Camp Conowingo Conserved

The popular Camp Conowingo in Cecil County, MD. has been permanently protected, The Trust for Public Land, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, and the Girl Scouts of Central Maryland announced today. The Trust for Public Land facilitated the State’s purchase of a conservation easement over approximately 577 acres of the camp, restricting future uses on the site to protect the property’s standing forests and Conowingo Creek, a Susquehanna River tributary. The conservation will still allow the recreational and educational programs offered by the Girl Scouts to continue. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will own and manage the easement.

“Protecting and preserving the environment is central to the Girl Scout mission. This easement is an embodiment of that belief. It allows Girl Scouts to ensure the future of camp experiences for girls in perpetuity while simultaneously conserving the natural habitat. Our partnership with The Trust for Public Land and the State of Maryland symbolizes our collective support for conservation efforts in our state, and particularly along the Susquehanna River,” said Traci A. Barnett, Chief Executive Officer of Girl Scouts of Central Maryland.

“Protecting Maryland’s major rivers and streams is critical to saving the Chesapeake Bay and enhancing the State’s quality of life. The agreement between the Girl Scouts and the Department of Natural Resources restricting future development of the Camp Conowingo property is a major step toward protection efforts along the Susquehanna River,” said Kent Whitehead, TPL’s Chesapeake director. “In addition, this deal ensures ongoing camp activities that have helped introduce countless young Marylanders and their families to the state’s natural environment.”

American Rivers recently recognized the Susquehanna River as the most endangered river in the United States. The completion of this project will contribute to restoration activities along the Susquehanna by protecting an important tributary and lessening the effects of run-off caused by development.

The Trust for Public Land is a national nonprofit land conservation organization that conserves land for people to enjoy as parks, gardens, and natural areas, ensuring livable communities for generations to come. Since 1972, TPL has helped protect 3 million acres nationwide, including more than 9,000 acres in Maryland.