Program Open Space Acquisition Supports Economy, Environment and Recreation
The adjoining and contiguous parcel will be integrated into the Chesapeake Forest Lands sustainable forestry management plan and provide for economic, environmental and recreational opportunities on Maryland’s Lower Eastern Shore.
“This strategically important acquisition will benefit both the economy and the environment,” Natural Resources Secretary Mark Belton said. “The working forests will be retained and will now be managed in a sustainable manner, supporting the local economy and watershed. The acquisition will also protect public access to traditional outdoor activities and recreation like hunting.”
The Program Open Space acquisition will allow these forested tracts to be managed in an environmentally-sound and sustainable manner benefiting the natural resources-based economy as well as allow for both active and passive recreational pursuits, including birding, camping, fishing, hiking and hunting.
The forested lands will be managed by the Maryland Forest Service in accordance with the state’s dual forest certification through the Sustainable Forestry Initiative and Forest Stewardship Council. Timber harvesting and public recreation will be incorporated into the land’s management plan. The public will have many opportunities to comment on the plan as it is being drafted.
The department partnered with The Nature Conservancy on the acquisition of the property.
1,664 acres of 100% wetlands for $3,605,200. Totally undevelopable.! Lets see, it was already sustainable managed for forestry, it was already leased for hunting. It is impossible not to manage a forest sustainable, actually private property has more diversified management than state land. It costs the state/taxpayers $1,000,000's to manage their lands after purchase. The land is taken out of the local tax base. That land would have struggled for $500 per acre without the state purchasing some 100,000 acres over the last twenty years and driving up prices. Since Chesapeake sold, the Eastern Shore has lost 70% of its saw mill cutting capacity. These land grabs were originally sold to the public as required to keep the forest industry strong. Ironic that the mills closed after the purchases. You have a hard time even selling timber in this market that is not sustainable. The Nature Conservancy, Conservation Fund are just brokers looking for a commission selling lies to politicians. Hogan RINO voted for state ownership of private property, Franchot voted against. Who is more conservative? Who has the Eastern Shore's best interest in mind? Everything touches land the state owns!! When is enough enough?
ReplyDeleteIt's a new world , friend. I hear you, but this is the new normal.
DeleteThe doctor's hunt club may now have to look for another property.
ReplyDeleteThis should be investigated, just doesn't make any sense. But when does government ever make any sense
ReplyDeleteSomerset's on a roll -County Times reports a bid accepted to the tune of 3.3 Million Dollar to tear down a building at Wellington and build 2 new buildings.
ReplyDeleteHogan should walk the property this weekend. hip boots??
ReplyDelete