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Charles County, Maryland

Land Preservation and Recreation Plan

In 1997 Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd. (now Peter Johnston & Associates, LLC) was contracted by Charles County, Maryland, to develop its new Land Preservation and Recreation Plan (LPRP). The county’s last LPRP was adopted in 1982; in 1995 an interim LPRP was prepared by the County’s Department of Planning and Growth Management, Office of Planning. Although never formally adopted, the interim plan was used by the County for guidance in the acquisition of recreation land, the protection of resource lands, and the investment in recreation facility improvements. The County contracted RJA to update the information contained in the interim plan and incorporate new directions and approaches to land preservation and planning for recreation land and facilities.

In preparing the new LPRP, Redman/Johnston incorporated not only the changes that have taken place in the once rural, rapidly-growing County since the adoption of its last plan (the population has almost doubled since 1980), but also the changes in the scope and nature of recreation and resource protection planning since that time as well. Driven by the 1992 Economic Growth, Resource Protection and Planning Act, local governments like Charles County have dramatically increased their fiscal responsibilities and stewardship roles in the areas of growth management, conservation of land resources and protection of sensitive environmental areas. More recent State initiatives established in 1997 including the "Rural Legacy" and "Smart Growth" programs further underscored the need for the County’s attention to protection of land resources and provision of recreation and land facilities.

The new Land Preservation and Recreation Plan prepared by RJA updates the County’s past plans within the context created by both the changes in the County and the new reforms and initiatives established by the State. The plan shifts focus to encourage the greater preservation of open space through the establishment of greenways which will link people, parks, schools, historic sites, and natural areas in the County. The policies and recommendations in the new plan emphasize that prudent land preservation and park facilities planning can bolster the County’s economic base, stimulate new development and promote neighborhood revitalization, attract tourist dollars, provide employment opportunities, increase property values and provide additional tax revenue. The new plan also places greater emphasis on the protection of County heritage resources, reflecting the County’s prioritization of these resources in recent years.

Peter Johnston & Associates, LLC    416 Goldsborough Street    Easton     Maryland    21601

Telephone 410.822.9630     Fax 410.820.5039    Email plj@peterjohnstonassociates.com