Farm Land Preservation

Howard County has been in the forefront of protecting farmland for several decades using three different methods:

1. Since 1984, the purchase of agricultural preservation easements by the Howard County Agricultural Land Preservation Program (ALPP Purchased)
2. Since 1994, the dedication of agricultural preservation parcels to the Howard County Agricultural Land Preservation Program as provided for in the County’s Zoning Regulations (ALPP Dedicated),  and
3. Since 1980, the purchase of agricultural preservation easements in Howard County by the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation (MALPF Purchased).

Using the above tools, Howard County has preserved over 22,000 acres of farmland in the Rural West of Howard County over the last 35 years.

For application requirements and other information, please refer to the website for ALPP Purchased Easements and County Dedicated Easements.

Questions or comments, contact:

Joy Levy

Program Administrator

410-313-5407