Agricultural Easement Applications to be Accepted Through April 29





SS/easement.pr                   Contact:  Jeremy V. Criss, 301-217-2345

AGRICULTURAL EASEMENT APPLICATIONS
TO BE ACCEPTED THROUGH APRIL 29         For Immediate Release:  Feb. 8, 1996



     Agricultural land owners in Montgomery County who would like to sell the
County an easement on their property can submit an application, via the
County's 1996 Agricultural Easement Program, through April 29.  The County
will make offers to landowners in the summer and fall of 1996.  Approximately
$1.5 million is available for this purchase period.
     Montgomery County has 95,590 acres of assessed farmland, 70,000 of which
are in the Agricultural Reserve.  Under the County's zoning ordinance, this
reserve limits development to a density of one house per 25 acres.
     Montgomery County has four active preservation programs:  the Transfer
of Development Rights Program (TDR); the Montgomery County Agricultural
Easement Program (AEP); Maryland Environmental Trust (MET); and the Maryland
Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation (MALPF).  To date, these four
programs have preserved 44,890 acres of farmland in the county.
     Landowners can receive many benefits through the sale of an agricultural
easement.  These include lower estate taxes, additional funds to purchase
farmland or expand an operation, a decrease in the level of debt and
liability, a means to clear title problems and discrepancies, and assistance
in consolidating and simplifying cases of multiple ownership.  Also, the sale
of an easement can provide incentives to implement soil conservation plans,
water quality plans, nutrient management plans, and/or woodland management
                                 - more -

EASEMENT APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED THROUGH APRIL 29                       2-2-2

plans which can increase the productivity of the farm.
     Montgomery County is one of the nation's leaders in farmland
preservation efforts.  The County and its Agricultural Preservation Advisory
Board have set a goal of preserving the remaining 25,110 acres of eligible
farmland by the year 2005.
     For more information on the Agricultural Easement Program or how to
apply, contact Jeremy V. Criss or Todd M. Wilson of the County's Office of
Economic Development at (301) 217-2345.

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