ANNAPOLIS (Aug. 20, 2008) – Governor Martin O’Malley today announced the Board of Public Works has approved preservation of 275 acres of wetlands and forests in Charles County under Stateside Program Open Space.
The land being preserved in Charles County includes non-tidal wetlands and uplands forest that will become part of the Nanjemoy Natural Resources Management Area, along the tidal Potomac River. The easement will safeguard wildlife habitat and provide expanded opportunities for environmental education and recreation, according to the Governor's office.
State officials say the Charles county property was a high priority conservation acquisition under Maryland’s new Program Open Space Stateside Targeting System. The ecologically based targeting approach was developed last year under Governor O’Malley’s BayStat Initiative to ensure the state is protecting the most strategically important landscapes to provide a lasting legacy for future generations.
Since 2007, the State has preserved more than 6,651 acres of natural areas for public recreation and watershed and wildlife protection across Maryland. Since 1969, Program Open Space has provided funding for acquisition of 324,125 acres for open space and recreation areas.
Chaired by Governor O’Malley, the Board of Public Works is also comprised of Treasurer Nancy Kopp and Comptroller Peter Franchot. The Board is authorized by the General Assembly to approve major construction and consultant contracts, equipment purchases, property transactions and other procurement actions.