Mr. Robert DeGroot

Maryland Alliance for Greenway Improvement and Conservation

1007 Aster Blvd.

Rockville, Maryland 20850

Dear Mr. DeGroot:

Thank you for your letter on behalf of the Maryland Alliance for Greenway Improvement and Conservation (MAGIC) and for your interest in the Chesapeake Forest lands. The purchase of this 58,000 acres of land was the largest acquisition in Maryland's history. As you indicate in your letter, the acquisition involved a public/private partnership with the State of Maryland purchasing 29,000 acres in fee simple and the Conservation Fund, on behalf of the Richard King Mellon Foundation, purchasing 29,000 acres. Currently, we are in an interim management phase while the Conservation Fund develops a Sustainable Forest Management Plan for their 29,000 acres. At this point, it is anticipated that they will complete their plan and gift their 29,000 acres to DNR early next year. Once DNR has received the gift, we will begin a public planning process which will a allow a forum for input by all interested groups and individuals.

I have asked my staff to add you to the list of interested groups and you will receive notices regarding any opportunities to provide input on this important project. I hope this information is helpful and addresses your questions.

Sincerely, Gene Piotrowski, Director

Resource Planning Program