Annapolis (September 21, 2005) - The Anne Arundel County, Department of Recreation and Parks will host a public meeting to present different farmland preservation options on Wednesday, September 28, 2005. The meeting will be held at 7:00 p.m. at the London Town Public House in Edgewater, Maryland. The agenda will include information on three programs that offer financial incentives tailored to specific needs and situations. One example is Anne Arundel County’s Agricultural and Woodland Preservation Program that provides for a 25-year Installment Purchase Agreement (IPA). Since 1999, seventeen landowners have taken advantage of the IPA program that has provided a steady, tax-free income and deferral of capital gains tax for the term of the IPA. Applications are accepted throughout the year with an upcoming review cycle of November 1. Information on the County program will be discussed including details on the IPA payments, presented by Daniel P. O’Connell, financial advisor to the County. Two other programs available for consideration include the State’s Rural Legacy and Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation program (MALPF). Agricultural land preservation remains one of County Executive Janet S. Owens’ top priorities. Since 1979, more than 11,000 acres of farmland have been preserved, 54% of which have been permanently protected in the past 7 years. Anyone unable to attend but would like information about the preservation programs may contact Ms. Debbie Vaughan, Agricultural Planner, at (410) 222-7317 to learn more about what these options. Information is also available on the County’s web site under Recreation and Parks, Agricultural Programs. | 
