Commission seeks state approval to expand Mattaponi Rural Legacy Area to protect Webster Field

Robin updated the St. Mary27s County Economic Development Commission on Oct. 19 about a proposal, developed with the county27s Agricultural Seafood Forestry Advisory Board, to expand the Mattaponi Rural Legacy Area south of Hermanville Road.

Robin said the proposed boundary expansion is intended to give owners of eligible parcels an option to place land into agricultural preservation programs, which would provide payment in exchange for preservation in perpetuity and could reduce residential development pressure near Webster Field. The expanded boundary shown in maps distributed at the meeting reflected reductions from an earlier, larger proposal after public informational meetings with affected property owners.

Robin said the county had sought input from property owners and that the locally adjusted boundary was supported by county commissioners. The boundary request will be forwarded to the state Rural Legacy Board, which will make a final decision on whether to expand the rural legacy area. Robin said the county expects to know whether the state supports the expansion before the end of the calendar year.

She said inclusion in the rural legacy area would make more land eligible for agricultural land-preservation funding and could help property owners with land limited by septic rules or other restrictions to realize value through preservation agreements. Robin emphasized that enrollment in agricultural preservation programs is voluntary for property owners and that being within the boundary does not require participation.

The commission also discussed related agricultural outreach activities, including farm tours designed by the Agricultural Seafood Forestry Advisory Board to highlight county agriculture and seafood operations. Commissioner members and staff who attended described the tours as successful community outreach showing local agricultural assets.