Annapolis, MD (Oct. 14, 1998) - The 675-acre Conquest Farm, with three miles of shoreline on the Corsica and Chester rivers in the Queen Anne's County Rural Legacy Area, will be permanently protected, Governor Parris N. Glendening announced today. The Board of Public Works approved the use of $2 million from the Department of Natural Resources Program Open Space (POS) to purchase 305 acres of the farm, and The Conservation Fund has secured a federal grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to acquire the remaining 370 acres.

"This exciting partnership between the State, federal and county governments and The Conservation Fund will preserve this historic farm as open space and important wildlife habitat," said Governor Glendening. "Conquest Farm is also the heart of the Queen Anne's County Lands End Rural Legacy area, protecting the quality of life in this area for future generations."

Chaired by the Governor, the Board of Public Works is also comprised of Comptroller Robert L. Swann and Treasurer Richard W. Dixon. The board is authorized by the General Assembly to approve major construction and consultant contracts, equipment purchases, property transactions and other procurement actions.

The current owner, Steve Wilson, also will donate a conservation easement on an additional 71 acres that restricts any future development and includes an historic manor house.

"This acquisition has been under active negotiation for two and a half years," said Wes Johnson, Queen Anne's County Director of Parks and Recreation. "We have plans to restore wetlands, reforest other areas and create gardens in the vicinity of the historic house. This also assures that the three miles of shoreline will always be available to all Marylanders as access to the Chesapeake Bay. This could not have been accomplished without the POS funds." The farm will be managed by the county department of parks and recreation.

"Thanks to Governor Glendening and the Rural Legacy Program, Maryland continues at the forefront of conservation in the U.S.," said Annapolis-based Jodi O'Day, Maryland representative for The Conservation Fund. "The Chesapeake Bay is one of the most important waterfowl areas in North America. Working together and in support of the North American Waterfowl Recovery Plan, The Conservation Fund, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Maryland Department of Natural Resources are protecting almost 700 acres of vital habitat for migrating waterfowl in the Bay watershed."

Administered by DNR, POS guarantees the long-term future existence of public parks and natural lands since land bought and improved with POS funds cannot be converted unless a substitute site is provided. County and municipal POS grants may be requested for up to 100 percent of land purchases and up to 75 percent for the development of recreational facilities.

Program Open Space has helped counties and cities in Maryland acquire thousands of acres for open space and recreation areas. Most Maryland residents live within 15 minutes of an open space or recreational area funded by this program.