C and O Canal Seeks Interested Parties for Short Term Agricultural Lease in Allegany County

Date: September 26, 2014
Contact: Andrew Landsman, 301-739-6072

ALLEGANY COUNTY, MD –The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park is seeking interested applicants for the agricultural use of two parcels of land in Allegany County:

·61-acre parcel of land referred to as the "Paw Paw Farm", located in Oldtown, Maryland

·14-acre parcel of land referred to as the "Town Creek Farm", located in Oldtown, Maryland.

The land can be used for hay and/or pasture.  Agricultural use permits will begin on April 15th, 2015 and will be issued for a one-year period.

The bidding process is open from 1 October through 31 October, 2014.  All applications must be received or postmarked by 31 October, 2014.  Application forms, maps, and other additional information are available by contacting Andrew Landsman at [phone] or via email at [e-mail].  Bid packages will be evaluated based upon the applicant's experience in agricultural operations, his/her ability to achieve park conservation goals for the location, and the proposed bid amount.  Preference will be given to farmers that can demonstrate knowledge and experience in sustainable agriculture and conservation practices.  The minimum bid for these areas are $15/acre.

Preserving the historic landscape associated with the C&O Canal is a vital part of the park's mission.  In an effort to preserve the agricultural component of the historic landscape, the park manages these lands through a special use permitting program with local agricultural operators.  Over 1,100 acres of hay, row crop and pasture lands in four counties are included in the program.  In a continuing effort to protect the Chesapeake Bay and local watersheds, applicants will work closely with National Park Service staff to ensure conservation best management practices.