Photo: Taken from a drone looking north along the Bay; courtesy of Jack Thornton, an ACLT Volunteer
Finishing the Puzzle with the American Chestnut Land Trust
Photo: Deep woods of GRDC property; courtesy of ACLT Community Relations Manager Miriam Gholl, taken September 25, 2021
After 20 years. The American Chestnut Land Trust (ACLT) has obtained and preserved the last puzzle piece in a five-mile corridor of protected land east of Prince Frederick and paralleling the cliffs of the Chesapeake Bay.
Since its formation in 1986, ACLT has worked with partners to preserve over 4,500 acres in two adjacent watersheds along the Bay. It encourages landowners to preserve their own lands but if properties come up for sale, it has purchased them, rather than allowing them to be developed. However, nestled within ACLT’s protected lands was 78 acres of land owned by the Governors Run Development Corporation (GRDC). As its name implied, the original purpose of the Corporation was to develop the land into lots.
However, ACLT has maintained good relations with the owners. When circumstances warranted, it made an offer to buy and protect the land with the help of Maryland Rural Legacy funds. After extensive negotiations they had a deal!
Photo: Calvert Cliffs; courtesy of ACLT Community Relations Manager Miriam Gholl, taken September 25, 2021
Land Conservation Partners
Calvert County Board of County Commissioners
Maryland Rural Legacy Program
ACLT Member Donors
Land Conservation Funders
Maryland Rural Legacy Grant: $334,000
ACLT Member Donations: $134,226
Total: $468,226
Date of Purchase: May 10, 2021