Blackwater Natural Resources and Critical Area Planned For Preservation
State, county and local officials, environmental leaders and local developer work together
to achieve a win for the City of Cambridge, Dorchester County and the Chesapeake Bay

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CAMBRIDGE - Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. today announced that 754 acres of critical area and undeveloped Maryland landscape is planned for preservation. The State will be purchasing a majority of land that was once intended for the 1080 acre Blackwater Resort Community in the City of Cambridge in Dorchester County.
 
"As Governor, my role is to bring parties together to find solutions that work," said Governor Ehrlich. "The announcement today further demonstrates my commitment to ensure that we are implementing the kind of growth and Bay restoration practices that will protect the very resources that draw people to our shores, a commitment that is shared by our state, county and local elected officials."
 
Over the last year, there have been ongoing discussions on the county and local level to address the issues raised about the project. In August, the State brought all parties together including the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, the Trust for Public Land and the current land owner Duane Zentgraf to discuss possible solutions to preserve the areas critical to the bay. The memorandum of understanding, which will result in a purchase agreement, is a balanced compromise between the economic needs of the county and the protection of the environment.
 
A majority of the remaining 326 acres, adjacent to Cambridge, will become a single family adult community that as planned, will have minimal impact of the town's public services and infrastructure, yet provide the city with an increased tax base.
 
“This is a great example of what can happen when people decide to work together and find common ground on an issue,” said Delegate Jeannie Haddaway. "I am thrilled that we can move forward with this project knowing that it will be both environmentally and economically advantageous to Dorchester County.”
 
The project will incorporate environmentally sensitive best management practices to ensure that its impact to the nearby preserved critical area is minimal. The project will have a 10-year storm water plan and bio-retention on each lot, which will have a direct positive impact on water quality.
 
"I want to thank the Governor, his staff and all parties involved in the recent discussions for their cooperation in bringing this project to a resolution," said Duane Zentgraf, property owner and developer of Blackwater Resort Communities. "This project will give the city and county a good economic engine while simultaneously protecting the environment for many years to come."
 
As planned, the land will be purchased using Program Open Space funds and will be subject to all appropriate state land acquisition laws and is expected to be completed by spring 2007. The land purchase will ensure run off does not impact the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge and the Chesapeake Bay. The new acquisition will add to the existing 8,000 acres of Dorchester County landscape.

"We value the public's input in this complex project," said Delegate Addie Eckardt. "This experience is a model that we can learn from going forward." Senator Richard Colburn added, “I appreciate everyone’s effort to deal with these sensitive areas and controversial project.”
 

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November 6, 2006

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 449,000 acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 12 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov