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County reports progress toward agricultural land preservation goal; 107,125 acres protected
Summary
Staff reported Charles County has protected about 107,125 acres toward a long-term 50% land-preservation goal (roughly 147,000 acres equals 50% of county land), preserved six farms through MALF this year (751 acres) and completed monitoring inspections ahead of schedule.
Cal Carpenter, the county's land preservation planner, presented the annual progress report for agricultural land preservation and the Agricultural Reconciliation Committee.
Carpenter said Charles County has a long-term goal to preserve 50% of the county's land area (approximately 147,000 acres) as permanent open space and that the county had increased protected acreage to about 107,125 acres as of 2025. "This goal reflects the county's strong commitment to protecting farmland, conserving natural resources and maintain the rural character," Carpenter said.
He described the three major preservation programs supporting that total: the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation (MALF), Rural Legacy and the Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) program. In 2025, the county preserved six farms through MALF totaling 751 acres and secured two Rural Legacy easements preserving 102 acres; staff also completed required baseline and monitoring inspections ahead of schedule, Carpenter said.
Commissioners asked about how much farmland remains available for preservation and whether Rural Legacy areas will expand; planning director Charles Rice said there is no current plan to expand existing Rural Legacy areas and described the county's priority mapping for preservation.
Carpenter and Rice said program outreach (web maps, educational materials and events) will continue and that monitoring and inspections will remain a long-term responsibility once easements are placed.
