ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball today announced the completion of the third land preservation easement through Howard County Government and Howard County Conservancy’s innovative Purchased Conservation Easement Program partnership. This easement will permanently preserve 10 acres of environmentally sensitive land on the site of the non-profit Watermont Swim Club in Elkridge. Pictures from the event can be found on the County’s Flickr website.
Howard County leads as a model of environmental protection and preservation. From our award-winning parks and renowned agricultural land preservation program to our aggressive forest conservation policies and dynamic tree planting initiatives, we prioritize the green and open spaces that enhance our communities. I want to thank our dedicated partners at the Howard County Conservancy for joining us in this mission through the Purchased Conservation Easement Program and the leadership of the Watermont Swim Club for making this investment in their organization’s future.
The $326,250 easement purchase, underwritten by a grant from the County to the Conservancy, includes more than eight acres of forest, wetlands, and two tributary streams within the Deep Run and Patapsco River watersheds. The easement ensures the 10-acre parcel at 5819 Bellanca Drive is protected from future subdivision and development and the existing environmental resources on site are sustained in perpetuity.
This easement reinforces our comprehensive approach to smart land use, sustainable development, and environmental conservation. With each easement, the County and Howard County Conservancy strengthen the balance between development and preservation, consistent with the County’s vision for responsible growth.
In 2022, Ball launched the Purchased Conservation Easement Pilot Program to provide non-profit property owners financial incentives to preserve environmentally significant properties permanently. With the signing of this agreement, Watermont Swim Club’s 10-acres joins the preservation of Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church 62-acres and North St. John’s Swim & Tennis Club eight-acres. To date, more than $2.7 million has been invested and 80-acres of environmentally sensitive land has been preserved through this easement program.
“Watermont Swim Club is proud to partner with Howard County Government and the Howard County Conservancy on this Purchased Conservation Easement,” said Alexis McKenzie, President of the Watermont Swim Club. “This agreement helps protect our surrounding forested land – including the Shallow Run stream – while supporting Watermont as a cherished retreat for families for years to come.”
Nestled within a residential community that borders the Timbers at Troy Golf Course, Watermont Swim Club is a member-supported club that was founded in 1967. The non-profit offers members a six-lane pool, diving well, toddler pool, clubhouse, and other recreational opportunities. Proceeds from the easement sale will be used to sustain the Club’s continued programming.
“The conservation of this forested 10-acre parcel is a big win for our county and the Elkridge community,” said Meg Boyd, Executive Director of the Howard County Conservancy. “The purchased easement program, a first in the region, not only supports the Conservancy's mission of conservation, but also the goals of Watermont Swim Club, to preserve this beautiful, forested area for the benefit of its members and the surrounding community. We are grateful to County Executive Ball for his leadership and support of this important program.”
The first of its kind programming in Maryland, the Purchased Conservation Easement Program was awarded by the Maryland Department of Planning with its 2023 Maryland Sustainable Growth Award in the Preservation/Conservation category at the start of 2024. This award, which recognizes individuals, organizations, and government agencies for their accomplishments in protecting or improving farms, forests, and natural resources in the state, celebrates the program’s commitment to sustainable growth and conservation in Maryland.
Through the program, the County provides funding to the Conservancy to administer the easement program, underwrite the acquisition costs of preservation easements on land owned by eligible non-profits, hold the easement, and sustain the site’s environmental resources through responsible monitoring and stewardship. To learn more about the program, visit the Conservancy’s website at www.howardnature.org/conservation-easements.