County Executive Leopold Moves Forward on Plan to Preserve and Protect 600 Acres in South County

County Executive John Leopold is moving forward with a plan to preserve more than 600 acres of rural land on Rockhold Creek in south county.

Begininning next week, the county will plant 12,000 trees on Rockhold Creek Farm property.

“Keeping South County rural is more than just a slogan. It’s our guiding principle in development and land preservation,” Leopold said.

The county also hopes to purchase the 200-acre property next door to Rockhold Creek Farm.

According to a statement released by the County Executive's office, the Anne Arundel County Council approved the purchase of development rights on the Thompson property, a 206-acre woodland property in the Deale/West River area along Nutwell Sudley Road on Wednesday.

The statement said that the county has preserved and protected nearly 12,000 acres of land through programs including the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation Program and the Rural Legacy Program administered through the Maryland Department of Agriculture and Planning and the Department of Natural Resources.

The purpose of acquiring development rights is to keep agricultural and woodland parcels in their natural state. Easement purchases further the goals of protecting local waterways and the Chesapeake Bay while allowing landowners to live on and use their lands.

Landowners who are interested in protecting their farmland and woodland for future generations should contact the Department of Recreation and Parks at 410-222-7317 to explore the various options available.