Saving Land on the Eastern Shore

Healthy farms and rural landscapes, an active fisheries industry and historic small towns and villages largely characterize the six Mid-Upper Shore counties on Maryland's Eastern Shore. A sense of pride and feelings of respect for the region are held by Eastern Shore residents. But to maintain the Eastern Shore we love, as residents we must address the problem of land loss and become active in protecting our land.

Saving our Eastern Shore land is a key priority - Why?

Because it is disappearing: A study completed by the American Farmland Trust (AFT) http://www.farmland.org/, found that scattered or sprawl development, which many regions across the United States including the Eastern Shore are experiencing, causes air and water pollution, traffic congestion, increased demand for public services and an obvious loss of open space, such as farmland.

• According to the Maryland Department of Assessment and Taxation, the Mid-Upper Shore lost almost 52,000 acres of farmland between 1980 and 2000. This major loss of land made Maryland's Mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain region one of the most threatened agricultural areas in the United States, according to an AFT report.

Because it is the backbone of our economy: Although farming, fishing and forestry have traditionally formed the base of our local economy, sprawl development is not only causing loss of land, but loss of these types of jobs.

• Between 1982-1997, the Delmarva Peninsula lost nearly 82,000 acres of farmland to development and the six Mid-Upper Shore Counties lost almost 1,430 agricultural-related jobs during these years, according to another study by AFT.

Because it is our path home: By protecting the natural, rural beauty of the Eastern Shore, residents can enjoy local history and culture, plus care for the local environment and improve, through land protection, the health of the community.

• According to a recent survey conducted for ESLC, 85 percent of voters on the Mid-Upper Shore rate their quality of life as excellent or good, with the majority of them attributing this to the environment, natural resources and beauty found in the area.

Because we want to save the Bay: Studies conducted in the last 30 years have shown that the Chesapeake Bay's health has severely declined. Run-off from residential and commercial developments built close to the Bay increase water pollution.

• According to reports by the Maryland Sea Grant and other organizations, the Chesapeake Bay is facing the negative effects of sprawl development, which have led to degraded water quality and loss of healthy habitat that filters run-off before it enters the Bay. But protecting land from development combats this trend.

Because our roots are in the land: Living in an area with a rich farming tradition, Eastern Shore residents have a unique agricultural heritage to explore. When landowners protect these local "working" farms, part of that tradition and character is saved forever.

• For nearly 400 years, agriculture has been the mainstay of life on the Eastern Shore, including major milling, fruit and vegetable production, and canning operations, according to a report from Eastern Shore Heritage, Inc. Some working farms on the Shore have been in existence for more than 100 years, earning them the designation "Century Farms." In fact, two Eastern Shore counties have the highest percentage of "Century Farms" in the state (www.easternshoreheritage.org ).

Because it is where we play: As an area rich in wildlife habitat, especially for birds, waterfowl and the endangered Delmarva Fox Squirrel, the Eastern Shore has its share of active recreational hunters, fishing enthusiasts and nature lovers. The Eastern Shore has been dubbed the "restaurant and playground of Maryland." But without adequate state funding for land protection projects, this statement will not hold true.

• Program Open Space, a state-run land protection program that protected more than 500,000 acres of farmland and more than 247,000 acres of open space for wildlife habitat, natural resource areas, historic areas and parks throughout Maryland, had its funding severely cut for the last two years.

Because we love our kids and grandkids: Why do landowners choose to protect their property? Many see it as a way to protect their family history and traditions so that they may be enjoyed and appreciated by future generations.

• A protected property can serve as a meeting place for family gatherings and can be handed down to younger generations who may continue the family traditions of farming, hunting and respect for nature.

What you can do…

• Call ESLC to place a conservation easement on your land: A conservation easement protects your land forever; as a legal agreement between a landowner and a land conservation organization, such as ESLC, it restricts the type and amount of development on the land. For more information about conservation easements, call 410.827.9756.
  
  
• Send us your thoughts on why you care about saving land on the Shore: click here or fax to 410.827.5765, attn. Saving Land Campaign or mail to ESLC, c/o Saving Land Campaign, P.O. Box 169, Queenstown, MD 21658.
  
  
• Make a tax-deductible contribution: Given the current state fiscal crisis, the ability of various programs to protect land will be severely limited. Therefore, the future of conservation will depend largely upon land conservancies with the resources to act independently and immediately. Membership contributions are vital to our resources! Click here to join ESLC and contribute to saving land on the Eastern Shore.