A 12-year quest to secure a section of green space wanted as part of a larger green space plan for Harford County concluded Tuesday, the Harford Land Trust announced.
The group purchased a 32-acre plot known as the Perryman Forest at a cost of $935,000. The property was sought for its "significant environmental value, proximity to the Bush River, and connectivity with other open space," the group said in a statement. The Forest will be managed along with the 100-acre Forest Green Lake Preserve in an effort to connect the two properties at a future point.
Using the Army Compatible Use Buffer Program, Aberdeen Proving Ground provided $850,000 for the purchase in an effort to protect the highly valuable habitat. APG also reimbursed the land trust another $100,000 for due diligence in the acquisition. The Harford County Government contributed $74,204 to the acquisition. The Land Trust began a fundraising campaign in November of 2017, raising $19,185 to round-out the purchase.
The property is considered important to maintain the Coastal Plain habitat in the county, the Land Trust said. The forest is categorized as wetlands and upland forest, or a "tree swamp" or "flatwoods." The land provides important habitats to species of birds, reptiles, and amphibians, and it provides benefits to water quality by straining nutrients and sediments.
To learn more about the forests, the green space plan, or to donate, go to the Harford Land Trust's website.
