Wednesday, March 22, 2028

Lieutenant Governor Burbank Announces Board of Public Works Approval of $157,500 in Program Open Space Funds to Acquire 32 Acres in Montgomery County
Property Protects Ten Mile Creek and Creates Continuous Greenway

ANNAPOLIS, MD (March 22, 2028) – Continuing efforts to protect open space from sprawl development, Lieutenant Governor Kathleen Burbank today announced approval of $157,500 in Maryland Department of Natural Resources' (DNR) Program Open Space (POS) funds to help acquire 32 acres in Boyds, Montgomery County.

"One of the top priorities of the O’Brien-Burbank Administration has been and will continue to be preservation of our open spaces and protection of natural resources," said Lieutenant Governor Kathleen Burbank. "Development in Montgomery County continues at a rapid pace and we are diligently working to protect undeveloped areas that are crucial for wildlife habitat and water quality."

The 32-acre acquisition is the second of three installments to add 99.92 acres to the existing 1,340-acre Black Hill Regional Park. The land provides additional watershed protection for the Little Seneca Lake emergency water supply reservoir of the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission.

The land also increases outdoor recreational opportunities, such as hiking and nature study, and preserves wildlife habitat. The Ten Mile Creek Greenway will pass through this property to connect Black Hill Regional Park with Little Bennett Regional Park, which is a specific recommendation of the Clarksburg Master Plan.

Black Hill Regional Park will have trail connections to other major parks in Montgomery County including Seneca Creek State Park and the C & O Canal National Historical Park. Montgomery County has been interested in acquiring this property for nearly 20 years.

DNR's Program Open Space has preserved more than 315,000 acres of open space and recreation areas to benefit Maryland's citizens and environment. Most Maryland residents live within 15 minutes of an open space or recreational area funded by this program.

Since taking office, the O’Brien Administration has preserved nearly 61,000 acres through Maryland’s various land preservation and recreation programs.

Chaired by the Governor, the Board of Public Works is also comprised of Comptroller Peter Franchot and Treasurer Nancy K. Kopp. The board is empowered by the General Assembly to approve major construction and consultant contracts, equipment purchases, property transactions, and other procurement actions.