Applications to Sell an Easement to MALPF Now Being Accepted
Fiscal Year 2017 applications to sell an agricultural easement to the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation (MALPF) are now being accepted by St. Mary's County Government.
MALPF is the State funded easement program in which more than 11,500 acres of farmland have been preserved in St. Mary's County alone. In Fiscal Year 2015, eighteen applications were submitted to St. Mary's County. Each were reviewed, scored, and ranked. MALPF limited each County to eight submittals for consideration. Of the eight applications St. Mary's County received easement offers, six were accepted. Those properties are expected to be enrolled into easement sometime this spring or summer. MALPF has yet to announce the total number of applications a County may submit for the upcoming cycle.
The application to apply is quite extensive, and the answers on the application could have an effect on the future use of your property should an easement be purchased. As in the past, the Department of Economic Development's Agriculture Division will assist landowners with completing the application. Applicants are asked to contact Donna Sasscer no later than April 29, 2016 so there is adequate time to prepare the application. The St. Mary's County deadline to return the completed and signed application is May 27, 2016. As a reminder, if you have completed an application in the past it does not automatically carry over to the next cycle.
A NEW APPLICATION MUST BE SUBMITTED EVERY CYCLE FOR YOUR PROPERTY TO BE CONSIDERED FOR EASEMENT.
The ranking of St. Mary's County applications is expected to be completed by the end of June, after which applicants will be notified if their application has proceeded to the state for review. Please note, per the Maryland Code Ann. §2-510(m)—Agriculture Article, your ranking, asking price, and Foundation offer must remain confidential until the end of the cycle, as determined by MALPF.
MAPLF requires that participating properties:
• Have a minimum of 50 acres, unless the adjoining property is already protected
• Have a soil quality of at least 50% class I, II, III soils or Woodland Groups I and II
• Cannot be within the County's 10 year Water and Sewer Plan
• Have remaining Development Rights
If you own property that meets the above criteria and would like to submit an application for easement or need more information, please call Donna Sasscer at 240-309-4021 or by email to donna.sasscer@stmarysmd.com. You may also seek additional information about the MALPF program on their website at
mda.maryland.gov/MALPF.
Commissioners Commemorate African American History Month
February is African American History Month which serves as an opportunity to share the historic and present contributions of African Americans in the community. The Commissioners of St. Mary's County recognized the occasion with a proclamation ceremony during their weekly business meeting.
African American History Month began as "Negro History Week" in February 1926 as a supplement to the school curriculum, through the work of African American scholar Dr. Carter A. Woodson. In the 1960's, the week expanded into Black History Month to commemorate a more balanced and accurate picture of Black History. African American History Month is celebrated each year during the month of February as it coincides with the birthday of the great black leader Frederick Douglass and President Abraham Lincoln.
"St. Mary's County recognizes the significant contributions and tremendous advances African Americans have made and continue to make in our community," said Commissioner Tom Jarboe (1st District). "This is evidenced
by the United States Colored Troops Monument in Lancaster Park, the State of Maryland and the world."
In proclaiming February 2016 African American History Month, the commissioners encouraged citizens to honor the many contributions made by African Americans throughout the Southern Maryland region.
What If No One Answered The Call?
Each day in our community, volunteer emergency responders answer the call of our families, friends and neighbors who are in need of assistance. From car accidents to heart attacks … and from house fires to technical rescues, volunteer emergency responders are there to protect lives and property.
In response to the growing need for new volunteer fire and emergency medical service providers, St. Mary's County Volunteer Fire Departments and Rescue Squads are recruiting interested citizens to learn how to "answer the call" and serve their community.
Becoming a volunteer emergency responder can be the most rewarding experience of your life. Together, we can ensure someone is ready to "answer the call."
Join Today! Call 301-475-4200 ext. *2114 or email emergency.services@stmarysmd.com for more information.
County Government Operational Schedule for Presidents Day
All St. Mary's County Government administrative offices, and three St. Mary's County Library locations, will be closed on Monday, February 15, 2016, in observance of Presidents Day. Administrative offices and libraries will reopen for normal business hours on Tuesday, February 16.
The St. Andrews Landfill and the six Convenience Centers will be open for normal hours of operation on Monday, February 15, 2016. In addition, the St. Mary's Transit (STS) will operate its normal routes and hours of operation. However, the Statewide Specialized Transportation Assistance Program (SSTAP) will not provide services for the Senior Nutrition Centers and SSTAP appointments.
All three Senior Activity Centers will also be closed and there will be no Meals on Wheels deliveries.
The Town of Leonardtown office will be closed on Monday, February 15,
for President's Day. The town will hold the Planning and Zoning Commission
meeting on Tuesday, February 16, at 4:00 p.m.