ANNAPOLIS (September 22, 2010) — The Maryland Board of Public Works (BPW) today approved the preservation of 773 acres in Charles County through Program Open Space.
The Pomfrett property was approved for preservation and will be included as part of the Dept. of Natural Resources' Myrtle Grove Wildlife Management Area. A portion of Mattawoman Creek, a very ecologically-important tributary to the Potomac River, borders the Pomfrett property and a small tributary runs through the property. The acquisition of the property will protect land, wetland, and stream channel that will further efforts to maintain ecological integrity, wildlife conservation, and protect the water quality of Mattawoman Creek, the Potomac River and the Chesapeake Bay, according to a DNR press release.
This acquisition will also safeguard wildlife habitat, provide opportunities for restoration and nature protection, and provide access to the water and new opportunities for primitive camping, environmental education and active recreation for children and families, added the DNR.
The three-member Board of Public Works is composed of Governor O’Malley (chair), Treasurer Nancy Kopp and Comptroller Peter Franchot. The BPW is authorized by the General Assembly to approve major construction and consultant contracts, equipment purchases, property transactions and other procurement actions.
Since 2007, the BPW preserved more than 30,629 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 351,355 acres for open space and recreation areas. Most Maryland residents live within 15 minutes of an open space or recreational area funded by Program Open Space.