A Conservation Easement is an agreement between the landowner, the County, the State or the Land Trust, which ensures the permanent protection of the significant agricultural, natural, and scenic resources of the land. Placing an easement on the land may qualify the landowner to receive income, estate, and property tax benefits, while maintaining ownership and privacy. Easements primarily preclude residential, commercial, or industrial development, and provide for the protection of the significant natural resources on the property.
A brief description of the many programs available is provided below:
Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation
Created in 1979, this program has been dedicated to preserving farmland and fostering commercial agriculture. With joint funding by the County and the State, over 17,000 acres of farmland have been preserved in Baltimore County. To qualify for this program, a farm must be a minimum of 50 acres or located adjacent to a preserved property. Applications to sell development rights may be made annually by July 1st following enrollment in an Agricultural District. Landowners receive cash payments for participating in the easement program.
Baltimore County Agricultural Land Preservation Program
Created in 1994 to preserve working family farms, this Baltimore County program has used innovative and collaborative funding mechanisms for land preservation. Landowners have protected over 1,300 acres through this program. To participate, a farm must be 50 acres in size or located adjacent to a preserved property.
Maryland Environmental Trust and Local Land Trusts
Created by the Maryland General Assembly in 1967 to protect Maryland's natural environment, the Maryland Environmental Trust (MET) seeks donated easements on farms and forestlands, wildlife habitats, waterfront acreages, natural areas, historic sites, and other valuable and scenic features. In 1974, a landowner in Baltimore County was one of the first to protect their property through this program. Today, Baltimore County remains a leader in the State, with County landowners preserving over 12,000 acres through donations. Although both MET and Local Land Trusts prefer to accept donations on lands greater than 50 acres. Local Land Trusts are often willing to work with smaller property owners. Donations are accepted throughout the year. Landowners may qualify for a significant tax deduction and/or credit. MET also provides loans to qualified groups for the purchase of land for preservation.
Rural Legacy...Protecting Natural and Scenic Resources
Created in 1997 by the Maryland General Assembly, this program seeks to set aside large blocks of rural lands for the protection of natural and scenic resources and the fostering of rural industries such as agriculture and forestry. With State and County funds, over 3,000 acres have been preserved in the five Rural Legacy Areas in the County. These areas include the Coastal Area, Piney Run, Long Green Valley, Gunpowder River Valley, and Manor. Landowners may apply at any time to these sponsors, and the sponsors apply annually for funding.
Green Print...Protecting Ecologically Important Lands
Created in 2000 by the Maryland General Assembly, this program seeks to protect ecologically important lands in the State. This new program seeks to accomplish this by targeting purchase and easement dollars to landowners within "ecologically important hubs and corridors." The program is administered by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, however, landowners whose properties are adjacent to the drinking water reservoirs or other large blocks of forests should contact the County to determine if they are eligible.
Revised January 17, 2002
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