Queen Anne’s County surpassed the national “30 by 30” goal by preserving 43% of agricultural zoned land.
Queen Anne’s County has achieved a significant milestone in land preservation, with a total of 90,343 acres of agricultural land preserved, subject to the settlement of an additional 1,830 acres. In 2024, the county dedicated over $1 million to the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation, resulting in over $5 million for easement acquisition. County Commission President Jim Moran emphasized that land preservation protects natural resources, heritage, and supports the local economy.
According to the press release, key contributors to this achievement include:
- Maryland Environmental Trust: 10,309 acres
- Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation: 36,705 acres
- Local Purchase of Development Rights / Transfer of Development Rights: 11,069 acres
- Private Conservation Organizations: 444 acres
- Rural Legacy: 9,251 acres
- Cluster Subdivision Remainder: 10,272 acres.
- County Rec & Parks: 3,125 acres
- DNR State Land Inventory: 6,740 acres
- Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program: 598 acres
From the press release:
“Our commitment to these efforts reflects our dedication to the well-being of our community and the health of our environment. I am proud of the strides we have made and remain committed to continuing this important work.” – Jim Moran, Queen Anne’s County Commission President
When President Biden took office, he promptly signed an executive order aimed at combating climate change domestically and internationally. This order established a national target to preserve at least 30% of US lands and freshwater, along with 30% of US ocean areas by the year 2030, known as the 30×30 initiative. Remarkably, not only has Queen Anne’s County surpassed the 30% goal by 2030 but has also met the 40% goal by 2040. This achievement puts them 16 years ahead of schedule by preserving 43% of agricultural zoned land. An additional 1,409 acres may be secured in the next round of offers from the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation in August.