Didymo is an invasive non-native algae has been found in the Savage River below Savage River Reservoir. DNA tests by fisheries managers earlier this year indicated the likely presence of this troublesome organism, but the findings could not be confirmed until DNR Fisheries staff found a small mass of the material in late November near the Allegany footbridge.

Maryland Governor O'Malley Announces $11 Million In Proposed Rural Legacy Allocations For FY 2010. Funding for 18 Counties will preserve forest and farmland under the leadership of Governor Martin O’Malley. The Board of Public Works (BPW) announced $11.8 million in grants to local governments and land trusts for preservation of forest and farmland across Maryland, through the State’s nationally renowned Rural Legacy Program.

Maryland Environmental Trust Receives Largest Conservation Easement in its History 

The Maryland Environmental Trust (MET) has received the largest conservation easement in its 42-year history. Mrs. Louisa Duemling has donated a 2,894-acre easement to MET and the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy, Inc., forever protecting the scenic open space, agricultural and forestland, known as Andelot Farm in Kent County.  At its Wednesday meeting, the Board of Public Works ratified the donation of the perpetual conservation easement to MET. 

“On behalf of the present and future citizens of Maryland, I want to thank Mrs. Duemling for her extraordinary generosity and vision in preserving this magnificent property,” said Governor Martin O’Malley.

The property includes approximately 1,087 acres of forest, 1,692 acres of tilled land and 50 acres of freshwater ponds. The easement will also preserve a 200-foot vegetative buffer strip along 9.2 miles of the Chesapeake Bay, Churn Creek, Tims Creek, Worton Creek and Still Pond, protecting water quality and riparian wildlife habitat. In addition, the property contains high quality habitat for several threatened and endangered species, including the Delmarva fox squirrel.

To the south across Worton Creek, Andelot Farm adjoins the 632-acre Copeland Biddle easement held by MET.  Directly across Smithville Road, Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation (MALPF) holds a 41-acre easement, and several other MET and MALPF easements are nearby.  Located partially within the Sassafras Rural Legacy Focus Area, Andelot's size, amount of waterfront, and the presence of rare, threatened or endangered species, make it a high-priority project.

“Mrs. Duemling's exceptional gift is all the more appreciated because time is running out,” said Elizabeth Buxton, Director of Maryland Environmental Trust.  “Experts predict that within 10 to 20 years, our State will be so developed that significant easements the size and environmental value of Andelot Farm will no longer be possible.” 

A statewide land trust governed by a citizen board of trustees and affiliated with the Department of Natural Resources, the Maryland Environmental Trust was established in 1967 by the Maryland General Assembly to preserve privately owned farm and forest lands and significant natural resources.  MET is one of the oldest and most successful land trusts in the country. It holds 1000 easements and has protected over 122,000 acres across the State.  MET promotes the protection of open land through its Land Conservation Program, Monitoring and Stewardship Program and Local Land Trust Assistance Program. MET also provides grants to environmental education projects through the Keep Maryland Beautiful Program. For more information, visit www.dnr.maryland.gov/met. 

Kohl's Department Stores (NYSE: KSS) has become the first retailer to announce a commitment to reach net zero U.S. greenhouse gas emissions as part of its ongoing partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) Climate Leaders program. To achieve this goal of being carbon neutral, Kohl's will continue to invest in projects to reduce the same amount of greenhouse gas emissions that the company emits into the atmosphere.

Maryland farmers get help going green from state and federal technical and financial support. Most of the state’s agricultural concerns stem from two problems: maintaining the availability of farmland in the face of urban sprawl and ensuring that local farms—particularly family-owned farms—can achieve profitability.