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Berlin, Ocean Pines News Worcester County Bayside Gazette Logo Berlin, Ocean Pines News Worcester County Bayside Gazette

410-723-6397

MALPF applications now being accepted by county

 (WORCESTER COUNTY)–On behalf of the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation, Worcester County is accepting applications from interested landowners who may wish to participate in the MALPF program through the voluntary sale of an agricultural easement to the Foundation. Eligible properties must be at least 50 acres in size (unless contiguous to an existing MALPF easement) and have a minimum of 50 percent Class I, II and III soils.
An agricultural easement is a voluntary permanent agreement that runs with the land.  Development of land encumbered by the easement is strictly limited, but agricultural and natural resource uses and activities are allowed, including crop production, timber harvest and hunting.  The value of the easement payment is determined by property appraisals conducted at the expense of the State of Maryland.  
Over 6,300 acres in Worcester County are permanently protected from development with a voluntary MALPF easement.
To be eligible for participation this year, applications must be submitted to Worcester County by May 2. Since preparation of this application can be a lengthy process, potential applicants are encouraged to begin the process as soon as possible.
Worcester County landowners interested in selling a voluntary perpetual agricultural easement or learning about other land conservation options may contact Katherine Munson of Worcester County Development Review and Permitting at 410-632-1200, ext. 1302.