Washington County just added another 173 acres to its growing list of protected properties, bringing the county’s total preserved land to over 42,000 acres.
Washington County recently finalized a Rural Legacy Program easement to permanently preserve a 173.54-acre farm along Shepherdstown Pike in Sharpsburg. The property adds to an expanding block of contiguous preserved land. This latest effort builds momentum for surrounding property owners to consider permanent easements and reflects the county’s continued investment in strategic land conservation.
As previously covered by MACo, the 2025 legislative session was defined by one of the most challenging budget environments in state history, with a $3.3 billion shortfall driving proposals for aggressive cost shifts, spending cuts, and tax changes. Lawmakers included budget language that diverts $25 million in transfer tax revenues annually from fiscal 2026 through 2029 away from land preservation programs including the Rural Legacy Program into the General Fund.
From the press release:
The Rural Legacy Program is one of several tools Washington County uses to preserve land with agricultural, historical, and environmental significance.
The Rural Legacy Program, funded by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and managed locally, has helped preserve over 9,400 acres in the county to date. It is one of several complementary tools Washington County uses to protect agricultural, historic, and natural resources. With support from state and federal partners, as well as local investments in programs such as the Installment Purchase Program and forest conservation easements, the county is reinforcing its long-term land stewardship goals.
