Buffer planting project kicks-off today Annapolis (April 14, 2005)-County Executive Janet S. Owens announced today the beginning of the buffer planting project at the Compass Pointe Golf Course in Pasadena. In a planting ceremony to mark the occasion, the County Executive was joined by Councilman Ron Dillon, Jr., Chairman, Anne Arundel County Council, members of the community and golf course management. The project covers 5 acres of land on the golf course adjacent to Fort Smallwood Road. More than 2,000 native forest plants will be planted on the north and south sides of the road to improve the aesthetics and provide habitat for birds and small wildlife. At this time, the area, once covered in dilapidated fencing and invasive plants, has been cleared. The contactor, H.F. Huber and Son, Inc. of Harmans, Maryland, will install the plants and is expected to be finished this Spring. "After today, you will see more than 2,000 trees and shrubs along the golf course-a far more inviting setting than before," said County Executive Janet S. Owens. The plants, all native to this area, will thrive and provide an aesthetic buffer to the golf course. This is but one example of the use of Forest Conservation Funds. I encourage you to consider ways in which your community can utilize these funds to create a forest in your neighborhood." Funding for the project, administered by the Office of Environmental and Cultural Resources (OECR), is through the County Forest Conservation Fund. This fund is comprised of developer fees paid in lieu of required reforestation. These fees are collected only when there is no suitable land available for private property owners and developers to reforest after disturbing land for construction activities. A companion fund, known as the Critical Area Reforestation Fund, collects fees for land disturbances in the critical area and is used only to reforest areas within the critical area. "I am very pleased that we could accomplish this enhancement to the Golf Course without the use of tax-payer funds," continued County Executive Owens. "I thank the Pasadena community for its patience during this phase of the project. I also wish to thank Senator Jimeno and Councilman Dillon for their continued support and input as we worked towards a solution for the buffer." The cost of this project was $130,000. For further information on the Forest Conservation Fund the public may call the Office of Environmental and Cultural Resources at (410) 222-7441. | 
