The Maryland Board of Public Works has approved $6.5 million in grants from the Department of Natural Resources to support recreation and land conservation projects across ten counties, including Allegany, Anne Arundel, Charles, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Howard, Queen Anne’s, Talbot, and Washington. These grants will fund local governments and land trusts to enhance public access to parks, trails, and recreational facilities while preserving natural areas.
In addition, the Board approved $2.9 million in Program Open Space – Stateside and Park System Capital Improvement and Acquisition funds to protect more than 50 acres statewide. This includes additions to Savage River State Forest in Garrett County, Seneca Creek State Park in Montgomery County, and a conservation easement in Washington County.
More than $2.5 million in Program Open Space – Local funding will support 11 projects, including Howard County’s acquisition of four acres adjacent to the Patuxent River to expand the Patuxent Greenway, and Talbot County’s installation of a new playground at Home Run Baker Sports Complex. Harford County will use its funds for multiple projects, such as multipurpose fields, walking trails, basketball and pickleball courts at the Norrisville Recreation Complex, improvements to the Emmorton Recreation and Tennis Center, and renovations at Mariner Point Park.
Charles County will receive $3 million from the Local Parks and Playgrounds Infrastructure Program for upgrades at Laurel Springs Regional Park, including replacement of playgrounds and field lighting. A 224-acre farm in Frederick County will be preserved through a $770,800 Rural Legacy Program conservation easement, protecting forested stream buffers along Broad Run, Catoctin Creek, and a tributary. In Queen Anne’s County, a $200,000 Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program easement will safeguard 2,200 feet of forested buffers along Island Creek.
Program Open Space, established in 1969, funds planning, acquisition, and development of recreational land or facilities for county and municipal governments. The Stateside program preserves natural areas for public recreation and environmental protection, while the Rural Legacy Program, created in 1997, protects large working landscapes. The Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program allows for permanent conservation easements to maintain environmental practices on private lands.
These programs reflect Maryland’s ongoing commitment to conserving natural resources, providing public recreational opportunities, and supporting local communities. Additional details on these projects and other funding initiatives are available on the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ Land News webpage.
