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The Latest Success StoryJULY 26, 2022
ANNE ARUNDEL PARKS PLANS "SCRAPPED" SAY'S COUNTY EXECUTIVE PITTMAN Thanks to all who showed up yesterday to walk the Valentine Creek County property with County Executive Steuart Pittman and Constituent Services director James Kitchin. I appreciate Janet Holbrook for setting up the tour and Steve Andraka for guiding us and pointing out the boundaries of the property. It’s incredible to see how destructive the plans would be to the forested area and hillsides.
The County Executive immediately stated that the concepts that were presented are now scrapped and said the ecological damage of the project does not equal the benefits that would be offered to the public. I’m not sure yet where his opponent stands. Apparently, Steve Schuh, the former County Executive had a plan to add one new boat ramp on every river, every year. Even though he was voted out, some in Parks and Rec were still trying to achieve that. That’s a great idea but NOT in Valentine or Plum Creeks. The County already has approximately a $90 million budget in the queue to build other projects and they don't have the staff to take on anything else in the foreseeable future. We did bring up the fact that there are some potential stormwater issues on their land that may need some resources from the county to fix. We also said that the County needs some better signage that prohibits motorized vehicles and hunting and may need to send some rangers to occasionally monitor their part of the woods. MDR NRP already patrols the entire woods. The Crownsville Conservancy will stay involved in the future to protect the “Big woods” from any irresponsible use. Steve Andraka is the CC’s steward and already has been maintaining the bike trails with the help of Lee Wagner, including constructing new access off of Snodgrass Lane. Herald Harbor residents should use that entrance when possible. The access off of Bishop Road has been causing the homeowners to be blocked out of their driveways with cars being parked inconsiderately. Get the most out of your walk and just walk to the access instead of driving there. Stay vigilant and Informed, Scott Scott Hymes, President Crownsville Conservancy 2016
VALENTINE CREEK WOODS ACQUIRED BY AA COUNTY PARKS
Success! After 14 years of work the deal to save Valentine Woods on the shores on the Severn River was finalized and will become a park. We are active in the planning of the Park with Anne Arundel County We're proud of the community advocacy and support from the County Executive and Anne Arundel Parks and Recreation who used State Open Space money to save this gem on the Severn. Combined with other preserved properties adjoining, it now is part of 100 acres of pristine forest. See the video Scott Hymes did which helped spurn a lot of passion for the issue for those who didn't even know it was there. |
Preserving Land is Fun
Stay tuned for more success stories
February 2022
We are actively helping work with local communities and the county to plan Valentine Park in Crownsville. Our organization worked to protect the land from development for almost 15 years and are making sure that the scope of the project is in line with our mission and protects local community’s way of life.
December 2021
When Covid 19 took the life of her brother, Heather and Sam Tomasetti wanted to honor him by permanently preserving the land he had purchased to keep green in Selby on the Bay in Edgewater. The small lots contain small wetland communities that treat stormwater in this built out waterfront community.
February 2020
Early 2020 was the year the Crownsville Conservancy went countywide. The donation of Pasadena waterfront land from board member, Ted Sheils gave us our first acquisition outside of Crownsville.
October 2014
This year has brought many successes for the Crownsville Conservancy which was founded in 2003. The purpose of the Conservancy is to preserve green space and wildlife habitat in and around the quickly developing area of Crownsville. We acquired 274 wooded lots after a long process and lots of patience.
After a 13 year effort, 192 surplus lots were turned over from Anne Arundel County. We would like to thank Councilman Jamie Benoit, Anne Arundel County Real Estate Division under County Executive Laura Neuman for their hard work and former County Executive Janet Owens for starting the process.
The remaining 82 lots were a donation from William Douglass Homes. Thanks to Doug Milburn for working hard to make it happen and give back to the community. In both instances the Crownsville Conservancy paid for surveying, legal costs with grants from Anne Arundel County and the Clark Foundation and generous personal donations from your neighbors.
The wooded lots are spread throughout the community and will help clean the air, drink up polluted runoff and preserve the character of the community. To date, the Crownsville Conservancy owns approximately 300 lots within Herald Harbor thanks to generous land donations by neighbors and purchases of Tax Sale properties.
After a 13 year effort, 192 surplus lots were turned over from Anne Arundel County. We would like to thank Councilman Jamie Benoit, Anne Arundel County Real Estate Division under County Executive Laura Neuman for their hard work and former County Executive Janet Owens for starting the process.
The remaining 82 lots were a donation from William Douglass Homes. Thanks to Doug Milburn for working hard to make it happen and give back to the community. In both instances the Crownsville Conservancy paid for surveying, legal costs with grants from Anne Arundel County and the Clark Foundation and generous personal donations from your neighbors.
The wooded lots are spread throughout the community and will help clean the air, drink up polluted runoff and preserve the character of the community. To date, the Crownsville Conservancy owns approximately 300 lots within Herald Harbor thanks to generous land donations by neighbors and purchases of Tax Sale properties.
