Program, expanding the county’s commitment to land conservation.
This scenic property on Trego Road in Keedysville, containing cropland, pastureland and woodland, now joins over 41,000 acres of permanently preserved land across Washington County. The easement supports both the natural and historical significance of the region while preserving essential agricultural landscapes.
Secured as part of the 2024 fiscal year rural legacy grant cycle, the property adds to a contiguous block of thousands of preserved acres, helping encourage similar preservation efforts on neighboring properties, Washington County planners said. The Rural Legacy Program, funded and administered by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources with local oversight by the Washington County Department of Planning & Zoning’s Land Preservation Office, has been instrumental in protecting over 9,000 acres—accounting for 22 percent of the county’s permanent easements.
Each year, local farmers can apply to this program to preserve lands with agricultural, historic and environmental value, with application submissions due by Jan. 31 for consideration.
The Rural Legacy Program is part of Washington County’s comprehensive land preservation strategy, which includes various state, federal, and county initiatives. In addition to this program, the county’s preservation portfolio features programs like the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Program, Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program, Project Open Space Stateside, the County’s Installment Purchase Program, federal Farm and Ranchland Protection Program and easements with agencies including the Maryland Environmental Trust and Mid-Maryland Land Trust. While largely funded by the state, Washington County has made additional investments to further enhance these preservation initiatives in recent years.
