Historic Landscape Conserved in Howard County

Maryland Environmental Trust Protects Portion of Belmont Manor and Historic Park

The Maryland Environmental Trust has permanently conserved a portion of Belmont Manor and Historic Park near Elkridge. Howard County, which owns the park, conveyed a conservation easement on a 36-acre section of the 69-acre property, which will protect the scenic rural landscape surrounding the historic manor house that dates back from the 18^th century.

“We are truly grateful to partner with Howard County to protect this exceptional property,” Maryland Environmental Trust Director Bill Leahy said. “This site could serve as an important location for future activity and programming as we continue to educate and engage the public on land conservation, preservation and stewardship priorities.”

The new easement is connected to Patapsco Valley State Park, which entirely surrounds the scenic property. The county manages the historic house and other structures, which are used for conferences, education programming, private parties and weddings. The Belmont Manor – listed on the National Register of Historic Places – is already subject to an architectural preservation easement co-held by the Maryland Historical Trust and Preservation Maryland. The Howard County Conservancy also has a significant presence at the park and operates a number of public programs for county students and others out of an existing carriage house located on the easement parcel.

The conveyance was made as part of Howard County transferring development rights from the park to eligible receiving parcels elsewhere in the area in accordance with local zoning practices and regulations.

The Maryland Environmental Trust is a unit of the Department of Natural Resources and is governed by a citizen board of trustees. It holds around 1,080 easements protecting close to 134,000 acres.