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Land‑preservation advocates push Baltimore County to protect farm land, dedicate 1% of capital budget
Summary
Land trusts, farmers and the county’s ag advisory voices urged dedicating 1% of the annual capital budget to agricultural land and open space preservation and warned the proposed Piedmont Reliability Project threatens preserved acreage in northern Baltimore County.
Representatives of land trusts and farming groups urged Baltimore County officials to dedicate a portion of capital funds to agricultural land preservation and to strengthen the county’s agricultural support structure.
“Elise Chalmers, representing Land Preservation Trust, asked the county to ‘dedicate just 1% of the annual capital budget to agricultural land and open space preservation,’” said a speaker from the floor summarizing the request. Chalmers argued preserved farmland returns more in public services value than developed land and helps protect drinking water reservoirs. She told the town hall that the county’s planning director had verified state funding exists for agricultural preservation this year and cited roughly 73,000 acres preserved in northern Baltimore County.
Renee Wilson, a fourth‑generation farmer and member of the Baltimore County Farm Bureau, asked the county to consider establishing “an independent and unified department of agriculture with a director who will oversee and manage the AgCenter” and to preserve and strengthen the Urban‑Rural Demarcation Line (URDL). Wilson also asked the county to continue intervening in regulatory proceedings for projects that threaten agricultural land — she referenced the proposed Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project and said Baltimore County has joined litigation related to that project.
County Councilman Wade Kach and the county executive acknowledged the remarks. Kach said the county has petitioned to intervene before the Public Service Commission on matters that could affect farmland.
Ending: Advocates requested a predictable, dedicated funding stream for land preservation and a clearer county agricultural office or division to coordinate programs and funding; officials accepted the requests and indicated follow up would occur outside the town hall.
