Growing Demand for Participation in
Agricultural Land Protection
Programs in Frederick County

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Frederick County continues to work toward its goal of protecting 100,000 acres of prime agricultural land by 2020.  Presently 37,598 acres of land are permanently protected.  Fortunately landowner interest in land protection is growing. 

Anne Bradley with the County’s Agricultural Preservation Program staff at the Department of Planning reports that 30 applications were submitted this summer for the State’s Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Program (MALPF).  Applicant land ownership totals 3,579 acres.  The ranking of these applications will be the subject of a public hearing with the Board of County Commissioners on October 16th.  Once the County has determined applicant ranking and submitted the applications to the State, the properties are appraised.  Offers will follow in spring, 2008.  During last year’s round of application processing, funds were available to purchase easements on the six top ranking applications.

The popular County operated Installment Purchase Program (IPP) closed its recent round of applications on September 1st.  38 applications were submitted totaling 5,193 acres.  The program is growing more competitive.  Last year all 23 IPP applicants received an offer from the County.   Offers under the IPP program are anticipated this winter.

For additional information contact Anne Bradley at 301 600-1474.

Click here to view the agricultural land preservation areas within Frederick County, MD.

Click here to read frequently asked questions about agricultural land preservation.