NASA Transfers Maryland Woodland to US Fish and Wildlife Service
NASA has transferred ownership of a 103-acre woodland near its Maryland campus to the US Fish and Wildlife Service, preserving the land for conservation and research. The transfer was made after concerns about potential development and environmental impact. The land is part of the Patuxent Research Refuge, a 13,000-acre wildlife sanctuary.
Key points
- NASA transferred ownership of a 103-acre woodland near its Maryland campus to the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
- The land, known as Area 400, was previously used for propellant research but is no longer needed.
- Concerns about potential development and environmental impact led to talks between NASA and the US Fish and Wildlife Service starting in 2021.
- The Patuxent Research Refuge, where the land is located, is a 13,000-acre wildlife sanctuary established in 1936.
- The transfer is seen as a positive step for conservation and research efforts in the region.
NASA's transfer of ownership marks a significant step in preserving the Patuxent Research Refuge, a 13,000-acre wildlife sanctuary in Maryland. The refuge was established in 1936 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and is the only US wildlife refuge created for scientific study.
The transfer of Area 400, a 103-acre woodland, was made after concerns about potential development and environmental impact. Environmental advocates and government agencies had raised concerns as early as 2022 about the potential consequences of selling the land to a developer.
The US Fish and Wildlife Service, which manages the refuge, began talks with NASA about a possible transfer in 2021. The agency's efforts to preserve the land were welcomed by conservationists and officials.
The transfer is seen as a positive step for conservation and research efforts in the region. The Patuxent Research Refuge supports wildlife conservation efforts and offers recreational activities for visitors.
The transfer is also a testament to the collaboration between NASA and the US Fish and Wildlife Service. The two agencies have worked together to ensure the continued conservation and research efforts at the refuge.
Sources
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