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Scotts, ESLC protect 125 acres along Marshyhope

1.15.2008

HURLOCK, Md.— The Scott family has ensured that more than 125 acres on the banks of Marshyhope Creek are protected from development with the sale of a conservation easement on their farm.
Eastern Shore Land Conservancy (ESLC), working with federal and state governments used funds from a USDA Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program grant, matching funds from the state’s Rural Legacy Program and a bargain sale from the owners to complete the project, which will ensure this property maintains the rural character of an area under development pressure.
In addition to preserving productive farmland in northeastern Dorchester County, protection of the farm will also help protect water quality on the Marshyhope and will extinguish eight residential development rights in an area that has recently been under increasing development pressure, particularly on waterfront properties.
The decision was a no-brainer for the Scotts, who wanted to keep the area as farmland.
“It was such a beautiful piece of land along the Marshyhope — We just wanted to see it protected,” said Doug Scott, who co-owns the property with wife Patti. “We wanted to make sure we protected it before it was ever sold.”
The completion of this easement also adds an additional swath of protected land to the Marshyhope Conservation Priority Area.
“Dorchester County residents can be certain that the beautiful farmscape of their county will be maintained with the protection of the Scott Farm,” said Meredith Lathbury, ESLC’s director of land conservation. “This project is a great example of how a little bit of funding from different sources can make a big difference for a farming family — there are many different options out there to help Eastern Shore residents protect their land for future generations.”
For more details about ESLC’s land protection and land-use planning activities, to become a member or learn how you can protect your land, visit eslc.org.