Rural Legacy Program
Forecasted
The Rural Legacy Program from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources funds science-based conservation of Maryland’s rural landscapes and natural resources through targeted land protection.
Funder: Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Due Dates (Anticipated): January 2027 (annual application deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: Award size and total funding vary by project and year; supports acquisition of conservation easements and land within designated Rural Legacy Areas.
Summary: Funds the preservation of Maryland’s rural landscapes and natural resources through partnerships between local governments and land trusts.
Key Information: Only applications from local governments and land trusts for designated Rural Legacy Areas are eligible.
Description
The Rural Legacy Program, administered by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), provides funding to protect large, contiguous tracts of land in Maryland that are rich in agricultural, forestry, and environmental resources. The program is designed to discourage sprawl development, promote sustainable land use, and preserve ecologically significant landscapes—especially those impacting the Chesapeake Bay and local waterways. Funding supports the acquisition of conservation easements and, in some cases, fee simple land purchases from willing landowners, ensuring the long-term protection of Maryland’s rural character and working lands.
The program operates through annual competitive grants to local governments and land trusts, known as "Sponsors," who propose or manage designated Rural Legacy Areas (RLAs). These areas are selected for their high conservation value and potential to support agriculture, forestry, and natural resource-based industries. The program fosters public-private partnerships to achieve land conservation goals tailored to the unique needs and priorities of each region.
