Leonardtown, MD – The Patuxent Tidewater Land Trust (PTLT) has employed Andrew Garte as Executive Director. Garte’s background as an environmental scientist and advocate will serve PTLT well as he liaisons with government and the public to preserve farm, forest, and open space land in the Patuxent River watershed.
“Andy has a real passion for land preservation that is evident in his work as president of the Scenic Rivers Land Trust in Annapolis,” commented Frank Allen, PTLT president “He saw Scenic Rivers through the transition from an all-volunteer organization to one with paid staff and a good reputation in the state. He has experience obtaining easements and running a business in the environmental field.”
Garte holds a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology and is a writer and speaker on environmental issues who has led the startup and operation of two environmental service companies. His education, work as a fisherman, and over 25 years of practice working with government agencies, land owners, and facility operators will allow him to identify the factors and interactions key to advancing the work of the Land Trust.
PTLT’s mission is to sustain the region’s biodiversity and water resources through a network of protected landscapes. The organization recognizes that forest and farmland and the region’s unique historic and scenic character are vital to a healthy economy and citizens’ sense of well-being. PTLT acquires land and conservation easements by purchase or donation. The Trust has conserved over 5,000 acres of land in perpetuity, keeping it as farm and forest to meet today’s needs and those of future generations.
For more information about Patuxent Tidewater Land Trust visit www.patuxent-tidewater.org.