SOMD Conservation Alliance Formed To Preserve Some Of The State’s Most Climate Resilient Lands

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. – On September 7th, members will meet on the banks of the Patuxent River to announce the formation of the Southern Maryland Conservation Alliance whose mission is “to conserve and restore Southern Maryland’s landscapes, waterways, and shorelines that are special to its people, fundamental to its economy, reflected in its culture, and vital for its native fish, wildlife, and plants, on which we rely”.

Our region is at the epicenter of the tidal portion of the Chesapeake Bay. Preservation of its ecological resources are critical. It has hundreds of miles of shorelines, some of the largest forested areas in the state, and significant habitat for freshwater fish species and for amphibians and reptiles. A new report from The Nature Conservancy recently highlighted another reason to save Southern Maryland’s landscapes. TNC’s resilient land mapping tool reveals that, west of the Appalachian Mountains, Southern Maryland has Maryland’s most resilient landscapes based on site conditions like soils, geology, elevation, topography and hydrology.  ‘Site Resilience’ estimates the climate-resilience of an area of land based on its landscape diversity (estimated microclimates) and local connectedness (lack of fragmentation). In other words, these Southern Maryland landscapes are needed to maintain species diversity and wildlife corridors in the face of climate change.

Its rural landscapes and waterways also provide important economic benefits. According to a 2018 BEACON report, regional resource-based industries contributed over $3.2 billion to the state economy, including $153 million in Agriculture, $584.9 million in forestry, $49.8 million in seafood and aquaculture, and $931.9 million in support industries, such as wineries, breweries, and processed foods.

Its harbors, bays, coves, inlets, and trails are an easy day trip from Washington D.C., Baltimore, and other urban centers along I-95, providing canoeing, kayaking, fishing, birding, and hiking opportunities for those wishing to get out into nature quickly.

From the Potomac, to the Patuxent, to the Bay, this region has national historic significance too. The Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail weaves through its waterways. The Religious Freedom National Scenic Byway traverses its country roads. The War of 1812 sliced through the center of the region as the British fought their way to Washington, D.C. up from the Patuxent. For this and many other reasons, the area is being designated as a National Heritage Area. Over the long-term, preserving the region’s hundreds of historical sites on their cultural landscapes will be a key to their popularity. Many of these historical sites are also ecologically significant.

Our member groups have been working with landowners to voluntarily protect their lands. Significant progress has already been made over the last few decades in protecting these rural resources through land preservation programs and the creation of public parks, preserves and wildland areas. SMCA’s goal will be to identify, conserve, restore, and manage the vital network of working and natural lands and waters that support a diversity of habitats for native fish and wildlife, and maintain resilience in the face of future development and climate change for present and future generations.

“We can do this”, says Greg Bowen, ACLT Executive Director, and co-chair of the effort. “Already, land trusts, local voluntary land preservation programs, and national, state, and local parks systems have protected 22% of the lands in the five-county region. Our goal is to reach 30% by 2030”.  John Turgeon noted that “Southern Maryland is a regional landscape of truly marquee importance for our state, the integrity of which is threatened by significant development pressure from the continued expansion of the Washington DC metro area. Thus, Maryland Environmental Trust is glad to be a core partner with the Southern Maryland Conservation Alliance. We see this effort as an innovative approach to enable greater collaboration among the conservation community of the region to bring about more and better conservation at a landscape scale. “

SMCA members (as of August 2021) include representatives from the following organizations:
● American Chestnut Land Trust — SMCA Coordinator
● Maryland Environmental Trust
● US Fish and Wildlife Service (Chesapeake Regional Office)
● Forever Maryland Foundation
● Calvert Nature Society
● Patuxent Tidewater Land Trust
● Scenic Rivers Land Trust
● Conservancy for Charles County
● Cove Point Natural Heritage Trust
● Prince George’s County Soils Conservation District
● Southern Maryland Resource Conservation and Development
● Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay
● Calvert Farmland Trust
● Black Swamp Creek Land Trust
● Historical Societies from all five counties organization
● Southern Maryland Heritage Area Consortium

We are also welcoming Affiliate members, as well!

SMCA envisions Southern Maryland as a place where native fish, wildlife and plants thrive, and the fabric of healthy natural and working lands and waters enrich communities of those who live, work, and play here. Our culture and history are remembered and told, and our rich forestlands, fruitful farmlands, and resilient shorelines sustain present and future generations.