QAC Receives Governor’s Citation for Preservation of Open Space
On behalf of the Queen Anne’s County Board of Commissioners, Commissioner Bob Simmons, District 2, accepted an award presented by Governor Martin O’Malley June 17, recognizing the county’s achievements in preserving open space.
Simmon’s accepted the Governor’s Citation which states that it is “In recognition of your important contribution to the preservation of Maryland open space through a conservation easement donation to the Maryland Environmental Trust. This generous gift will protect the scenic, natural and cultural landscapes of our great State of Maryland.”
Simmons said, “Our residents want the county to retain its rural character and open spaces. To date we have about 70,000 acres of open space under various easements. While this particular parcel of property is relatively small, it could be pivotal in connecting our cross county trail system.”
The property referenced in the award is located north of Route 50 and East of Route 8. The 5.27 acres of land was purchased in the 1980’s by Roger W. Eisinger Jr. His son, Bob Eisinger wanted to preserve the land and honor his father by donating the property to Queen Anne’s County for use as a future park.
In the future the site could also be helpful as a starting point for a pedestrian walkway over Route 50 that could connect the Kent Island South Trail to the Cross Island Trail. In accepting the donation last year the county promised to utilize the land for passive recreation parkland, to diligently pursue funding to construct the pedestrian overpass, and to dedicate the property as the Roger W. Eisinger Jr. Park.
During this process, the county partnered with Maryland Environmental Trust and Eastern Shore Land Conservancy, giving a conservation easement donation to MET.
The Maryland Environmental Trust was established in 1967 by the Maryland General Assembly as a charitable organization that serves as the statewide land trust. MET currently holds more than 1,070 easements totaling approximately 131,500 acres. Governed by a citizen board of trustees, MET is affiliated with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and promotes the permanent protection of land through its Conservation Easement, Stewardship and Land Trust Assistance programs. MET also provides grants to environmental education projects through the Keep Maryland Beautiful program.