Land Preservation

Baltimore County is a national leader in land preservation. It has consistently ranked in the top 10 counties for land preserved. Building on the first easement of 34 acres in 1975, the County now has over 64,000 acres of protected farmland, waterfront, stream valleys and natural lands. This successful effort is built upon the County’s growth management program, support for the farm industry and collaboration with the land preservation community. 

Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation Easement

The Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation (MALPF) is a cooperative program with the State and County and is the main Agricultural Land Easement Program in the County. Owners of farmland in the County should first review this program before considering the other options listed below. To be eligible, the farm has to meet specific criteria for size, soil and location. Applications due by April 30, 2021.

Rural Legacy 

Maryland’s Rural Legacy Program provides funding to preserve large, contiguous tracts of land and to enhance natural resource, agricultural, forestry and environmental protection while supporting a sustainable land base for natural-resource-based industries. The program encourages local governments and land trusts to work together and determine how best to protect their vital working landscapes.

Maryland Environmental Trust

Maryland Environmental Trust works with landowners, local communities and citizen land trusts to protect Maryland's natural, historic and scenic resources.

Resources

You will find:

• Preservation Program Descriptions and Applications
  Related to various State, County and private land preservation programs.
• Baltimore County Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Board
  Citizen input into agricultural easement and agricultural use decisions.
• Forms
  Used by land preservation, such as adding a tenant building, child’s lot, subdivision, etc.
• Contact Information
  List of conservation organizations and agencies in Baltimore County.
• Compliance
  Requirements for easement holders in accordance with the Deed of Conservation Easement.
• Easement Locator
  Use the “Baltimore County Land Preservation” Interactive Map Tool to find out if a property is under easement.
• Baltimore County Center for Maryland Agriculture and Farm Park
  The center for the support services for agriculture and Maryland Agricultural Resource Council Inc. (MARC) that seeks to foster agriculture in the region.
• Regulations and Policies
  The official regulations and policies administered by land preservation.
• Easement Pricing Formula (PDF)
  This regulation is a valuation formula to calculate the price the County is willing to pay landowners for the sale of development rights and agreement to record a restrictive easement in the Land Records that permanently binds the land to certain conditions and responsibilities.
• Frequently Asked Questions
  Specifically related to the Land Preservation program.

Contact

Land Preservation
Phone: 410-887-3480
Email: landpres@baltimorecountymd.gov